ADA advocacy pays off with Senate Inquiry into PHI announced

The ADA's hard work behind the scenes on private health insurance with the Nick Xenophon Team over the last 18 months has paid off in impressive fashion with a motion to establish a Senate Inquiry into private health insurance expected to be tabled today.

It's a significant development that also follows the ADA's time2switch advocacy campaign.

To find out more about the proposed Senate inquiry, go to Major advance for ADA in tackling private health insurance issues, on the ADA website.

Source: www.ada.org.au

The ADA joins the call for a tax on sugary drinks

The Australian Dental Association is among 10 leading health and community organisations asking the Federal Government to introduce a tax on sugary drinks.

The group of organisations signed a joint position statement calling for a health levy on sugary drinks.

Sugary drink consumption can lead to tooth decay, and it increases the risk of other health problems such as obesity.

The proposed levy on sugary drinks forms part of a comprehensive approach to fighting Australia’s growing obesity epidemic, with obesity an established risk factor for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and certain cancers.

The group proposes the revenue generated from the levy be used to support public education campaigns and initiatives to prevent chronic disease and address childhood obesity. 

The 10 organisations – all partners of the Rethink Sugary Drink campaign ­– are:

• The Australian Dental Association
• Cancer Council Australia
• Dental Hygienists Association of Australia
• Diabetes Australia
• The Heart Foundation
• Kidney Health Australia
• Obesity Policy Coalition
• Stroke Foundation
• Parents’ Voice
• YMCA. 

Read the media release.

Learn more about the Rethink Sugary Drink campaign.

How the ADAVB and BOQ Specialist can help fund your CPD

Do you work in private practice? Don't miss the exclusive ADAVB member opportunity to receive $10,000 for your practice’s continuing professional development (CPD) needs.

The ADAVB BOQ Specialist CPD Practice Bursary aims to recognise and support dental practices for their commitment to quality learning through CPD for all practitioners and professional staff in their practice.

Open to private dental practices where the principal owner is an ADAVB member, the bursary consists of a grant valued at $10,000, of which:

• $2,000 is to be applied to any ADAVB CPD courses 
• $8,000 is to be applied to CPD and/or training programs of other providers 

The ADAVB and BOQ Specialist have awarded this practice bursary each year since 2015. Last year, Dr Monica O’Malley was awarded the bursary.

Download the Application Guidelines to learn how to apply, and ensure you submit your application by 5pm on Wednesday 31 May 2017 to be eligible.

Photo: (from left) BOQ Specialist Victorian Manager Diane Stewart, BOQ Specialist CEO Dr Brett Robinson, ADAVB CPD Committee Chair Dr Ben Keith, 2016 bursary awardee Dr Monica O’Malley and two dental staff, and 2016 ADAVB President Dr Stephen Liew.

Apply now for ADAVB's 2017 Mentoring Program

Every year the ADAVB runs a Mentoring Program for its members. This year’s program will be kicking off in May.

The Mentoring Program is offered as an exclusive service free to ADAVB members. Recently registered dentists (mentees) are paired with experienced dentists who will act as their mentor. 

Mentors provide support to their mentees and contribute to their professional and personal development over a six-month period – with an optional additional six months for those who would like to continue their mentoring relationship informally.

The ADAVB Mentoring Program fosters an environment where dentists are working together to support and assist one another in their drive to be great dental practitioners. Mentees gain support and guidance from an experienced practitioner. But it’s not just the mentees who benefit. Mentors gain:

• Exposure to fresh perspectives and ideas
• Recognition as a leader and expert in their field
• The opportunity to develop their personal leadership and coaching styles.

Register your expression of interest now to participate in the program – applications close 1 April 2017.

Click here for more information and to register your expression of interest. 

         

Rebuilding smiles for domestic violence victims on International Women’s Day

As part of International Women’s Day the Australian Dental Association Foundation's Rebuilding Smiles program is calling on the public to help dental volunteers provide much needed dental care to women and children who have suffered domestic violence.

Mr David Owen, Chair of the ADAF, said “Victims and survivors of domestic violence all need support so they can have a fresh start to their lives. International Women’s Day’s #BeBoldForChange theme says that we, as a community, can be part of this change”.

Rebuilding Smiles provides free oral health care to the victims of domestic violence through its network of dental volunteers.

More information:
Media release- ADA Inc website
ADAF website

Become a Rebuilding Smiles Partner or make a financial contribution
info@adaf.org.au

Source: 
ADA Inc website/News and Media, 7 March 2017

ADA succeeds in widening scope of National Rural Health Commissioner

The ADA has succeeded in widening the scope of the newly-announced National Rural Health Commissioner to include both dental health and the dental workforce.

Established as part of Government reforms to regional and rural health in Australia, this newly-created position is intended to act as an independent, high-profile advocate for health issues in remote, rural and regional areas.

When it emerged that the National Rural Health Commissioner's position would cover nursing, indigenous health, mental health, midwifery and allied health, but not dentistry, the ADA moved quickly to ensure that the important role dental health plays in the maintenance of overall good health would be acknowledged on this list.

Pictured above on the occasion of this decision are Assistant Minister for Health, The Hon Dr David Gillespie, and ADA Inc Deputy CEO, Eithne Irving.

Source: ADA website, February 2017
Find out more: ADA succeeds in widening scope of National Rural Health Commissioner