Rate Professor Matt Hopcraft

Professional Summary: Professor Matt Hopcraft

Professor Matt Hopcraft is a distinguished academic and dental public health expert at the University of Melbourne, Australia. With a career spanning clinical practice, research, and education, he has made significant contributions to the field of dentistry, particularly in public health policy and oral health equity.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Hopcraft holds the following qualifications:

• Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) from the University of Melbourne
• Master of Dental Science (MDSc) in Public Health Dentistry from the University of Melbourne
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Melbourne, focusing on oral health policy and workforce issues

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Hopcraft’s research primarily focuses on dental public health, with specific interests in:

• Oral health policy and access to dental care
• Dental workforce planning and distribution
• Oral health disparities and equity in underserved populations
• Integration of oral health into general health systems

Career History and Appointments

Professor Hopcraft has held several key positions throughout his career:

• Clinical Associate Professor at the Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne
• Former Director of the Australian Dental Council, contributing to accreditation and standards in dental education
• Practicing dentist with extensive clinical experience in both public and private sectors
• Previous roles in dental public health policy advisory positions with government and professional bodies in Australia

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and fellowships are not extensively documented in public sources, Professor Hopcraft is widely recognized for his leadership in dental public health and contributions to policy reform in Australia. His work has been acknowledged through:

• Membership and leadership roles in professional organizations such as the Australian Dental Association (ADA)
• Invitations to speak at national and international conferences on oral health policy

Key Publications

Professor Hopcraft has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and reports on dental public health and workforce issues. Some notable publications include:

• Hopcraft, M. S., & Morgan, M. V. (2005). "Comparison of radiographic and clinical diagnosis of approximal and occlusal dental caries in a young adult population." Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology.
• Hopcraft, M. S. (2015). "Dental workforce trends and challenges in Australia." Australian Dental Journal.
• Hopcraft, M. S., et al. (2011). "Oral health status of older rural adults in Australia." Australian Journal of Rural Health.

These publications reflect his commitment to addressing systemic issues in oral health care delivery and policy.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Hopcraft has had a profound impact on dental public health in Australia, particularly through his research on workforce planning and advocacy for improved access to dental care. His work has informed national policies on oral health equity, influencing government initiatives to address disparities in dental service access. As an educator at the University of Melbourne, he has shaped the next generation of dental professionals by integrating public health perspectives into clinical training.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Hopcraft is actively involved in the academic and professional community, with contributions including:

• Regular presentations at national and international conferences on dental public health and policy
• Service on committees related to dental education accreditation and public health policy through the Australian Dental Council and other bodies
• Contributions to editorial boards and peer review for journals in dentistry and public health (specific roles not publicly detailed)