Pandemic - Swine Flu

Swine influenza A, also known colloquially as “Swine flu”, is caused by the H1N1 virus. This is a new (novel) virus which has not previously been identified in North America or elsewhere. The ADA Inc. has published a dental patient briefing on swine flu at
http://www.ada.org.au/newsroom/article,documentid,166383.aspx

The Organisation for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP), a Global Dental Safety Organisation, has posted Swine Flu resources for dental professionals at
http://osap.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=1216

The provision of factual and up to date information to patients and staff is a key means by which to avoid panic or extreme reactions to a pandemic.

Members wanting to check public health advice regarding management of risks associated with swine flu may wish to check the following websites:

For general information about the Government response:
http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf

Important information about pandemic influenza, including what the Australian Government will do if it happens, and what individuals, businesses, communities and health care professionals can do to prepare for and respond to a flu pandemic is offered at
http://www.flupandemic.gov.au/internet/panflu/publishing.nsf

Resources for Health Care Providers are provided at:
http://www.flupandemic.gov.au/internet/panflu/publishing.nsf/Content/resources-profs-1

Other useful resources include:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_infection_control.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/side-effects.htm
http://www.tamiflu.com/

Employer members are reminded of the need to plan for possible staff absences arising from their need to care for ill family members or from other consequences of a widespread outbreak.

ACCC requires retraction by Coke

Coca-Cola will publish corrective advertisements in newspapers across the country about its 'myth-busting' campaign following action by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

"The ACCC has accepted court-enforceable undertakings from Coca-Cola South Pacific Pty Ltd (CCSP), about statements published in Coca-Cola’s Kerry Armstrong on Motherhood & Myth-Busting advertisement," ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel said.

In particular, the advertisement used the words in relation to Coca-Cola:

• Myth. Makes you fat
• Myth. Rots your teeth
• Myth. Packed with caffeine.

On 18 October 2008 Coca-Cola published a further advertisement entitled To all our Customers which, in relation to the advertisement said "…we felt it was time to state the facts and to help you understand the truth behind Coca-Cola."

The ACCC said the advertisements had the potential to mislead consumers by representing that:

• Coca-Cola cannot contribute to weight gain and obesity
• Coca-Cola cannot contribute to tooth decay
• 250ml of the Coca-Cola Product bearing the brand Diet Coca-Cola contains one
  half of the amount of caffeine as that contained in 250ml of tea, and
• a responsible parent can include Coca-Cola in a family diet without any regard
  whatsoever to the potential for weight gain or tooth decay arising from consuming
  Coca-Cola.

The ACCC was responding to a complaint lodged jointly by the Australian Dental Association, the Obesity Policy Coalition and the Parents' Jury. Click here for their joint media release in response to the announcement, and information about the oral health risks posed by black cola drinks.

CPD criteria for attending committee meetings

The Dental Practice Board of Victoria has announced the development of criteria for awarding Continuing Professional Development credit for participation in committee meetings.
The Board recognises that the involvement of practitioners in committees that carry out work related to the practice of dentistry can benefit participants and provide them with the opportunity to engage with their peers, share knowledge and enhance their understanding on a range of matters relating to their professional life.
The document describes the evaluation criteria the Board will use to determine whether or not practitioners’ attendance at committee meetings can be awarded credit for its CPD program.