Steps to supply dental records for bushfire victim identification

The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team may seek the help of ADAVB members in identifying bushfire victims. To get dental records to help identify victims, these steps are taken:

1. A person must be reported missing to police before personal and medical information can be gathered. Once they have been reported missing, a Medical Release form signed by the nearest next-of-kin will be issued. The visiting DVI Team member should have the signed release form, if available. Only at that time do you release your records to the Team member, either by giving them your original records or if you are using digital records, by the methods below.

2. If you keep hand-written records DVI wants the original cards, all radiographs (OPGs, PAs, bitewings), models, clinical photographs and all correspondence (to and from specialists). Take copies of your records.

3. If members have digital records, burn them onto a CD – have separate CDs for each individual, as each person will have their own AM identification number. If possible, save all images as TIFF files.

4. As well as giving the CDs, send the records and radiographs through the VIFM Secure Web Service. Send the name of the practice, dentists’ names, practice address, contact phone and email to dvi_dental@vifm.org. You will then receive a Reply e-mail giving you the instructions on how to register for the VIFM Secure Web Service and then how to use the Service. Do NOT send records to the email address above.

5. Once you go through the registration procedure for the VIFM Secure Web Service and send your records, DVI will advise the AM Section of the receipt of your records on your behalf. In all cases, take note of the AM case number which each missing person is assigned.

Dentists seeking further information should contact the Dental DVI team on (03) 9684 4320 and/or email: dvi_dental@vifm.org

Meanwhile the Victorian Government has set up a new phone counseling support service for all Victorians affected by the bushfires, which is being operated by Nurse-on-Call - 1300 606 024. Members are also reminded of the Branch’s Member Assistance Program which has trauma and grief counselors available around the clock - 1800 451 138.