Rate My Professor Roslyn Syms

Roslyn Syms is the Team Leader and Clinical Lead for the Auckland Dental Facility within the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Otago. She oversees clinical services and operations at the facility, working alongside the Clinical Director Dr Yolin Govender and Operations Manager Jarrod Shearer. As Clinical Services Team Leader, Roslyn Syms serves as the primary contact for managing incidents involving blood and bodily fluids exposure in Auckland, providing guidance with her mobile number +64 27 626 4242. Her role involves ensuring effective clinical delivery, supporting patient enquiries via 0800 866 840 or dental.auckland@otago.ac.nz, and contributing to the overall functioning of dental clinics that support the university's programmes.

In 2025, Roslyn Syms was a vital member of the SAFE-D team from the Faculty of Dentistry, which received the University of Otago Health and Safety Initiative Award (Team) at the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Staff Awards ceremony. The team, spanning staff and students from Dunedin and Auckland clinics, developed the SAFE-D framework—Safety Awareness For Everyone - Dentistry—to foster a culture of respect and enhance health and safety practices. Key achievements included updates to the Infection Prevention and Control Manual, introduction of daily clinical huddles, safety messaging through SharePoint, social media, posters, and digital screens, as well as improved communication channels. These efforts demonstrated exceptional leadership, collaboration, and commitment to reducing workplace risks and embedding safety into daily practice across the clinics.