ADAVB/BOQ Specialist announce $10k bursary winner

The 2015 ADAVB/BOQ Specialist $10,000 Practice Bursary has been awarded to the Blackburn Dental Group.

The practice bursary consists of $8000 to be applied to training programs and complimentary registration to any ADAVB CPD course or convention worth $2,000.

It was awarded to Blackburn Dental Group in recognition of the practice's commitment to creating a clear and structured approach to the development needs of every staff member.

ADAVB President, Dr Stephen Liew, said, "The ADAVB/BOQ Specialist Practice Bursary advances our commitment to encouraging high quality dentistry practice standards and protecting the oral health of the community. We warmly congratulate Drs William and Jennifer Levecke, Dr Wynne Yip and their staff for this outstanding achievement."

The Blackburn Dental Group demonstrated exemplary dedication to professional development through a multifaceted and holistic education and training plan. This includes regular infection control training, CPR and medical emergency education, ongoing CPD courses and practice support workshops, as well as interpersonal and practice harmony sessions which have resulted in strong working relationships.

View media release
ADAVB CPD and training

Photo L to R: Dr Stephen Liew (ADAVB Branch President), Mr Craig Spiegel (BOQ Specialist), Dr Jennifer Levecke (Blackburn Dental Group) and Ms Dianne Stewart (BOQ Specialist).

Quality vs Fake Dentistry: a message from the ADAVB President

The ADAVB is very concerned about the operation of unregistered dentists in Melbourne. We support the decisive actions of AHPRA and the Dental Board of Australia in protecting the health of the public.

The ADAVB places a high priority on quality care, providing continuous professional development opportunities for all member dentists, to protect the health of our community.

Please view a video message from ADAVB President, Dr Stephen Liew.

If you think you have been treated by an unregistered dentist please call the Department of Health and Human Services on 1800 356 061.

You can check if your dentist is registered at dentalboard.gov.au

See also the ADA's Find a Dentist search function.

More 'fake' dentists charged!

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has identified three more unregistered dentists practising in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne.

AHPRA says it "has no record of any registered dental practitioner, who is licensed to provide dental care, in Yaralla Court, Meadow Heights, Bicentennial Crescent, Meadow Heights or Preston Avenue, Roxburgh Park".

They also advise that "these three search warrants follow – and are separate from – charges AHPRA laid earlier this month against Mr Muhammet Velipasaoglu, for a range of statutory offences including pretending to be a dentist (holding out), using a protected title (dentist), carrying out ‘restricted dental acts’, that by law, can only be provided by registered dental practitioners, and for possession of schedule 4 drugs".

Patients who attended these practices are urged to call the Department of Health and Human Services on 1800 356 061 between 9am and 5pm. The Department will assess the potential risk of transmission of infection and provide advice to patients and their general practitioners.

To check whether your dentist is registered, search the AHPRA Register.

To look for a dentist who speaks your language, use the ADA Inc's Find-a-Dentist search function.

Scam Warning 2 - Domain Name Invoices

Hard on the heels of yesterday's post that members had reported attempted scams involved credit card cash advances, another member has today reported receiving a fake domain name renewal invoice.

This type of scam has been in use for some time, and advice on how it is done and how you can avoid being ripped off is published at SCAMwatch.

They advise that you be alert to the following warning signs:

• You receive a letter that looks like an invoice for the registration or renewal of a domain name.

• The domain name listed in the invoice is very similar to your actual domain name, but may have a different ending. For example, it may end in .net.au instead of .com.au or the .au at the end may be missing.

• The domain name may be correct, but the letter is not from the company that you previously used to register your domain name.

Scam warning - 'Sailor' seeking help

ADAVB has notified the ACCC of a scam message being received by Victorian dental clinics.

In the email, a widower claims to be in the Navy and at sea. He wants his two children treated at the clinic before he returns home.

The message says that the children will be taken to the clinic by an unnamed driver, who has not been paid. The writer asks for a ‘favour’ – a payment of $2550 to be paid to the driver’s agent. The sailor asks the clinic to add the driver’s fee to the account which he will pay by credit card when he returns home.

Members should report scam messages, such as this, to the ACCC's SCAMwatch.

No mouthguard, no play - Sports policy available

The Australian Dental Association and Sports Medicine Australia have approved the use of a Mouthguard Policy that all sports clubs can sign.

The Mouthguard Policy is available from their websites. It clearly outlines how sports clubs can commit to reducing the incidence of dental trauma that can occur from the playing of sport.

All sports clubs are encouraged to sign up to the Mouthguard Policy and require their members to do so as well. Traditional contact sports such as Rugby League, Rugby Union, AFL and boxing are known to have incidences of dental trauma. However, sports that are seen to be non–contact in nature, such as hockey, netball and basketball, actually have many occasions of mouth injuries during the inadvertent contact that occurs.

ADAVB welcomes new Branch President, Dr Stephen Liew

The ADAVB is pleased to announce its new president Dr Stephen Liew. Dr Liew commences his role today, for a one year term.

Dr Liew is passionate about fostering unity amongst the health professions, maintaining quality dental care despite the changing model of practice ownership, and believes communication and rapport with a patient is a dentist's most vital professional focus.

He has volunteered throughout his career and maintains practices in Camberwell and at Monash University. He has a love for music and in his free time runs drumming camps and plays with choreographed drummers at major sporting events.

Find out more:
Get to know Dr Stephen Liew
The ADAVB Council
The ADAVB Executive

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Unregistered dentist - call for help

Authorities are seeking the help of people who have been provided with dental care by a man claiming to be a dentist.
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The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency claims that the man is not a registered dentist. It is further alleged that he practised in a house in Rocklands Rise, Meadow Heights.

The Department of Health and Human Services has asked that anyone who believes they or a family member or friend may have been a patient of the alleged unregistered dentist to call the Department on 1800 356 061 to receive advice from trained health staff. This is a free call number and interpreter services will also be available.

Digital Dentistry Expo: 26 June, 2015

It's an exciting time for the dental profession as more technologies are being introduced that make dentistry easier, faster, better and importantly, more enjoyable. Join us at our full day CPD Digital Dentistry Expo program and exhibition. Register now before EOFY and claim it on your tax return.

Date: Friday 26 June, 2015
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Place: Zinc, Federation Square, Melbourne
Credit: 6 Scientific CPD hours

The program will provide practical views on how dental technology has been adapted by the profession and the proven benefits that integration of digital technologies have brought to both dentists and patients. Hear from local and interstate experts as they take you through the challenges, limitations and advantages they have experienced in their own practices.

Presented by Dr Liz Milford, Assoc Prof Bernard Koong (WA), Dr David Dunn (NSW), Prof Laurie Walsh (Qld), Dr Chris Evans, Dr Sean O'Callaghan and Dr Philip Tan.

An exhibition will run concurrently with the program and will showcase industry suppliers highlighting their latest products. Personnel will be on hand for demonstrations, to speak to delegates and to answer questions.

Further program details/booking information is available in the program flyer.
Or log in and register online now.

Prof. Paul Abbott AO

The ADAVB congratulates Prof Paul Abbott on being made an Officer in the Order of Australia in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours.

Prof. Abbott received the honour in recognition of his distinguished service to clinical dentistry, and to higher education, as an academic, researcher and author, to endodontics as a practitioner, and to professional associations.

Prof. Paul Abbott is the Winthrop Professor of Clinical Dentistry at The University of Western Australia where he co-ordinates and teaches both the undergraduate and postgraduate endodontic programmes.

From 1986-2002, Prof. Abbott worked mainly in private specialist Endodontic practice in Victoria with part-time University appointments. In 2003, he was appointed Head of the School of Dentistry and Director of the Oral Health Centre of WA, positions he held until 2009. From 2010-2012, he was Director of Postgraduate Studies and Research. Now he concentrates on teaching and research, as well as working part-time in private practice.

He has presented over 680 lectures and courses in 42 countries. He has published 135 articles in refereed journals and 18 textbook chapters. He serves on Editorial Boards and Scientific Review Panels of 17 journals. Prof. Abbott is a Past President of the International Federation of Endodontic Associations, the Asian Pacific Endodontic Confederation and the Australian Society of Endodontology.

He has been a Director of the Australian Dental Council and is now a member of the Dental Board of Australia. In 2004, he was awarded the University of Western Australia’s Excellence in Teaching Award and in 2008 the Australian Dental Association awarded him their Service Medallion.

Dr Philip Bliss OAM

The ADAVB congratulates Dr Philip Bliss on receiving a Medal in the Order of Australia in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Dr Bliss received the honour in recognition of his service to the community through Jewish and multi-faith organisations.

His numerous roles include:

• Principal Dentist at Bliss Dentistry
• Secretary of World Union for Progressive Judaism
• Chairman WUPJ Advocacy Committee
• Chairman: Council of Christians and Jews Victoria,
• Treasurer: Australian Council Christians and Jews
• Past President: Union for Progressive Judaism, Progressive Judaism Victoria, Jewish Community Council of Victoria
• Past Secretary Victorian Crown and Bridge Society
• Member of numerous Dental and community organisations.

Dr Anthony Dickinson OAM

The ADAVB congratulates Dr Anthony John Dickinson on receiving a Medal in the Order of Australia in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Dr Dickinson received the honour in recognition of his service to dentistry as a practitioner, and as an educator in prosthodontics and to professional associations.

He has been a prominent leader of public dental administration in Victoria and is a committed teacher and community server.

Dr Dickinson graduated from The University of Melbourne and practices prosthodontics in Melbourne.

He was elected to the Dental Practice Board of Victoria in 1990, the beginning of his leadership for change in dental practice over the next 15 years, and oversaw the creation of policy which led to the introduction of mandatory infection control procedures.

As Chair of the Board, he also guided the adaptation of principles of advertising regulation that applied to plastic surgeons to the regulatory framework for dentistry. He created an environment that allowed for the objective consideration of regulatory policy, and allowed the Board to focus on community concerns. Dr Dickinson promoted the role of the Board as a strong protector of the public, especially through its focus on access to quality dental care provided by competent professionals.

Recognising this special service to dentistry, Dr Dickinson was also a recipient of the Branch’s Dentistry Achievement Award in 2012.

Dr Bruce Drysdale OAM

The ADAVB congratulates Dr Bruce Drysdale on receiving a Medal in the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Dr Drysdale received the honour in recognition of his service to dentistry, and to the community.

Dr Drysdale graduated from The University of Melbourne and practiced for over 40 years in Drouin, as a compassionate dentist committed to community affairs.

He has been involved in Rotary Clubs in both Drouin and Fitzroy for over 50 years, guiding and establishing the Drouin Golf Club and the West Gippsland Arts Centre in Warragul.

Dr Drysdale’s drive and professional knowledge saw Drouin’s water supply fluoridated in 1980, and as a result decay rates, especially for children, dropped rapidly in the area.

In 1971 he saw a need to provide a service to the public to answer questions on treatment or to address disputes with dental practitioners, thereby creating the position of Community Relations Officer (CRO) for the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB). Until 1995 Bruce was the sole CRO, working in an honorary capacity. Patients had their problems resolved in a timely manner, without the costs and stresses of the legal system. Dr Drysdale oversaw the growth of the CRO service and retired in 2010 after nearly 40 years in the position. There are now four part time CROs performing the role and the model has been replicated in other States and overseas.

Dr Drysdale served for many years on the ADAVB Council and received its highest award, Honorary Life Member, in 1980. His continued service to the profession and the community was again recognised in 2003 with the ADAVB’s Dentistry Achievement Award.

Order of Australia Honours for dentists

The ADAVB extends warm congratulations to the following dentists acknowledged for their outstanding service in the Queen's Birthday 2015 Honours List:

Dr Ralph Neller AM (Qld) for significant service to dentistry as a clinician, to improved community oral health outcomes, and to professional dental associations.

Prof Clive Wright AM (NSW) for significant service to dentistry, particularly population oral health, as an academic, educator, administrator and research scientist.

Dr Anthony Dickinson OAM (Vic) for service to dentistry as a practitioner, and as an educator in prosthodontics, and to professional associations.

Dr Bruce Drysdale OAM (Vic) for service to dentistry, and to the community.

Dr Peter McKerracher OAM (WA) for service to dentistry. to professional associations and to dental education.

Implant dentistry - survey findings

Implant dentistry is practised in restorative and surgical facets by a significant proportion of dental practitioners across the nation, according to an Adelaide University survey.

However, despite undertaking continuing professional development on the subject, some general practitioners may be practising beyond their scope, as determined by their relevant education levels.

The electronic survey of general dental practitioners and specialists was undertaken by Yin N Guo, Lindsay C Richards, James E Dudley and Richard M Logan, of the School of Dentistry at The University of Adelaide.  ADAVB members participated in the study.

The authors say that their report, Implant dentistry in Australia: The present and future, may assist in the development of education programs in this field.  A summary of this report will appear in the August edition of the Branch Newsletter, The Victorian Dentist.

Opposition leader hears from dentist on impact of budget cuts

Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Bill Shorten and Shadow Health Minister the Hon. Catherine King (pictured) heard first hand from dentists when they visited a dental practice in Canberra recently about the impact on children's oral health of the proposed cuts to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) and public dental services. 

Immediate past Vice President of the Australian Dental Association, Dr Carmelo Bonanno, welcomed Mr Shorten, Ms King and local member for Canberra, the Hon. Gai Brodtmann to his practice to give them a first-hand experience of what the cuts will mean. 

Read more: Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association website

Melbourne Dental School's new Head, Prof Mike Morgan

ADAVB congratulates Professor Mike Morgan on his appointment as Head of the Melbourne Dental School.

Prof Morgan has been actively involved in ADAVB and ADA Inc. He is also a Board member of eviDent, a dental practice-based research network, which is supported by the Branch.

He holds the Chair of Population Oral Health, at the Melbourne Dental School, and has been Acting Head of School since last January. He has been involved in dental education and research, both in Australia and internationally.

Prof Morgan is a Program Leader in the Oral Health CRC based at the School. His principal teaching responsibility is in population oral health, focusing on oral disease causation in relation to common risk factors and disease prevention at a population level - with an emphasis on community water fluoridation. He has a strong research background and interest in the causes and prevention of oral disease, economic evaluation and clinical trials of dental caries preventive agents.

Currently appointed to the Board of VicHealth, he is President of the Australian Dental Council Board of Governors. Prof Morgan also chairs the Health Professions Accreditation Councils’ Forum, representing all entities appointed under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme to accredit health profession education programs in Australia.

The Dean of the Medicine, Dentistry and Health Services Faculty, Professor Stephen K Smith, said: “This is an excellent appointment and recognises Mike’s work in research and teaching, and his leadership roles within the dental profession”.