Dental Council elects new Chair and Deputy Chair

At its February 2022 meeting, the Dental Council appointed its Chair and Deputy Chair. Congratulations to Andrew Cautley on his election as Chair, and Robyn Corrigan as Deputy Chair.

Andrew Cautley replaces Andrew Gray as Chair of Council, and Robyn Corrigan replaces Andrew Cautley as Deputy Chair.  On behalf of the Council and the Secretariat, I'd like to extend our gratitude to Andrew and John for their years of service to the Council both as Council members (since 2013 and 2012 respectively) and outstanding leaders on various committees and in their Chair/Deputy Chair positions over that time.

I'd also like to acknowledge Andrew Gray's contributions and strong leadership during the first two challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the national health response to the pandemic evolved, Andrew led the Council’s response and worked many hours and often under immense pressure with an unwavering focus on protecting our practitioners and the public. Throughout this extraordinary time, Andrew led the Council by example, maintaining his hallmark humour and positivity balanced always by deep understanding, respect and empathy for individual practitioners and their families over this difficult time.

Andrew has also been integral to the Council's increased focus on cultural awareness during his time as Council Chair. He has been instrumental in establishing Te Hā I The Essence – a Māori subcommittee – to support the Council’s strategic priority for cultural safety.

Andrew and John will remain on the Council until new appointments are made by the Minister of Health.