Who We Are

The National Dental Foundation was founded in October 2004 by Mervin Saultry with the assistance of Freehills who provided pro bono legal services.

The National Dental Foundation is an independent dental industry' initiated entity, acting as a focal point for charity work in the Australian dental industry. The Foundation has received ATO Endorsement as a Public Benevolent Institution and is a Registered Charity in all States.

A prime aim of the Foundation is to co-ordinate the involvement of all parties who are involved in philanthropic organizational work within the Australian dental industry. Historically the charity efforts of dentists and others, whilst generous and effective, have been fragmented and often-duplicated as well intentioned people go through a repeating steep learning curve.

The Foundation acts as a coordinating and fund raising body at Board level with actual delivery operations effected and directed by State Advisory Committee Members under the direction of a NDF State Chairman. Each State Chairman is a Director and a Board Member. They are able to represent the needs and want of their respective States at executive level and share their knowledge and experience.

• CHAIRMAN: Dr Chris Hart – Brisbane, QLD
• Dr David Diggs - Sydney, NSW
• Dr Michael Ryan - Canberra, ACT
• Mr Mervin Saultry – Dental Innovations ,Melbourne, VIC
• Mr Simon Bailey – Fulton Peak Business Consultants, Melbourne, VIC
• Dr Dennis Gregory - Leederville, WA
• Dr Henry Gilkes and Dr Robert South – SA

Administration:

• Please contact Merv Saultry on 0414 836 296

DR CHRIS HART – Chairman

After graduating from The University if Queensland with Honours in 1998 I went on to Cambridge University where I completed a Master of Philosophy in Biomedical Science. At the same time I worked on the Cambridge University Dental Service and won a Blue for Rugby.Outside of dentistry I had a short rugby career but was lucky enough to represent Queensland and/or Australia at Schoolboy, under 21, University and Barbarian levels while never threatening to break into the big league. I also pretend to play the piano and the saxophone and can present a real risk to bathers while surfing long boards at Straddie. Like all earth bound creatures I don’t mind a drop of wine and am guilty of donating far too much money to the purveyors of fine cuisine. As a result I am blessed with ample girth.

Dr DAVID DIGGS

• Graduated 1981 with a BDS at Sydney University.
• Worked in Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions in 1982.
• During 1983 worked in London for a year, this is where I met my wife.
• Came back to Sydney in 1984 to open my own practice in Bellevue Hill, and owned and operated a second practice in Coogee, up until 1994.
• 1994 to present owns and operates a private progressive family and cosmetic dental practice in Bellevue Hill, Sydney.
• Special interest in Cosmetic dental treatment and rehabilative crown and bridge work.
• I have always had a special interest in treating patient who cannot access dental care.
• Since early 2006 I have worked in conjunction with the National Dental Foundation, allowing underprivileged patients to access dental care both through my surgery and the NDF. Now close to 40 dentists around Sydney, NSW have contributed to this program, over half a million dollars of dental work has already been completed, and hundreds of patients have been treated through this program.
• Hopes to further raise awareness of the poor dental conditions from those who cannot afford complex dental treatment, to both improve their lot and to improve the attitude and contribution of both state and federal governments to this cause.
• Currently State Chairman of the NSW National Dental Foundation.
• Other interests include more voluntary work in East Timor which I have been involved in for a few years now.
• Served on committees such as North Bondi Surf Club, Eastern Suburbs Dental Group, member of many sporting clubs, currently a member of the Australian Dental Association, Australian Prosthodontic Society and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Dr MICHAEL RYAN

MR MERVIN SAULTRY - Director

Mervin  had a 39 year career in Banking and Finance with NAB before leaving to commence his own businesses of Management Consultancy to emerging corporate businesses.,

In 1997 Mervin established Dental Innovations a National Commercial Network of Dentists who own and operate their own practices. Over the past 11 years Dental Innovations has evolved into a support entity for dentists offering over 50 different services.

Mervin has been Managing Director of Dental Innovations since its conception in 1997 and brings extensive dental business and industry knowledge to the National Dental Foundation.

MR SIMON BAILEY- Director

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Feb 2004 – current – Symphisis - Founding Partner - Established new on delivering quantifiable ROI on marketing/advertising expenditure through
  (a) clearly identified activators for buyer response,
  (b) relevant impacts can be measured by client
  (c) sales team can deliver 'the promise’ and
  (d) comprehensive ROIcan be proven to Executive and Board
• Aug 2002 – current – Humanitech Pty Ltd - CEO - Engaged to formulate startup strategy for entity owned by the Ability Australia Foundation – to commercialise products and technologies in the international Disability Solutions market
• Dec 2001 – current – Fulton Peak Pty Ltd Melbourne Vic - Managing Director - Returned to operation of corporate & strategic planning consultancy established in 1989
  

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Corporatised leading Technology Sector Investment Bank, successfully developing procedures and evaluation tools to support industry best practice. Led transition from boutique investment bank to industry leadership status (Nextec Corporation).
• Integrated 14 diverse internet and film/media production companies into one cohesive national unit, developed radical new production protocols that restored profitability, analysed all merger and acquisition targets over six months from national & international sources, introduced production, legal & engagement protocols for web development. (Sausage Software Limited).
• Successfully completed “retrofit corporatisation” for International Franchise Group (retail), including all Public Company accountability, communication & transparency requirements, stopped ongoing growth in debtors and recouped 40% of funds within 6 months, changed image sufficiently to give rise to rapid growth of franchise inquiries after prolonged period during which virtually no interest was shown. Successfully attracted investment from venture capitalists and managed to double the share price (Cash Converters Ltd).
• Turned multiple hospitality organisations around by as much as 800% in three months (same fixed overheads) during 1980’s and early 1990’s (as Manager/adviser).
• Built Chefs On The Run Australia (as CEO) from a zero capital startup (1990) to $20M turnover in 2000, using chefs as managers and creating national public awareness. (Retain 50% ownership and Chairman position)
• Restructured more local government operations in Victoria than any other company/individual, with better than 90% success rate on subsequent tender.
• Increased turnover of Boulevarde Nurseries wholesale nursery by 800% in five years, taking from breakeven to 25% EBIT and establishing market leadership, including several business awards (as Chairman).
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1983 – 1986 Australian National University Canberra, ACT Bachelor of Laws

Dr DENNIS GREGORY

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Oral/maxillofacial Surgery Training Perth Dental Hosp and Royal Perth Hosp.
• 2 years in U.K.at various hospital jobs, returning to W.A. to enter private Oral/maxillofacial surgery practice in 1981. Completed F.R.A.C.D.S.1982.
• Have public Hosp. appointments at R.P.H., S.C.G.H. and Fremantle Hosps. and teaching Registrar trainees in O.M.F.S. and continue in full time O.M.F.S. practice.
• Past Federal President A.N.Z.A.O.M.S.,1997-1998 Secretary R.A.C.D.S.(W.A.)1983-1986 Treasurer Federal A.O.S.2003-2005

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.D.Sc.(Uni. W.A.)
• M.D.S.c (Uni W.A.)

Dr Henry Gilkes and Dr Robert South

Each graduated from the University of Adelaide, is a member of the Australian Dental Association and is registered with the SA Dental Board

State Advisory committees