Rate My Professor Amanda Tan

Dr. Amanda Tan serves as a Lecturer in the Curtin School of Nursing within the Faculty of Health Sciences at Curtin University, Perth campus. She is the clinical coordinator for the Oral Health Therapy degree program and joined the university in 2023. An experienced dentist, Dr. Tan graduated from the University of Western Australia and operated her own private dental practice for more than ten years prior to her academic appointment. Her professional focus centers on oral health education and dental literacy, reflecting her passion for improving access to dental care, particularly for underserved populations.

In 2024, Dr. Tan launched and has been overseeing dedicated oral health clinics at Curtin University in partnership with the Autism Association of Western Australia. These clinics cater to children, teenagers, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders, addressing dental conditions complicated by sensory sensitivities common in autism. Under her leadership and the supervision of experienced tutors, Curtin Oral Health Therapy students gain practical skills while providing essential care. The initiative has seen substantial growth in patient numbers. Dr. Tan successfully secured the Healthier Smiles Community Service Grant from the Australian Dental Association Dental Health Foundation and the Mars Wrigley Foundation. This funding supports hygiene bags for up to 180 patients with special needs, covers transport costs for rural and regional attendees, and supplies low-sensory products such as non-foaming toothpastes and specialized toothbrushes to alleviate fears associated with oral hygiene routines. She prioritizes creating a calming environment by reducing lights and noise levels, fostering positive dental experiences—one notable example involves a child who overcame an elevator phobia to attend the clinic. Through these efforts, Dr. Tan contributes significantly to community oral health services and student training in inclusive care practices within the Faculty of Health Sciences.