Mrs Barbara Dewson, of Whanganui, MNZM for services to dental and oral health therapy
Barbara Dewson was the Supervising Dental Nurse for the Whanganui District before becoming the Dental Manager for Good Health Whanganui Hospital and Community. She initiated community dental projects for free dental health care for adults at Rātana Pā and in Ohakune. She was Treasurer and Journal editor for the New Zealand Dental Therapists’ Association. She helped develop the competencies for dental therapist practice in preparation for the registration of Dental Therapists. She was Chair of the Dental Council’s Dental Therapy Board and has provided professional advice. She assisted in redesigning the Whanganui School Dental Service. Mrs Dewson is Treasurer of the New Zealand Community Oral Health Services Society.