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The first Indigenous dental graduate from The University of Western Australia - David Plichta - will be honoured at a completion ceremony at the University.

Mr Plichta (23), whose country is in the Northern Territory but who has lived in Sorrento with his family for several years, will attend a dedication ceremony.

With him will be his parents, Laurie and Kate Plichta, and the youngest of his five siblings, sister Grace who is in Year 11 at Darwin High School and aims to study medicine at UWA.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said the University was committed to Indigenous education because it ensured health care services were more accessible for Aboriginal people.

Mr Plichta became interested in dentistry when he attended a UWA School of Indigenous Studies Year 10 camp on the UWA campus.  "My goal is to help the community," he said.

UWA has a comprehensive program for attracting Indigenous students into dentistry, medicine and the health sciences through its Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health (CAMDH).

CAMDH has a very high success rate for retention of medical students, compared with other Australian universities.  CAMDH's recent focus has been on Indigenous dental students.  CAMDH Acting Director Dr David Paul said Mr Plichta's graduation was a very significant personal achievement for David as well as a proud moment for the University.

Media references

David Plichta  (+61 4) 39 740 711
Dr David Paul (CAMDH)  (+61 8 )  6488 7084
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716