• Charles Sturt appoints Dr Andrew Flatau as Professor and Head of the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences
• Professor Flatau will be based in Orange and brings extensive experience in dental and anatomical education and research to the role
• Professor Flatau commenced the position in mid-April, after an already successful nine-year career at the University

Charles Sturt University is pleased to announce Professor Andrew Flatau has commenced in the position of Head of School in the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences.

Professor Flatau first joined Charles Sturt as an Associate Professor in Clinical Dentistry in 2011, and has extensive experience in dental and anatomical education and research.

He commenced his new position of Professor and Head of School on Tuesday 14 April, and will also continue his role as the University’s Dentistry Discipline Lead and Year 5 Coordinator during the University’s current transition to online delivery for the remainder of session 1 2020.

Speaking of his new appointment, Professor Flatau said he is looking forward to taking on the challenges and opportunities of his new leadership role and continuing his work with the University’s staff and students.

“The importance of developing new ways of teaching and assessing the work-readiness of our future health professionals cannot be underestimated and is something the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences is committed to, especially as we all face the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In my new role I will also continue to connect all the disciplines of the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences with each other and the various social and professional communities in the Charles Sturt University footprint.

“This an important part of enhancing the reputation of the University and our graduates, while also creating academic collegiality, social cohesion and promoting health, well-being and the quality of life within our communities and rapidly evolving world.”

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science Professor Megan Smith congratulated Professor Flatau on his well-deserved appointment.

“Since joining Charles Sturt University, Professor Flatau has made significant contributions to the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences,” Professor Smith said.

“He brings to the position his extensive experience as a dentistry academic, and he has a strong understanding of the School as well as active industry and community connections.

“Professor Flatau will build upon the work of the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences to produce exceptional graduates equipped to serve the particular health needs of our communities.”

The School of Dentistry and Health Sciences offers a range of degrees in dental science, medical radiation science, and oral health therapy.

Professor Flatau will continue to work from Orange, where he has also been working as a general dental practitioner.

He has a distinguished academic background, having co-authored several textbook chapters and academic papers and worked on numerous research projects.

He comes to his new role with broad national and international teaching experience.

Professor Flatau has taught in various disciplines at the University of Sydney, including in medical and dental disciplines, such as anatomy, histology, restorative dentistry and prosthodontics, as well as teaching old Icelandic in the Faculty of Arts. In 1988 he was a Lecturer in oral anatomy and physiology and Supervisor of the Facial Pain Clinic at the University of Iceland.

He graduated from the University of Sydney as a dual University Medallist in the Faculty of Dentistry and the Faculty of Arts. In 2001, the University of Sydney awarded him his PhD for his thesis on the anatomy of the infratemporal fossa.

The School of Dentistry and Health Sciences operates out of facilities in several regional towns across New South Wales, with the main School facilities residing in Orange (dentistry) and Wagga Wagga (oral health therapy and medical radiation sciences).

Additional dental clinical facilities exist in Dubbo, Bathurst and Albury-Wodonga. The undergraduate program for Medical Radiation Science is also offered as an internal study option at the Port Macquarie campus.