Dr Helen McLean AM: Orthodontist, educator and mentor

Dr Helen McLean AM is an Orthodontist who has dedicated her career to teaching and mentoring students and postgraduates since 1979. 

Helen graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from 91���� in 1979 and Master of Dental Surgery in 1985, receiving membership of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in the special field of Orthodontics in 2008.

In 2020, she was appointed a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in recognition of her significant service to dentistry and professional associations. 

Whilst achieving recognition in her career, Helen has continued to show a great passion for teaching, mentoring and supervising students at 91���� Dental School, holding the title of Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, and is the President of Adelaide Orthodontic Alumni Network, which she has championed since its launch in 2018. The same year, Helen received an Alumni Fellow Award in recognition of her contribution to 91����’s philanthropic and alumni relations program. 

On her continued connection with the University, Helen says, “Several times I have been asked to address the graduating class of dentists at 91����, and I find this most rewarding, not only because it makes me take time to self-reflect but also enables me to engage with the new graduates.”

Helen’s tendency to go the extra mile within her field dates back to her time studying at 91���� where she was heavily involved in the Adelaide University Dental Students Society, spending her free time hosting student events and collating information for the student magazine.

Helen has coordinated many dental reunions for the class of ‘78, with the last being their 45^th year reunion.

“Since graduating, my most memorable experiences involve volunteering experiences such as providing dental treatment in Long Tan Vietnam, treating cleft lip and palate patients in Timor Leste or raising money to support the Adelaide Dental School”.

 When asked where she sees herself in 5-10 years, Helen said “hopefully still giving back to society where I can”.

Another of Helen’s personal career highlights was being elected as the first female President of the Australian Dental Association SA Branch, where she is now a lifetime member. Helen was also the first female President of the Australian Society of Orthodontics SA Branch, gaining Honorary Lifetime Membership.

Helen was a Director of the Board of the South Australian Dental Service for eight years and Chairman of the Board of Management for the Adelaide University Dental Research and Education Fund for six years, Helen joined the Hospital Research Foundation Creative Health Board of Governors in 2020 and successfully launched the Creative Health Art Prize in 2021.

Highly regarded by her colleagues in the dental and orthodontic professions, Helen has held many impactful roles in both private and public sectors for over 45 years.

As President of Adelaide Orthodontic Alumni Network, Helen hosts many events and supports the Milton Sims Visiting Professor Program, one of the University's key initiatives and a significant event on the Orthodontic calendar.

“Through Adelaide Orthodontic Alumni Network, we embrace new postgraduates who join a growing network that links the past with the present."

As a proud supporter and advocate of Orthodontics, Helen is also a member of the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontists (ABSO) and was involved in the launch of the  in 2022 opened by the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC.

The P R Begg Museum is open to the public during May as part of South Australia’s History Festival 2025. Orthodontic alumni and ABSO members will be volunteering to welcome visitors every Tuesday & Friday in May, 10am - 4pm, and Sunday 18 May, 1pm - 5pm. Bookings not required. For more information .