Dimitra Lekkas

Associate Professor Dimitra Lekkas

Associate Professor/Reader

School of Dentistry

College of Health

Associate Professor Dimitra LekkasBDS Year 1 to 3 Program Coordinator

I am a member of the Craniofacial Biology and Dental Education Research Group. My current research interests include: toothwear studies, selection of dental students; supporting casual tutors; clinic communication skills and clinic assessment. Over the past eight years, I have collaborated with colleagues to receive grant funding totalling $143,459, produced 16 publications in international peer-reviewed journals and one book chapter. I have completed co-supervision of 1 PhD and 3 honours students.

 

Date Position Institution name
1999 - ongoing Associate Professor University of Adelaide

Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
2016 Award Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning Australian Awards for University Teaching Australia -
2016 Award University of Adelaide Beacon Commendation for the Enhancement and Innovation of Student Learning The University of Adelaide Australia -
2015 Award Good practice in supporting sessional staff award: Benchmarking Leadership Advancement Standards for Sessional Teaching Macquarie University Australia -
2013 Award Good practice in supporting sessional staff award: Benchmarking Leadership Advancement Standards for Sessional Teaching Macquarie University Australia -
2013 Scholarship Barbara Kidman Women's Fellowship The University of Adelaide Australia ($22,226

Date Institution name Country Title
2010 University of Adelaide Australia PhD
1994 University of Adelaide Australia Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry
1992 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Year Citation
2025 Auton, J. C., Sturman, D., Lekkas, D., Turnbull, D., Gray, J., Canny, B. J., & Peña, A. (2025). Virtual Multiple Mini Interviews: Implementation and evaluation for undergraduate medical, dental, and oral health degrees. Medical Teacher, 47(7), 1144-1151.
DOI Scopus2 WoS2 Europe PMC2
2024 Byrne, S. J., Lekkas, D., & Leadbeatter, D. (2024). Current arrangements for training dentists in Australia on primary care dentistry. Journal of Dentistry, 145, 104972.
DOI
2024 Lee, D., Arnold, M., Srivastava, A., Plastow, K., Strelan, P., Ploeckl, F., . . . Palmer, E. (2024). The impact of generative AI on higher education learning and teaching: A study of educators’ perspectives. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 6, 100221.
DOI Scopus168
2021 Oxlad, M., Turnbull, D., Skinner, V., & Lekkas, D. (2021). Undergraduate psychology and dental students’ perceptions of interprofessional learning when using motivational interviewing to encourage health behaviour change: a mixed methods study. Australian Psychologist, 56(5), 417-426.
DOI Scopus7 WoS6
2020 Oxlad, M. J., Turnbull, D., Skinner, V., & Lekkas, D. (2020). An interprofessional education initiative between psychology and dentistry: an exploration of students’ perceptions of confidence. Higher Education Research and Development, 39(6), 1217-1231.
DOI Scopus5 WoS6
2018 Kaidonis, J. A., Anastassiadis, P. M., Lekkas, D., Ranjitkar, S., Townsend, G. C., & Amaechi, B. T. (2018). Prevention and control of dental erosion by professionally applied treatment. Clinical Dentistry Reviewed, 2(1), 1-9.
DOI
2018 Yong, R., Ranjitkar, S., Lekkas, D., Halazonetis, D., Evans, A., Brook, A., & Townsend, G. (2018). Three-dimensional (3D) geometric morphometric analysis of human premolars to assess sexual dimorphism and biological ancestry in Australian populations. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 166(2), 373-385.
DOI Scopus32 WoS25 Europe PMC19
2017 Ranjitkar, S., Turan, A., Mann, C., Gully, G., Marsman, M., Edwards, S., . . . Townsend, G. (2017). Surface-sensitive microwear texture analysis of attrition and erosion. Journal of Dental Research, 96(3), 300-307.
DOI Scopus23 WoS18 Europe PMC13
2017 Lekkas, D., & Winning, T. (2017). Using quality enhancement processes to achieve sustainable development and support for sessional staff. International Journal for Academic Development, 22(1), 70-83.
DOI Scopus8 WoS5
2015 Suksudaj, N., Lekkas, D., Kaidonis, J., Townsend, G., & Winning, T. (2015). Features of an effective operative dentistry learning environment: students' perceptions and relationship with performance. European Journal of Dental Education, 19(1), 53-62.
DOI Scopus12 WoS9 Europe PMC8
2014 Kaidonis, J., Ranjitkar, S., Lekkas, D., Brook, A., & Townsend, G. (2014). Functional dental occlusion: an anthropological perspective and implications for practice. Australian Dental Journal, 59(Suppl. 1), 162-173.
DOI Scopus31 WoS24 Europe PMC18
2014 Yong, R., Ranjitkar, S., Townsend, G., Smith, R., Evans, A., Hughes, T., . . . Brook, A. (2014). Dental phenomics: advancing genotype to phenotype correlations in craniofacial research. Australian Dental Journal, 59(Suppl. 1), 34-47.
DOI Scopus28 WoS26 Europe PMC14
2014 Hughes, T., Townsend, G., Pinkerton, S., Bockmann, M., Seow, W., Brook, A., . . . Lekkas, D. (2014). The teeth and faces of twins: providing insights into dentofacial development and oral health for practising oral health professionals. Australian Dental Journal, 59(Suppl. 1), 101-116.
DOI Scopus48 WoS45 Europe PMC31
2014 Mann, C., Ranjitkar, S., Lekkas, D., Hall, C., Kaidonis, J., Townsend, G., & Brook, A. (2014). Three-dimensional profilometric assessment of early enamel erosion simulating gastric regurgitation. Journal of Dentistry, 42(11), 1411-1421.
DOI Scopus24 WoS21 Europe PMC17
2013 Winning, T., Greenwood, L., & Lekkas, D. (2013). Supporting postgraduate students in their role as clinical teachers: a pilot study. Practice and Evidence of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 8(2), 132-158.
2013 Kaidonis, J., Skinner, V., Lekkas, D., Winning, T., & Townsend, G. (2013). Reorientating dental curricula to reflect a minimally invasive dentistry approach for patient-centred management. Australian Dental Journal, 58(SUPPL.1), 70-75.
DOI Scopus16 WoS17 Europe PMC15
2013 Hughes, T., Bockmann, M., Mihailidis, S., Bennett, C., Harris, A., Seow, W., . . . Townsend, G. (2013). Genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences on dentofacial structures and oral health: Ongoing studies of australian twins and their families. Twin Research and Human Genetics, 16(1), 43-51.
DOI Scopus29 WoS28 Europe PMC17
2012 Kaidonis, J., Ranjitkar, S., Lekkas, D., & Townsend, G. (2012). An anthropological perspective: Another dimension to modern dental wear concepts. International Journal of Dentistry, 2012, 1-6.
DOI Scopus14 WoS9 Europe PMC5
2012 Suksudaj, N., Townsend, G., Kaidonis, J., Lekkas, D., & Winning, T. (2012). Acquiring psychomotor skills in operative dentistry: do innate ability and motivation matter?. European Journal of Dental Education, 16(1), E187-E194.
DOI Scopus37 WoS36 Europe PMC24
2012 Skinner, V., Lekkas, D., Winning, T., & Townsend, G. (2012). Designing relevant and authentic scenarios for learning clinical communication in dentistry using the Calgary-Cambridge approach. Creative Education, 3(06), 890-895.
DOI
2012 Ranjitkar, S., Smales, R., & Lekkas, D. (2012). Prevention of tooth erosion and sensitivity in wine tasters. Wine & Viticulture Journal, 27(1), 34-37.
2010 Redwood, C., Winning, T., Lekkas, D., & Townsend, G. (2010). Improving clinical assessment: evaluating students' ability to identify and apply clinical criteria. European Journal of Dental Education, 14(3), 136-144.
DOI Scopus17 WoS16 Europe PMC7
2010 Suksudaj, N., Winning, T., Townsend, G., Lekkas, D., & Kaidonis, J. (2010). Acquisition of dental psychomotor skills: understanding the learning experience. Dental Insights (ADA SA Branch), 23, 12-13.
2008 Winning, T., Needleman, I., Rohlin, M., Carrassi, A., Chadwick, B., Eaton, K., . . . Wilson, N. (2008). Evidence-based care and the curriculum. European Journal of Dental Education, 12(Supplement 1), 48-63.
DOI Scopus29 WoS25 Europe PMC17
2002 Jones, L., Lekkas, D., Hunt, D., McIntyre, J., & Rafir, W. (2002). Studies on dental erosion: An in vivo-in vitro model of endogenous dental erosion - its application to testing protection by fluoride gel application. Australian Dental Journal, 47(4), 304-308.
DOI Scopus49 WoS38 Europe PMC27
1999 Ranjitkar, S., Fuss, J., Lekkas, D., & Townsend, G. (1999). Corono-radicular grooves in a large sample of human maxillary incisors. Dental Anthropology, 13(3), 1-May.
1996 Lekkas, D., & Townsend, G. (1996). Cervical enamel projections and enamel pearls in a collection of Australian extracted molars.. Dental Anthropology Newsletter, 11(1), 2-6.

Year Citation
2007 Winning, T., Lekkas, D., & Townsend, G. (2007). Developing clinical self-assessment skills in first-year dental students. In REAP (Ed.), Assessment Design for Learner Responsibility (pp. 1-6). Online: University of Strathclyde.
2003 Lekkas, D., Townsend, G. C., Winning, T. A., & Mullins, G. (2003). Experiences of dental students undertaking a hybrid PBL course.. In JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH Vol. 82 (pp. 78). Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA: INT AMER ASSOC DENTAL RESEARCHI A D R/A A D R.
2003 Lekkas, D., Townsend, G. C., Winning, T. A., & Mullins, G. (2003). Experiences of students in a hybrid PBL course: the second-year challenge.. In JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH Vol. 82 (pp. 107). Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA: INT AMER ASSOC DENTAL RESEARCHI A D R/A A D R.

Year Citation
2022 Lekkas, D., Parker, E., Anastassiadis, P., Stow, L., & Murray, A. (2022). Rethinking summative assessment using the PDSA Cycle. Poster session presented at the meeting of International Association of Dental Research (IADR) Australia and New Zealand Conference. Melbournce.
2020 Parker, E., Gray, J., & Lekkas, D. (2020). Creativity in online teaching in health professional programs. Poster session presented at the meeting of Festival of Learning and Teaching, University of Adelaide. Adelaide.

Research Grants

 2014 State-of-the-art imaging of early enamel erosion in deciduous teeth. Mann C, Ranjitkar S, Brook A, Hall C, Lekkas D, Kaidonis JA, Townsend GC. ADRF.  $7,660.

2013 What demographic and program factors are associated with positive and negative patients’ ratings of the quality of dental student’s clinical communication?. Winning T, Skinner V, Lekkas D, Schönwetter D. The GC MI Research Award and Presentation ADRF $5000

2013 Mann C, Ranjitkar S, Hall C, Losic D, Lekkas D, Kaidonis J, Townsend GC. Dentsply Australia Pty Ltd. High-resolution 3D dental microwear texture analysis. 2013, $700.

2012 Do multifaceted admission processes predict performance of students in two Australasian dental programmes? Lekkas D, Winning  T, Townsend G, Uni of Adelaide in collaboration with Rich A, Rountree J, Seymour G, University of Otago. UMAT Consortium, Australian Council of Educational Research $100,000

2012 A search for novel techniques in assessing early enamel erosion. Mann C, Ranjitkar S, Hall C, Losic D, Lekkas D, Kaidonis J, Townsend GC. ADRF Undergraduate Research Grant $2700

2012 Emerging techniques in assessing early enamel erosion. Mann C, Ranjitkar S, Hall C, Losic D, Lekkas D, Kaidonis J, Townsend GC.  Dentsply Australia Pty Ltd. $700

2012 Nano-architectural characterization of sound enamel and incipient enamel caries using nanoCT. Jensen S, Ranjitkar S, Hall C, Lekkas D, Kaidonis J, Townsend G. Dentsply Australia Pty Ltd. $2500

2009  How well do our students communicate with their patients?: self- and patient evaluation of communication skills in dental student practitioners. Winning T, Lekkas D, Skinner V, Schonwetter D, Wener, M, Mazurat N. ADRF $3200

2008 Factors influencing dental students’ learning of psychomotor skills. Winning T, Lekkas D, Suksadaj N, Kaidonis J ADRF $8500

2007 The development of psychomotor skills in dental students. Winning T, Lekkas D, Suksadaj N, Kaidonis J.ADRF $12499

University Grants

2013. Lekkas D. Barbara Kidman Women’s Fellowship ($29,626)

Teaching Development Grants

2019. Lekkas D,  Palmer E, Skinner V, Parker E, Stow L, Zaccardo B, Williamson N, Menicanin D Learning Enhancement Innovation Grant. The University of Adelaide. $5000. The value of live lectures and lecture recordings. Do they matter?.

2016 Lekkas D, Winning, Fung L, Aldenhoven, Cooper R.  e-Learning grant Faculty Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide.  $5000 e-Clinical Assessment (e-CAP): Readiness for the dental workplace

2003-2004 Lekkas D, Winning T, Townsend G, Kaidonis J, Ranjitkar S. Learning and Teaching Development Grant, The University of Adelaide. $22,226. Professional development for post-graduates in their role as clinic teachers .

I am a full time tenured Associate Professor and BDS Year 1 to 3 Program Coordinator,  Adelaide Dental School, The University of Adelaide.

My expertise in teaching and related duties is within the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program, which is a 5-year full-time undergraduate program. One key feature of the Adelaide BDS curriculum is the integration of the previous four individual subjects into one single whole year 24-unit subject (stream) in each year referred to as Dental Science and Practice (DSP). I am involved in clinical teaching in Years 1, 2, 3; simulation clinical teaching in Years 1, 2, 3; simulated patient clinical communication skills activities and case-based learning activities in Years 2 and 3. I hold several coordinator positions: Year 2 Clinic Coordinator; Year 1,2  and 3 ILA (Integrated learning activities coordinator – which is our case-based learning). I am involved in assessment roles eg, exam setting, marking and moderation; ensuring cohesion of exam approaches and clinical assessment approaches across the BDS program.

I was the inaugural Bachelor Dental Surgery Program Coordinator (2015 to 2020) and currently serving as the BDS Year 1 to 3 Program Coordinator. Program level roles including monitoring course content (academic and clinical) and outcomes of the BDS Year 1 to 3 program. Ensuring coherence of program design, course outlines and content. Overseeing innovation within the curriculum. Monitoring the achievement of graduate attributes and advising on program standards and quality. Reporting on quality assurance processes that monitor, evaluate and improve the quality of the program (e.g. admissions, assessment and compliance with accreditation). Playing a role in undergraduate student welfare and dispute resolution with respect to assessment. I am also our School’s Academic Integrity officer (2020-) and  “Tutor Coordinator” (2007 to present).  The latter is a role that the School established to recruit, induct and support our large pool of casual staff and to ensure that they are familiar with changes in our teaching and contemporary best practice in dental education. In 2019 I was an invited to be part of the New Zealand Dental Council Accreditation team to review the Dental Surgery program, University of Otago.

I am currently an active member of several key Faculty and School level committees ie, Faculty Admissions Committee; Adelaide Dental School Program Board, and Dental Operational Forum.

In 2020, I was humbling awarded a "Community Legend" for individuals who went above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.adelaide.edu.au/community/legends

Learning and Teaching Awards

  • Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning, Australian Awards for University Teaching (2016)
  • University of Adelaide Beacon Commendation for the Enhancement and Innovation of Student Learning (2016)
  • “Good practice in supporting sessional staff award” at the Benchmarking Leadership Advancement Standards for Sessional Teaching Summits (2013 and 2015).

Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
2008 - 2010 Co-Supervisor What Factors Influence Learning of Psychomotor Skills by Dental Students? Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Nattira Suksudaj

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