Dr. Patrick Shanahan BDSc(WA) DipPH(Syd)

Dr Patrick Shanahan is recognised in Australia both by the dental profession and the Commonwealth Government as an expert in national health policy and also in the management of oral health in the aged. As a developed first world country Australia has a large and increasing aged population, and it was this concern that started Dr Shanahan on his long journey to address their needs. He has actively advocated on behalf of the community for the Commonwealth to adopt a national oral health policy that benefits everyone. Importantly he focuses on the most vulnerable in the community who do not have a voice. He has assumed this role as an individual because of the obvious inequities and policy inertia.

1988 -Dr Shanahan was instrumental in establishing a national oral care standard for aged care following a submission to the Federal Minister responsible for the aged.

1996 - Authored a submission that oral care should be an approved Commonwealth funded service. (Previously oral care was not mentioned and dental care was excluded from Commonwealth funding)

Dr Shanahan has changed the previous focus nationally from emergency dental treatment only, to integrating oral care with the overall medical management. His next challenge is to get the Commonwealth government to accept that oral health is an integral part of health policy, aligning it with international health policy that is about keeping people healthy and providing optimal health care especially for the 'at risk' groups.

1997 -Dr Shanahan was a member of an Expert Working Party, which included US and NZ experts, appointed by the Federal Branch of the Australian Dental Association to advise the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing on oral care guidlines for aged care.

2001 - The NSW government invited Dr Shanahan to assist them in planning future NSW dental services.

Dr Shanahan has appeared on national TV and ABC Radio National forthrightly advocating adoption of a national oral health policy.

Dr Shanahan has received several WA and Commonwealth grants for development of education resources, nursing home programmes, and commercialising the Denta-Med gel.

2003 Dr. Shanahan received a Centenary of Federation Medal from the Prime Minister of Australia for his contribution for improving the oral health of the elderly.

In product development he became acutely aware of the need to introduce a health related product that provided more effective oral care at home. Denta-Med gel is the result of over 20 years research and development. The application of this knowledge, and the creation of a global product in Denta-Med gel underpins international health policy.

2004 Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott announces $380 million for dental care of the chronically ill.

Dr Mal Washer, formerly a GP and current Federal Member for Moore and Dr Patrick Shanahan jointly presented a submission to the Federal Health Minister which resulted in the adoption of this historic legislation. It is the first time the Commonwealth has recognised the importance of oral health in health care and invited the dental profession to work in the medical framework to achieve better health care outcomes. Most importantly, it is covered by Medicare, which means those people on low incomes can receive medically necessary dental care.