Conference programme
Friday 12 September | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
1:00pm – 2:00pm – From First Scan to Final Smile
Dr Sharleen Lu & Leanne Croucher
Learn how digital workflows and clear aligners can be fully integrated into general dental practice through effective collaboration between dentists, oral health therapists, and orthodontic auxiliaries. This session bridges orthodontic principles with real-world implementation—highlighting how streamlined systems, team communication, and modern technology can transform aligner delivery, elevate patient care, and boost clinical efficiency.
2:00pm – 3:00pm – The Captain’s Blueprint: Building and sailing your financial Superyacht.
Dr Sean Phillips
A grounded, dentist-to-dentist approach to financial success. Sean shares how he’s navigated investing and long-term wealth planning while building a thriving clinical career. No fluff — just real strategies you can start applying now.
3:00pm – 4:00pm – What 40 Years in Dentistry Has Taught Me
Dr Kevin Tims
A reflective and highly engaging session from a dentist who’s seen the industry evolve over four decades. Kevin shares lessons on clinical judgement, career resilience, and how to stay energised in practice.
4:00pm – 5:00pm – NZIMID AGM
All members welcome
Dinner Friday night at local venue – details to come.
Accommodation: Conference rate available at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside – inquire when booking
Saturday 13 September | 9:00am – 4:30pm
Feature Speaker: Dr Graeme Milicich
Lecture: Rethinking the Tooth – Anatomy, Biomechanics and Biomimetic Restorations
One of New Zealand’s foremost voices in Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID), Dr Milicich brings decades of experience and international thought leadership to this full-day session. Covering fracture modes, CAD/CAM integration, adhesive techniques and biomimetic strategies, this is essential learning for any clinician focused on preservation, performance, and patient outcomes.
Topics Include:
- Key dental structures you weren’t taught about — and why they matter.
- Understanding fracture modes to avoid misdiagnosis and restorative failure.
- Applying the compression dome concept to prep design and structural restoration.
- Bonding materials that mimic enamel and dentin performance.
- The power of micro air-abrasion. Enhanced bonding and minimally invasive cavity prevention.
- When and how to use CAD/CAM to restore integrity in compromised teeth.
Speaker Profiles
Dr Sharleen Lu
Dentist
Sharleen is a general dentist passionate about orthodontics, minimally invasive dentistry, and holistic patient care. She completed a three-year residency in Full Face Orthodontics and collaborates closely with oral health therapists and orthodontic auxiliaries to deliver aligner therapy through a seamless, team-based workflow. A member of several professional bodies, she has training in IV sedation, laser dentistry, oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and facial aesthetics—offering a wide scope of care supported by technology and a patient-focused approach.
Lee-Anne M.
Orthondontic Auxillary
Lee-Anne has worked in the dental field since 1985, with over 13 years in specialist orthodontics and three years as Invisalign New Zealand’s first Practice Development Clinical Manager. Dual-trained as a dental hygienist and orthodontic auxiliary, she brings deep experience in clinical efficiency, aligner workflows, and integrating orthodontic support into dental teams.
Dr Sean Phillips
Dentist
Sean Phillips is a digitally-led clinician and a savvy investor. With a strong foundation in CAD/CAM, laser dentistry, and orthodontics, he is passionate about prevention and education. His investment session draws directly from his personal journey — empowering dentists to plan wisely and build financial independence.
Dr Kevin Tims
Dentist
Kevin graduated in 1984. He has worked in Auckland, London and for the last 33 years based himself in Tauranga. He is appreciative of the changes which have occurred since graduating with the advent of new technology and techniques. He will share his journey of discovery and his approach to dentistry that will see him practicing for at least another decade. There’s still much more to learn and achieve in this amazing profession we have chosen.
Dr Graeme Milicich
BDS
A pioneer in the field of Minimal Intervention Dentistry, Graeme Milicich has spent decades researching, teaching, and practising MID with a focus on biomechanics and biomimetics. He has published widely, lectured internationally, and developed leading training resources in laser dentistry, adhesive restorations, and fracture management.