The ITI operates through a global network of Sections that bring professional development opportunities to members in their local regions. Each Section is guided by a dedicated Leadership Team responsible for implementing the ITI’s educational initiatives, fostering community engagement, and promoting excellence in implant dentistry.
In this new feature, the ITI Blog takes a 360° look at both the personal and professional lives of the dedicated leadership teams who drive the ITI’s mission in their respective regions. We’ll explore their professional journeys, their motivations for joining the ITI, and gain insights into the people behind the titles.
The ITI Australasia Section continues to grow as a hub of innovation, collaboration, and education. Let’s meet the people leading this dynamic community.
Leadership Insights: Q&A with the Australasia Section Team
In this issue, we interview Dr. Rebecca Ellis (Chair), Dr. Ben Sellick (Education Delegate), Dr. Jennifer Chantler (Communications Officer / YITI Delegate), Dr. Janice Kan (Study Club Coordinator), Rikki Lucas (Section Manager), and Emma Cubis (Communications Officer / YITI Delegate).
Dr. Janice Kan (Study Club Coordinator): I believe deeply in the ITI’s mission and wanted to expand the Study Club model so more clinicians, even outside metropolitan areas, could benefit.
Dr. Rebecca Ellis, Chair
Educational Background: Graduated top of her class, advanced training in hospital-based dentistry and implantology.
Current Position: Chair, ITI Australasia Section
Professional Experience: Extensive experience in hospital-based dental services and private practice; respected educator and mentor.
ITI Involvement: Joined during post-graduate training; active member, now Chair of the Section.
Fun Fact: Mum of twin boys and a big Taylor Swift fan.
What inspired you to join the Section Leadership Team?
Dr. Rebecca Ellis (Chair): My mentors and colleagues in the ITI community inspired me to contribute. I wanted to help shape the future of implant dentistry in Australasia.
Dr. Jennifer Chantler (Comms. Officer / YITI Delegate): I was motivated to step outside my comfort zone, to connect with peers, and to support younger members coming through.
Dr. Janice Kan (Study Club Coordinator): I believe deeply in the ITI’s mission and wanted to expand the Study Club model so more clinicians, even outside metropolitan areas, could benefit.
Dr. Jennifer Chantler, Communications Officer / YITI Delegate
Educational Background: Bachelor of Dental Science (UWA); Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry (Prosthodontics)
Current Position: Specialist Prosthodontist and ITI Comms. Officer / YITI Delegate
Professional Experience: 5 years as a Specialist Prosthodontist; active in communications and education.
ITI Involvement: Joined in university (2018) as a Study Club member; active Fellow and YITI leader.
Fun Fact: Loves starting her day with an ocean swim.
What project or initiative with the ITI are you most proud of?
Rebecca: I’m proud of our newly appointed leadership team — a group full of passion, energy, and vision for the Section’s future.
Jennifer: For me, it’s the Study Clubs and the Young ITI initiative. They connect people and give younger colleagues a platform to shine.
Emma Cubis (Comms. Officer / YITI Delegate): Launching the Young ITI Delegate role has been particularly meaningful, as it ensures a strong pipeline of leaders for the future.
Rikki Lucas, Section Manager
Educational Background: Background in Management and Business
Current Position: ITI Section Manager for Australasia
Professional Experience: 25 years in the dental industry, experienced in operations, strategy, and community building.
ITI Involvement: ITI Manager since October 2024, supporting the Leadership Team in strategy and execution.
Fun Fact: Country girl at heart, enjoys family time and horses.
What advice would you give to professionals considering involvement with the ITI?
Dr. Ben Sellick (Education Delegate): Always say yes. Whether it’s presenting, mentoring, or joining a committee, every opportunity with the ITI helps you grow.
Rikki Lucas (Manager): Just do it. You’ll be exposed to evidence-based learning, networking, and a community that truly supports your development.
Janice: Don’t underestimate the influence you can have — even as a young clinician, your voice matters and can shape the future.
Emma Cubis, Communications Officer / YITI Delegate
Educational Background: Bachelor of Oral Health, University of Melbourne
Current Position: ITI Comms. Officer / YITI Delegate for Australasia
Professional Experience: 12 years practicing in Australia with a focus on oral health and patient engagement.
ITI Involvement: Young ITI Delegate since 2025; active in communications and engagement initiatives.
Fun Fact: Grew up on a farm, giving her a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Which ITI core values do you most strongly identify with and why?
Rebecca: Evidence-based practice and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do, and they’re the values I hold most strongly.
Jennifer: Collaboration. Sharing knowledge and supporting each other is how we all grow.
Rikki: For me it’s about shaping the future — staying open to change and innovation while grounded in science.
Janice: Responsibility and scientific integrity. These values guide us in making the best decisions for our patients.
Dr. Ben Sellick, Education Delegate
Educational Background: Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Prosthodontics); Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Current Position: Prosthodontist and ITI Education Delegate
Professional Experience: Over 25 years in clinical practice, with 10 years as a Prosthodontist and 17 years as a General Dentist.
ITI Involvement: Active in Study Clubs, Education Delegate since 2025.
Fun Fact: Passionate sports fan who loves the outdoors.
Share something interesting about yourself outside your professional life.
Rebecca: I’m a proud mum of twin boys — and I’m also a big Taylor Swift fan!
Jennifer: Like a true Aussie, I love starting my day with an ocean swim.
Rikki: I’m a country girl at heart and spend much of my free time with my family and horses.
Ben: I’m a passionate sports fan and love being outdoors.
Janice: Cooking is my happy place — I love bringing people together around food.
Emma: I grew up on a farm, which gave me a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.
Dr. Janice Kan, Study Club Coordinator
Educational Background: Bachelor of Dental Science (Hons), University of Western Australia
Current Position: ITI Study Club Coordinator for Australasia
Professional Experience: Over 25 years of clinical experience, passionate about expanding Study Clubs beyond metropolitan areas.
ITI Involvement: Joined ITI early in career; active Study Club leader and now Section Coordinator.
Fun Fact: Foodie who finds joy in cooking for friends and family.
The Australasian leadership team exemplifies the ITI’s commitment to excellence in implant dentistry through education, research, and community building. Their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for advancement in the field continue to drive the Section’s growth and impact across the region.
Stay tuned for our next Section Spotlight, where we’ll introduce you to more of the ITI Leadership teams.
