Cathryn is a registered, practicing dental hygienist and holds a Master of Health Promotion from Deakin University. Cathryn has had a diverse career for 40 years in both the public and private dental sector; working in general practice, orthodontics, periodontics and special needs dentistry. Cathryn has practiced in many parts of the world, including Adelaide, Brisbane, Ballarat, Wangaratta, Neuss (Germany) and Wellington (New Zealand).
Cathryn brings with her extensive clinical knowledge and experience, and has been a valued member of the Colgate Scientific Affairs Team since 2006, working closely with the University and TAFE sectors to educate the future profession. Cathryn is an engaging lecturer and holds a current TAE qualification. She has presented at international conferences in Italy, South Korea, New Zealand and Vanuatu.

Cathryn is currently the Oral Health Association of Australia (OHAA) VIC TAS Chair and OHAA representative on the Australian Dental Association (Victorian Branch) Oral Health Committee and the Victorian Oral Health Alliance. In 2025 Cathryn became an inaugural Fellow in Advanced Dental Hygiene, with the Australasian College of Oral Health Practitioners. Cathryn was a member of the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia (DHAA) since 1988 and was honoured with Life Membership in 2024.

Cathryn served 10 years as National Network Coordinator for Oral Health with Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health. She spent 13 years as a Carevan Foundation Board Director and lead for the Sun Smiles community fluoride varnish program. Cathryn is currently program lead for the SmileCARE oral health in aged care project.

Cathryn has won several international awards including the 2023 International Federation of Dental Hygienist’s (IFDH) Social Responsibility Award, the 2016 IFDH & Global Child Dental Fund Social Responsibility Award and the 2018 DHAA National Oral Health Award. Cathryn has authored 2 children’s oral health books ‘Who is the Tooth Fairy’s best friend?’ and “Pyjama Fairy & Friends.” 

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