Mel works with universities, organisations, and professional groups to deliver thoughtful, evidence-informed sessions that support professional growth, reflection, and meaningful change within oral health and healthcare education.
Sessions are tailored to the needs of each audience and are designed to encourage practical reflection, honest conversation, and sustainable professional development.

Recent events: (Please note my previous surname is Hayes)
Hayes MJ & Slot D. Sustainability in your career as a dental hygienist. Dutch Dental Hygienists Association Young Professionals Event. Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 21 May 2022.
Hayes MJ. Sustainability in Oral Health. COP26 satellite event on Sustainability in Healthcare and Education. Virtual Conference, University of Glasgow. 2-4 Nov 2021
Hayes MJ. The Possibilities are Endless! Empowering Career Development for the Oral Health Therapist. IDEM 2020 (Dental Hygienist and Therapist Forum). Virtual Conference, Singapore. 19 June, 2020
Hayes MJ, Knevel R, Rui Araujo M, Slot D. Are you a lamp, a ladder, or a lifeboat? International Symposium on Dental Hygiene. Brisbane, Australia. 15 August 2019. (Keynote presentation)
Hayes MJ. Doctoral degrees in dental hygiene: A global perspective. International Dental Hygiene Educators Forum. Columbus, Ohio. 19 June, 2018.
Recent events: (Please note my previous surname is Hayes)
Aley MJ & Carlson-Jones W. Scope of practice. OHAA NSW CPD day. Wollongong, NSW. 14 March 2026.
Aley MJ. Just another 'Manic Monday'? New ways to think about work. Oral Health Congress. Sydney, NSW. 18 Oct 2024.
Aley MJ. Healthy, happy and productive work - how to craft a sustainable career in oral health. Dental Hygienists Association of Australia National Symposium. Adelaide, SA. 22 September, 2023.
Hayes MJ. Introduction to leadership. DHAA Student leadership webinar series. Online. 17 May 2021.
Hayes MJ. The future of oral health. DHAA SA Professional Development meeting. Adelaide, Australia. 7 Dec 2017.
Disrupting dentistry podcast (Melissa Obrokta and Tabitha Acret). The One about career development. Mar 8, 2023
Brace Yourself! podcast. (Australian Dental Students Association). S3E10 - Whats next after ora;l health? Nov 2022.
Disrupting dentistry podcast (Melissa Obrokta and Tabitha Acret). The One about smashing the hygiene ceiling. Feb 23, 2021
Please reach out if you would like to engage Mel in a tailored presentation to your organisation, study group or practice hello@nextstepdentalcareers.com.au

Elevate your career and unlock your full potential with our tailored Career Development Workshops designed specifically for dental professionals. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced practitioner, these workshops are an opportunity to enhance your skills, broaden your knowledge, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Our interactive sessions cover a range of topics, including:
Each workshop is crafted to be practical, hands-on, and engaging—ensuring that you leave with actionable tools and a fresh perspective on your career path.
Dr Aley is registered dental practitioner and a qualified career counsellor, having completed her Masters in Education majoring in Career Development.

In the fast-paced and demanding world of dentistry, maintaining your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing is essential for long-term success and job satisfaction. Our Wellbeing Workshops are designed to help dental professionals prioritise their health and cultivate habits that lead to sustainable careers.
Through these workshops, you'll gain practical tools and strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and foster resilience. We focus on the unique challenges dental professionals face and offer actionable solutions to improve overall wellbeing.
Key topics include:
Our wellbeing workshops create a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can connect with peers, share experiences, and walk away feeling rejuvenated and empowered. Prioritise your health, and we’ll help you thrive in your dental career.
Dr Aley is registered dental practitioner and a qualified career counsellor, having completed her Masters in Education majoring in Career Development. Her PhD was on the topic of musculoskeletal disorders in the dental profession. She has also completed a Grad. Cert. in Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education.
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