Archana Pradhan

Associate Professor Archana Pradhan is affiliated with the Sydney Dental School within the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health. She specializes in Special Needs Dentistry (SND) and Gerodontology, focusing on improving oral health access for vulnerable populations including persons with disabilities, older adults, and those with mental health challenges. Her research emphasizes interprofessional education, behavioral management strategies, and policy development to address systemic barriers in dental care delivery.

Dr. Pradhan has held leadership roles in national initiatives like Australia’s National Oral Health Plan (2015–2024) and serves as National Clinical Director for Special Smiles under Special Olympics Australia. She is an active member of professional bodies including the Australia and New Zealand Academy of Special Needs Dentistry (ANZASND) and Australian Society of Special Care in Dentistry (ASSCID).

Her work bridges academic and clinical practice through innovative training programs, such as establishing new clinical placements for students and fostering partnerships with healthcare and community networks. Notable contributions include pioneering sensory adaptive dental environments for neurodiverse patients and evaluating medication side effects impacting oral health in psychiatric populations.

Dr. Pradhan has received prestigious awards including the Fellow of International College of Dentists (2020) and Fellow of Pierre Fauchard Academy (2019). Her research spans over two decades, with publications addressing oral health disparities in aged care facilities, homeless populations, and developing nations.