Tanya Cleland

I began my career in Oral Health as a Dental Therapist in the early 1990s having gained an UG Diploma at the University of Adelaide.

On my return to New Zealand I took up a role as an Orthodontic auxiliary for 12 years before deciding to begin a journey into academia, applying for the role managing the day to day running of the AUT oral health clinic in Mangere. To provide additional educational support my colleagues, as well as students I completed a Grad Dip in Tertiary teaching.

Later I embarked on a Post Grad Dip HSc. To be able to support the departments' needs better I also needed recency of clinical practice so in 2013 I sat and passed the DCNZ theory and clinical registration exams and was able to provide more clinical education support to students and staff.

In 2016 I successfully applied for a lecturer's role and currently teach preclinical, clinical and theory across all three year groups.

I am the course leader for ORAH601 - Oral Health Promotion and deliver a number of community oral health programmes throughout the year.

In 2020 I also took on the role of programme leader, supporting the HOD, students and colleagues in delivering an effective, engaging programme.