ADAVB Inc. Blog

Greens dental deal on health rebate

2012-02-15T14:39:00.003+11:00

The Federal Government has bought the support of the Greens to vote for its private health means test bill by pledging $165 million for dental care for low-income Australians over three years. The promise will be funded by an increase to the Medicare levy surcharge for higher income earners. ADA President Dr Shane Fryer described the sum as being nowhere near enough and it should be considered a deposit because $11 billion was needed to provide dental access to low income earners. Although Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said yesterday that “about 20% of Australians” say “that they’ve got poor … dental health”, this figure seems short as some 30% of the population have health cards.

Dental hygienists can treat DVA patients

2012-02-15T14:13:00.001+11:00

Dental hygienists can resume treating people eligible under the Department of Veterans Affairs scheme. This follows ADA meeting with Department officers and the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Mr Warren Snowdon.To overcome the logjam that would be caused by funding for preventive dental services being restricted to dentists and dental specialists, the Repatriation Commission and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission determined that services provided by dental hygienists under the direction of a dentist or dental specialist can continue for veteran patients and be legitimately claimed under DVA’s current schedule arrangements. The Department has advised ADA that this “is an interim arrangement only while DVA considers the issue of access to services provided by dental hygienists. DVA will consult with the ADA in considering ongoing arrangements and will be in touch in coming weeks to progress this further”.

Decays and delays

2012-02-14T12:27:00.006+11:00

The Herald Sun and the Leader Group of newspapers have published a story about public dental waiting lists in Victoria. The story quotes ADAVB President Associate Professor Matthew Hopcraft calling on the State Government to provide more funding for public dental services. A/Prof Hopcraft said the increase in State funding for public dental hospitals represented was 1.3% despite inflation running at 3.3%. A spokesman for Health Minister Mr David Davis acknowledged the waiting times. (Image courtesy of the Herald Sun.)

No closing date set for CDDS - Labor MP

2012-02-09T12:54:00.003+11:00

No closing date has been set for the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS), a Labor backbencher has told the House of Representatives.

Mr Daryl Melham (Banks) said “it is the Government’s intention to close down this scheme, which is not well targeted and does not provide access to dental services for those most in need”.

He claimed “that some dentists are preying on the fears of vulnerable people by claiming that the CDDS is about to be closed down without explaining that the Government intends to introduce a broader scheme”.

The Government had said that the scheme would end last December but then changed the time to be by the end of next month. With this notice, ADAVB has advised members to alert patients that when the CDDS is closed, benefits under it will probably end immediately, possibly leaving them with unfinished work for which they will not be receiving funding.

Mr Melham claimed that “the Government’s proposed Commonwealth Dental Health Program, when implemented, will be better targeted and provide additional dental services for pensioners and concession card holders”.

Recall notice issued on DIY teeth whitening kits

2012-02-07T08:23:00.005+11:00

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, David Bradbury yesterday signed a Consumer Protection Notice ordering a company to recall two do-it-yourself teeth whitening kits to protect consumers from high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide that may cause chemical burns to a user’s mouth and gums.
The products recalled are ‘Bright White Express – Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit’ and ‘Proteethwhitening – Professional Teeth Whitening Pen’, both supplied by Pro Teeth Whitening (Aust) Pty Limited.
“These products contain the bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide in higher concentrations than the recognised safe limits as set out in the Poisons Standard 2011 and are unsafe for DIY teeth whitening,” Mr Bradbury said. Following negotiations with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, 22 teeth whitening products with unsafe levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide have already been voluntarily recalled by eight other suppliers since last December.Consumers are advised to cease using these products immediately and visit the Recalls Australia for more information on returning the goods for replacement or refund.
The President of the ADA, Dr Shane Fryer, said: “The ADA has been continuously calling upon the Australian Government to take further action to protect the public from these products. Teeth whitening/bleaching is an irreversible procedure on the human teeth which therefore needs to be closely monitored to ensure no long-term damage is sustained. The use of teeth whitening procedures involving products with high levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide should therefore only be used by a registered dental practitioner with education, training and competence in teeth whitening/bleaching. The ADA is pleased that the Parliamentary Secretary Bradbury is taking stronger action to ensure that these products that have unsafe concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are not accessible to the public, and, where appropriate, can only be used by suitably qualified professionals”.

Most children on track for good oral health behaviours

2012-02-02T11:08:00.002+11:00

Most Australian children engage in oral health behaviours that are in line with Australian guidelines on the use of fluoride products, according to a new report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The report, Dental health behaviours among children 2002-2004: the use of fluoride toothpaste, fluoride tablets and drops, and fluoride mouthrinse, presents the results of a study of almost 17,500 children aged 5-15 from Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The study found that 99% of children brushed their teeth with toothpaste, with more than two-thirds brushing the recommended two times a day.

Universal dental scheme an aspiration, not a commitment - Abbott

2012-01-31T13:53:00.005+11:00

Federal Opposition Leader Mr Tony Abbott today told the National Press Club that Medicare funded dentistry is an aspiration – not a commitment.
He said that a universal dental program would cost more than $4 billion.
“It’s the kind of initiative that can’t responsibly be implemented until the budget returns to strong surplus but it’s the kind of social dividend that should motivate the economic changes that Australia needs,” Mr Abbott said.
He said: “One of my final acts as health minister was to establish the Medicare dental scheme to give people on chronic disease care plans access to up to $4000 worth of dental treatment every two years: not check-ups but treatment. I always envisaged that this would be the precursor to putting dental services more generally on Medicare. The advantage of Medicare funding is that it supports treatment by private health professionals who don’t have to bulk-bill so there are still price signals to discourage excessive use. The Medicare system respects the crucial difference between helping to fund services that are privately provided and government directly delivering them. The big problem with Medicare, as it stands, is that it supports treatment for every part of the body except the mouth. People sometimes spend years on Medicare-funded antibiotics because they can’t get Medicare-funded dentistry. One-in-three Australians say that they’ve avoided dental treatment because they can’t afford it”.
Greens' spokesperson for dental health, Senator Richard Di Natale, welcomed Mr Abbott's dental plan, but said that people want a commitment, not just aspirations.

Snapshot of Victorians' health

2012-01-30T14:11:00.001+11:00

Australians don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables, and more and more are becoming obese or developing diabetes, according to the latest Victorian Population Health Survey just released. Victorians have improved their smoking habits, have kept steady on abusing alcohol and maintained a reasonable level of physical fitness, the Minister for Health, Mr David Davis, said. He said most of Victorians think they are on top of their personal health, with more than eight-in -10 reporting their health as excellent, very good or good. Mr Davis said the snapshot, based on a detailed survey of around 7500 adults, showed there were areas where we could all do better.

Direct dental care to those most in need - ADA

2012-01-27T15:25:00.005+11:00

The Australian Dental Association today presented its pre-Budget submission to the Treasurer, Mr Swan. ADA’s submission notes that health spending costs have continued to rise as a proportion of GDP, due in no small part to societal expectations, the increasing burden of disease, the ageing population and the costs of new and developing technology.
This year’s Budget must contain dental health expenditure at responsible levels - the best way to do this is to direct resources to those most in need and encourage people to take ownership of their own dental health and well-being, ADA says.

Senate recommendations on AHPRA - Government responds

2012-01-25T16:53:00.002+11:00

The Federal Government today released its response to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee on the administration of health practitioner registration by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
The committee made 10 recommendations – five were directed to AHPRA and five to the Government. The Government Senators disagreed with the findings of the majority report.
The Government’s responses are:
Recommendation 3 – undertake a regular review of overseas trained health practitioners. The Government will raise this matter with the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council/Standing Council of Health.
Recommendation 6 – improve the accountability of AHPRA. The Government noted the recommendation. The AHPRA annual report is tabled in each parliament of Australia.
Recommendation 8 – amend the National Law to provide AHPRA with a discretion to grant a grace period where a health practitioner faces registration as a result of administrative error by the agency. The Government does not support this recommendation. The Government says that the legislation provides for a grace period of one month and also provides for extensions. AHPRA now has a special procedure allowing continuity of registration for practitioners who face administrative difficulties with renewals. The Government says that AHPRA has improved the management of registration enquiries.
Recommendation 9 – provide further practicing classifications for practitioners in academic institutions and for those who practise in a limited manner. The Government noted the recommendation. It is possible for standard requirements for Limited and Provisional registration to be modified. Under the scheme, all registration standards are to be reviewed every three years or earlier if necessary.
Recommendation 10 – review the mandatory notifications requirements and take into account the WA model of mandatory reporting. The Government noted the recommendation. The need to review mandatory reporting regulations is best determined once adequate data is available.

CPI unchanged

2012-01-25T13:22:00.002+11:00

The Consumer Price Index was unchanged in the December quarter 2011, compared with a rise of 0.6% in the September quarter 2011.
The health group was the second largest negative contributor to the quarterly movement recording falls in all cities but was offset by dental services rising +0.7%.
The CPI rose 3.1% through the year to the December quarter 2011, compared with a rise of 3.5% through the year to the September quarter 2011.

ACOSS calls for a national oral health program

2012-01-12T08:41:00.001+11:00

The Australian Council of Social Service has called for a national oral health program in place of the Medicare Chronic Disease Dental Scheme and the Teen Dental Program. In its pre-Budget submission to the Federal Government, ACOSS says that these schemes have not stopped the growing gap in oral health between the advantaged and disadvantaged.

"Fat tax" on soft drinks would fight obesity - UK study

2011-12-22T12:38:00.002+11:00

A “fat tax” on sugary drinks would help stop increasing rates of obesity, according to study published in the latest British Journal of Nutrition. The BJN study analyses trends in consumption of all drinks by both children and adults in Britain between 1986 and 2009. It estimates the likely impact of a 10% increase in the price of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). "In testing taxation as an option for shifting beverage purchase patterns, we calculate that a 10% increase in the price of SSBs could potentially result in a decrease of 7.5ml per capita per day," the study says. A similar 10% hike in the cost of full-fat milk would also reduce consumption of it by 5ml per person per day and increased intake of reduced fat milk by 7ml per head every day, it adds.
One of the four authors of the report is Professor Susan Jebb, an eminent nutrition specialist who has been the British Government's main adviser on obesity since 2007. British Prime Minister David Cameron said in October that the Coalition would consider following Denmark which days earlier introduced a "fat tax" on foods containing more than 2.3% saturate fat as a way of minimising the rising medical harm and financial cost to its health service caused by obesity.

Keeping your 'two front teeth' and all the rest this Christmas

2011-12-21T14:05:00.002+11:00

The Australian Dental Association and the Australian Medical Association today joined forces to heighten community awareness of the importance of dental care as part of overall personal health and wellbeing.

The two organisations say that most people, including children, increase their consumption of sugary foods and drinks over Christmas and the holiday season. And that refined foods, such as crackers and chips, might also have a high carbohydrate or sugar content.

Speaking of sugary foods and drinks, AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said: “Poor diet is one of the major contributors to tooth erosion, with soft drink and fruit juice being very significant”.

ADA President, Dr Shane Fryer, said that “consumption of these drinks should be limited, but drinking water is the best option”.

They advised:

* For children, foods such as cheese and nuts are better snacks for dental health - these should all be consumed in moderation and washed down with water.

* While it may be difficult to cut out sugary foods, snacks and soft drinks, ideally they should only be consumed occasionally and it is important that good oral hygiene practices are followed – daily flossing and brushing reduces the risk of tooth decay.

Dental practitioner registration deadline 31 December

2011-12-21T09:45:00.002+11:00

Dental practitioners who did not renew their registration by 30 November but wish to keep practising have until 31 December to apply to renew. The renewal can be done online but a late payment fee will be charged in addition to the registration renewal fee.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency sent reminders to dental practitioners who missed the 30 November deadline. Any dental practitioner who does not contact AHPRA before close of business on 3 January 2012 must be removed from the national Register of Dental Practitioners (the deadline to renew has been extended because the due date falls on a weekend, followed by a public holiday). Unregistered dental practitioners cannot practice in Australia.

Aged care sector prepares for e-Health records

2011-12-19T14:52:00.000+11:00

Preparations for electronic health records continue with the announcement today that vendors are invited to help prepare the aged care sector for the introduction of the Commonwealth Government’s personally controlled electronic health records (eHealth) system. The Government is bringing together software vendors and aged care providers to ensure facilities across the nation are given the right information, software and tools to adopt and operate the e-Health record system when it launches nationally next July. The eHealth record has the potential to transform and improve the delivery of health care for older Australians, the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mr Mark Butler, said.

Support for dentists to move to the country

2011-12-16T16:18:00.002+11:00

The Victorian Government’s Rural and Regional Health Plan – released today – says that the Government will give support to dental practitioners to move from metropolitan areas to rural and regional communities. The document says that this initiative will help clinicians and their families who incur high costs in relocating and establishing a practice in the country. The Government says that it will also work with the Australian Dental Association and other professional bodies to address workforce gaps and make better use of existing workforce capabilities in public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
Last May the Government released the Victorian Health Priorities Framework 2012–2022, which provides the blueprint for the planning and development priorities for the Victorian healthcare system for the coming decade. The framework provides the foundation for the Rural and Regional Health Plan. The Government says that the framework has been applied to the rural and regional health system to drive the development of key actions that will deliver services in rural and regional Victoria that are more responsive to people’s needs and rigorously informed and informative.

Greens caution Minister on dental reform

2011-12-14T15:06:00.000+11:00

Greens’ spokesperson for health, Senator Richard Di Natale, today cautioned the new Minister for Health, Tanya Plibersek, on dental reform.
“We agree with Minister Plibersek that the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme needs reform, but I would caution the Minister against trying to close down the scheme,” he said.
“The CDDS has helped thousands of Australians receive dental treatment that they otherwise would be unable to afford. We know that 80 per cent of those people who have accessed the scheme are concession card holders so it is largely reaching Australians who are most in need.
“The Chronic Disease Scheme is the platform for a universal Denticare scheme and the Greens will not support the closure of the scheme until something better is in its place.
“Medicare data does not support the new Health Minister’s comments that the scheme is being rorted. Almost all non compliance has been due to minor administrative errors and I genuinely hope that dentists are not being unfairly targeted as a way of discrediting a worthwhile scheme.”

Medicare to release new compliance program

2011-12-14T11:53:00.002+11:00

Medicare will soon release a new compliance program. Called the Health and Aged Care Compliance Program, it replaces the National Compliance Program and will include claims made under the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme. Medicare says the new program “will continue building on effective education, stakeholder engagement, risk detection and analysis initiatives to combat non-compliance and potentially fraudulent behaviours”.

New Health Minister won't commit to Denticare

2011-12-13T09:33:00.001+11:00

Newly appointed Health Minister Tanya Plibersek acknowledged today that dental health services for poor Australians are inadequate but refused to commit to a universal dental health care scheme.
She told ABC News 24: "I'm not going to start making up policy on the spot. I need to talk to the States and Territories; I need to talk to the stakeholders in this area."
Labor promised to consider investment in dental care as part of a deal with the Greens in return for the minor party's support for the minority government.
The Greens want the Government to commit $5 billion to the so-called Denticare scheme in next year's budget.

Cabinet reshuffles impacts on health sector

2011-12-12T14:06:00.001+11:00

Today’s reshuffle of the Federal Government Ministry and Cabinet impacts on the health sector. With Nicola Roxon being moved from Health to Attorney-General, Tanya Plibersek becomes Health Minister. As Minister for Human Services, Ms Plibersek was responsible for Medicare Australia. The new Human Services Minister is Brendan O’Connor.

Teenagers urged to have free dental check-ups

2011-12-09T16:01:00.002+11:00

Medicare Teen Dental Plan vouchers sent to households with eligible teenagers for this calendar year must be used by 31 December. Under the plan, families can claim up to $159.85 this year for eligible teenagers aged 12-17 years, towards the cost of an annual preventive dental check-up. Vouchers should be presented - along with the Medicare card – to the dentist to get a check-up. Some dentists will bulk bill for the services – others will ask for upfront payment which can be reclaimed like any other Medicare benefit, Human Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said today. More than 270,000 services worth over $42 million have been claimed in the first 10 months of this year. For more information about the plan, go to www.medicare.gov.au or call 132 011.

ACCC acts on unsafe teeth-whiteners

2011-12-09T11:27:00.003+11:00

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announced today that it has acted to stop the supply of do-it-yourself teeth-whiteners containing unsafe concentrations of peroxide. The ACCC identified a number of products which exceed safe peroxide limits,and has negotiated the following recalls to remove these products from the marketplace: Three products supplied by White My Bite: •White My Bite" Sensitive •White My Bite Professional, and •White My Bite Advanced kits; Four products supplied by WhiteSmile Pty Ltd: •DayWhite Teeth Whitening Gel •NiteWhite Teeth Whitening Gel •Sunshine Health Teeth Whitening Gel, and •Crest Teeth Whitening Strips; Two products supplied by DaVinci Elite Pty Ltd: •DaVinci Elite tooth whitening pen and DaVinci Elite take-home teeth whitening kit. The ACCC says that further recalls are likely.

The ACCC recently notified all known suppliers of DIY teeth whitening kits that products containing concentrations of more than 6% hydrogen peroxide or more than 18% carbamide peroxide are unsafe and should not be supplied to consumers. The ACCC undertook a market survey of DIY teeth-whitening kits after receiving reports of injuries associated with these products. Safe limits for active bleaching agents are based on the requirements of the Poisons Standard 2011, expert clinical advice published by the Australian Dental Association and a scientific risk assessment published by the European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Products. For more information on product safety generally, visit www.productsafety.gov.au, call the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502, or use Twitter@ProductSafetyAU.

The state of oral health in Australia

2011-12-07T13:51:00.002+11:00

The Oral health and dental care in Australia: key facts and figures 2011 report – released today - summarises the most up-to-date information available on the oral health and dental visiting of the Australian population. Data have been sourced from surveys managed by the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health and administrative data sets managed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Interim dental health report received

2011-12-07T12:04:00.002+11:00

The interim report on dental health reform options from the independent National Advisory Council on Dental Health has been received by the Minister for Health and Ageing Ms Nicola Roxon and Greens Health spokesperson Senator Richard Di Natale. The interim report will now be considered and further discussions with the Council will follow before the report is finalised. The interim report will not be publicly released but the final report will be. The National Advisory Council on Dental Health was established last September to provide expert advice on dental health issues, including looking at the current mix and coverage of dental services in order to provide advice on future needs and priorities for reform. Establishing the Council was part of a $53.1 million Commonwealth Government boost to dental services announced in the last Budget. In addition to creating the Council, the Government is funding a voluntary dental internship program for 150 interns to consolidate and expand dental graduates’ basic skills and improve community access to dental services.

Dental scheme to continue until 31 March

2011-12-02T14:57:00.003+11:00

The Chronic Disease Dental Scheme will continue until at least 31 March next year, according to the Federal Treasurer, Mr Swan. In last week’s Mid-Year Economical and Fiscal Outlook, he said: “Medicare Services payments .. are expected to increase by $231 million in 2011/12, primarily stemming from the extension of the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme to 31 March 2012 as a result of the Senate disallowing the determination to close the Scheme. The closure of the CDDS remains the Government’s policy”.

The scheme was to have finished at the end of this month but the Coalition and the Greens have twice blocked legislation to end the CDDS. Last month the Coalition and the Greens combined to pass a motion in the Senate calling for the Government to provide details about dentists being audited for allegedly breaching requirements of the scheme. The documents have to be presented to the Senate by 7 February.

In the meantime the National Advisory Commmittee on Dental Health (NACDH), which was appointed by Health MinisterRoxon to advise on the new Commonwealth Dental Program and dental workforce issues, has submitted its report, and we await the Government's response.

ADA welcomes Senate calling for dental scheme report

2011-11-28T09:57:00.002+11:00

The Australian Dental Association Inc. has welcomed the Senate calling on the Federal Government to present a full report on the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme to the Chamber next February.

The Coalition and the Greens combined last Thursday to pass a motion demanding that the Government provide a full report of the actions taken against the 41 dentists that so far have been found to be non-compliant with the scheme, the options considered by Medicare and the reasons for the course of action decided on. The Government has to report back to the Senate by 7 February - the first sitting day of the New Year.

In a media release issued on 25 November, ADA Inc. President Dr Shane Fryer, said: “We have repeatedly stated that it is grossly unfair for the Government to demand full repayment of the costs of much-needed dental care from dentists when they have genuinely provided services to needy patients".

“Yet Medicare has persisted in issuing this extreme penalty rather than a more suitable punishment, such as a small fine, more in keeping with a minor indiscretion like failing to complete some or all of the administrative components of the scheme”.

Senate demands report on dental scheme

2011-11-24T16:29:00.002+11:00

Coalition and Greens Senators combined today to pass a motion for Medicare to provide details on actions taken against dentists who have been found to be non-compliant under the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme.
Medicare has to produce the report by 7 February – the first day the Senate sits next year.
The motion, moved by Senator Fierravanti-Wells (Liberal, NSW), calls for the full report from Medicare on:
(i) the actions taken against the 41 dentists so far found to be non-compliant with the scheme,
(ii) the options available to Medicare in each case,
(iii) the options considered by Medicare in each case, and
(iv) reasons for the course of action decided on.
The motion stresses that the Senate holds grave concerns regarding the actions of Medicare against dental practitioners for apparent minor and technical breaches of the scheme; and calls on the Government to convey these concerns to Medicare.
The motion states that Medicare has completed only 62 audits of the 11,469 dentists who have participated in the scheme. Of these audits, 41 dentists have been found to be non-compliant with the scheme.
Currently between 419 and 556 audits are in process, according to the motion.

Dentistry recognised in Public Healthcare Awards

2011-11-18T12:38:00.007+11:00

A team from Dental Health Services Victoria, The University of Melbourne and La Trobe University has been awarded a prestigious Victorian Public Healthcare Award for their efforts to improve community access to dental services.
The Victorian Minister for Health, Mr David Davis awarded Adjunct Prof Hanny Calache, Director of Clinical Leadership, Education and Research at DHSV and his team,with the Developing a Capable and Engaged Workforce Award for a project that focused on expanding the scope of practice of dental therapists.
The project resulted in dental therapists being able to treat patients aged 26 years and over.
Chief Executive Officer of DHSV, Dr Deborah Cole, said: “This project is a great example of public health professionals working together to address challenges”.
The team consisted of:
• Adjunct Prof Calache, Dr Julie Shaw, Dr Valda Groves, Ms Julie Butcher, Ms Deidre Mackechnie (DHSV)
• A/Prof Rodrigo Mariño, Prof Mike Morgan, A/Prof Julie Satur, A/Prof Matthew Hopcraft , who is also ADAVB President (University of Melbourne)
• A/Prof Mark Gussy (La Trobe University).
Pictured (from left) DHSV representatives Ms Kellie-Ann Jolly (Board member), Ms Julie Butcher, Dr Julie Shaw, Adjunct Professor Calache, Dr Valda Groves and Dr Cole.

People will be able to follow DHSV's Annual General Meeting next Thursday on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/_dhsv

Public consultation on national safety and quality goals

2011-11-10T15:21:00.002+11:00

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is undertaking public consultation to identify a small number of national safety and quality goals. It is anticipated that the goals will address issues regarding the prevention of harm, the delivery of appropriate care and achievement of desired outcomes, and the experience of the patient in the health system. A discussion paper has been prepared for public consultation with this process ending early next February. A final set of goals will be developed by the end of March.

Campaign to fight childhood dental decay

2011-11-09T09:16:00.003+11:00

To raise awareness about early childhood dental decay, the Australian Dental Association has launched a community health initiative to help parents and carers of babies and toddlers with tips and guidelines on preventive oral healthcare. ADA will post new fact sheets on the website http://www.babyteeth.com.au/, which will include tips on looking after children’s first teeth, guidelines on when and how to start cleaning a child’s teeth and gums, first aid advice for a dental injury and dietary recommendations for healthy teeth for life.

The Greens launch vision of Denticare

2011-11-08T08:36:00.001+11:00

The Greens have launched their vision for a universal dental care scheme. Leader Senator Bob Brown and the party’s health spokesman Senator Richard Di Natale announced a five year plan to bring dental care under Medicare, starting with the most needy.

“The cost of dental treatment has created an oral health crisis in Australia,” Senator Di Natale said. He said that more than half the population has poor oral health and a third of Australians report not going or delaying visits to the dentist because of the high out-of-pocket expense.

Senator Di Natale said that with the Government framing the next Budget, the Greens will be pushing for the first stage of Medicare funded dentistry.

Report on health expenditure for Indigenous Australians in remote areas

2011-11-02T09:58:00.005+11:00

About 2% of health expenditure on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote areas goes to dental services, according to a report released today. With community health services accounting for 22% of expenditure, dental services is ranked 7th.

The report, Expenditure on health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2008-09: an analysis by remoteness and disease, looks at selected categories of health spending—patients admitted to public and private hospitals, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, the Medicare Benefits Schedule and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

In the category of potentially preventable hospitalisations, dental conditions was ranked third with 5.4 per 1000 people needing to be admitted to hospitals. The highest rate of hospitalisation was for diabetes complications - 8.5.

In remote and very remote areas, health spending on selected health services per person is about $2.41 for Indigenous Australians for every $1.00 spent on non-Indigenous Australians, according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. This is considerably higher than the $1.39 to $1.00 Indigenous to non-Indigenous health expenditure per-person ratio for health services in Australia.

Warning on Botox courses

2011-10-28T17:04:00.002+11:00

Dentists are being targeted to enrol in Botox and dermal fillers courses which are currently being run in various Australian locations, including Melbourne. Dentists putting into practice information from such courses to provide treatments need to consider whether they will be in breach of the Dental Board of Australia’s Interim Policy on Botox.

They should also note that if they provide these treatments outside the guidelines in the DBA's Interim Policy, they will not be covered by professional indemnity insurance.

Practitioners providing such cosmetic treatments also need to comply with relevant laws such as drugs and poisons legislation and regulations.

Revamp for Medicare?

2011-10-28T16:33:00.001+11:00

The Commonwealth Government is considering reviewing Medicare, which costs $17 billion a year.
Health Minister Nicola Roxon this week floated the idea of revamping the universal healthcare scheme to ensure its continuation.

A report released today could galvanise Government thinking about reviewing Medicare which aims to "provide fair and affordable" healthcare. A study by the Australia Institute found that Australians' out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare has risen from $497 a year in 1999 to $900 a decade later and now accounts for 2.8% of household expenditure.

Ms Roxon floated the idea of reviewing Medicare at the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia conference. She said: “To keep it working well for patients into the future, maybe doctors and the community at large will need to consider how they can play a role in keeping the Medicare Benefits Scheme up to date and sustainable”.

Ms Roxon also spoke of her frustration with Medicare’s Chronic Disease Dental Scheme, saying it was “poorly targeted” and was costing more than four times its original estimate.
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Draft guides for dental practices released

2011-10-19T10:55:00.003+11:00

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released its draft guides for health services. They have been developed for use in dental practices, hospitals and day procedure services. As dentists can comment on the draft guides, ADAVB invites members to provide their thoughts to CEO Garry Pearson – garry.pearson@adavb.org – by 10 November so that they can be fed into a submission being prepared by ADA Inc.

Minister Plibersek maintains Medicare CDDS line

2011-10-13T13:50:00.000+11:00

Health Services Minister Tanya Plibersek says that Medicare has to follow the law in managing the Chronic Dental Disease Scheme. In a hard hitting interview by MTR’s Luke Grant, the Minister said: “We don’t have an option to ignore the law”.

The radio interview outlined the case against the demanding auditing of the scheme which was made by two Melbourne dentists last week.

Ms Plibersek said that lack of knowledge about the scheme was not an excuse.

Several times in the course of the interview the Minister seemed under pressure. She said that of Australia’s approximately 11,000 dentists, 62 had been audited with 41 not complying with the scheme’s requirements and 41 being let off.

Ms Plibersek said that about 700 dentists had come to the attention of Medicare “because of very high billing” and they would be looked at “methodically”.

She also made reference to the advocacy efforts of ADA concerning the scheme and its impact on dentists.

She avoided the key issue however, that it is unreasonable to bankrupt a practitioner for minor breaches of red tape procedure.

Greens' Senator queries Government

As a matter of public interest, Senator Richard Di Natale (Greens, Victoria) yesterday raised the matter in the Senate. He said "the Government has tried to close the scheme twice and is now targetting dentists through Medicare audits, which is causing serious concerns among many dentists who have provided services through the CDDS". He also spoke of the poor dental health of the nation, saying that is an "epidemic".

Lay off 'innocent' dentists - Greens

2011-10-11T17:52:00.001+11:00

Greens’ Health spokesperson Senator Richard Di Natale, has urged the Government to stop targeting innocent dentists who have provided important services through the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme. He said that the reports of rorting are being beaten up and innocent dentists are being tarred with the same brush.
“It’s clear that a small number of dentists have behaved unethically and deserve to be penalised for their actions,” Senator Di Natale said
“A large number of dentists who have made minor administrative errors have been caught up in these audits and don’t deserve to be punished in the same way. In some cases dentists have provided important treatment to eligible patients but have not written a care plan, a minor administrative oversight.
“The CDDS has provided people with serious medical illnesses access to important dental treatment but I’m concerned that government is discrediting a worthwhile scheme as cover for their long held plans to end it.
“The government should be expanding Medicare funded dentistry rather than trying to undermine it.”

Release of draft eHealth legislation

2011-09-30T16:45:00.003+10:00

The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, today released the draft eHealth records legislation for public consultation.

The draft legislation outlines the process by which consumers, health care organisations and data repositories will register to be part of the eHealth system. It also will establish a new independent advisory council to advise the Government on the operation of the system.

This legislation will underpin the strict security regime being established to protect the privacy of patients using the eHealth system. A benefit of eHealth is making medical information much more secure and private than paper based records.

People will be able to register for a personally controlled eHealth record from next July.

Comments on the legislation will be open until Friday 28 October. Final legislation will be introduced into Parliament later this year.

ADA supports Senate move on Medicare audits

2011-09-26T10:51:00.002+10:00

The Australian Dental Association says Medicare ‘s aggressive action taken over absent paperwork for a dental scheme is placing a number of dentists under financial strain and potentially the threat of bankruptcy.

In a media release issued today, the Association called on the Federal Government to instruct Medicare to stop pursuing dentists who have provided quality care to patients within the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme but made errors completing administration requirements.

ADA welcomed the Senate passing a motion requiring the Government to detail the Medicare audits of dentists who have provided services under the scheme.

UN asked to look at food and beverage industries

2011-09-26T10:01:00.002+10:00

Some 138 non-governmental organisations and public health bodies have signed a Statement of Concern, asking the United Nations, ahead of its Summit on Non-Communicable Diseases, to hold accountable those in the food and beverage industry "whose products and marketing contribute substantially to the development of NCDs that kill 36 million people every year".

The statement asserts: "There are clear conflicts for the corporations that contribute to and profit from the sales of alcoholic beverages; foods with high fat, salt, and sugar contents; and tobacco products — all of which are important causes of NCDs".

Although dental caries rarely kills people, it does cause significant pain, suffering, financial burden and decrease quality of life.

Senate calls for details on Medicare dental scheme audits

2011-09-20T14:17:00.002+10:00

The Senate yesterday passed a motion requiring the Commonwealth Government to detail the audits of dentists providing services under the Medicare Chronic Disease Dental Scheme.

The Government will have to provide information to the Senate by the end of October. This will include outlining the number of dentists who have been audited, how many have been required to repay Medicare benefits and why they have been required to do so.

The Senate has twice disallowed Government attempts to close the scheme.

International role for ADA Past President

2011-09-20T10:27:00.000+10:00

The ADA Inc. has announced that Associate Professor Neil Hewson, who is Immediate Past President of ADA and a past President of the ADA Victorian Branch, has been elected as Speaker of the General Assembly of the FDI World Dental Federation at its annual World Dental Parliament in Mexico City last week.

In this role, Associate Professor Hewson will preside at all meetings of the General Assembly of the World Dental Parliament – representing about 200 national dental associations and specialist groups - to ensure the smooth running of proceedings and to facilitate delegate participation in important worldwide oral health issues.

A/Prof Hewson is only the second Australian to hold this position.

Dentistry ignored in eHealth system - ADA

2011-09-15T13:17:00.003+10:00

Although a Government document released this week provides an overview of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR) system and how it will work, the plan fails to recognise that healthcare goes beyond medical practice, ADA President Dr Shane Fryer said today.

“Regrettably, it (Concept of Operations) does not tell dentists how they will engage with the content of their patients’ health records, as dental software vendors have not yet started work on configuring dental practice software to interact with the PCEHR,” he said.

Dr Fryer said that if patients with chronic diseases need their dentist to have access to their medical records, there is little likelihood that this will be done meaningfully. It may take another year or two after that date before dentists can routinely make use of the vital information in a patient’s health summary record, he added.

eHealth record blueprints finalised

2011-09-13T08:52:00.010+10:00

Final plans for Australia’s secure, efficient eHealth system have been released by the Commonwealth Government. The plans are contained in the document, Concept of Operations, which details the use of the personally controlled electronic health record system - a fundamental part of the move from paper-based records to secure eHealth records.

The 160-page document describes the implementation plan and consultation pathways for the electronic health system, its structure, how it will work, the security and privacy principles, and the many expected benefits of eHealth for patients, carers and healthcare professionals.

“The Concept of Operations will be used by our infrastructure partners to build the system to allow all Australians to sign up from July next year,” Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon said.

The document has been refined following the release of the draft proposal last April and extensive consultation with patient groups, health professionals (including the ADA Inc.), the software industry, and other governments.

Oral health to benefit with new research centre

2011-09-07T12:20:00.004+10:00

The new Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) was officially launched this morning at The University of Melbourne by the Minister for Industry, Innovation, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr.

The CRC, costing $31.6 million over seven years, will help address the nation’s dental health issues.

The centre will include major research projects for the development of a vaccine for the gum disease periodontitis and incorporate Recaldent™ technology into products to help prevent tooth decay.

The CEO of the centre, Laureate Professor Eric Reynolds AO, said: “The funding and support provided to the CRC by government means we can focus on innovative approaches to preventing and treating oral diseases”.

The CRC's work is organised around four research programs as follows:

Oral and systemic diseases

Prevention and early diagnosis

Reconstruction and regeneration

Intervention and management (in which one of the aims is to contribute to the eviDent Dental Practice Based Research Network)

For details about this exciting and important work visit here.

Dental Health Council announced

2011-09-05T15:36:00.010+10:00

The establishment of the National Advisory Council on Dental Health was announced today.

Headed by former senior public servant Ms Mary Murnane, the Council will provide expert advice on dental health issues. The Council will also look at the current mix and coverage of dental services in order to provide advice on future needs and priorities for future reform. ADA President Dr Shane Fryer will sit on the Council with:

Deputy Chair, Professor John Spencer, former director, Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health;

Professor Johann de Vries, Australian Council of Dental Schools;

Dr Martin Dooland, South Australian Public Dental Health Service;

Prue Power, Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association;

Adam Longshore, Bupa;

Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine, Australian Council of Social Service;

Tony McBride, Chair, Australian Health Care Reform Alliance;

Professor Hal Swerissen, La Trobe Faculty Health Science;

Julie Barker, President, Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association;

Dr Jenny May, Chair, rural health expert.

In a statement, Dr Fryer said: "The ADA hopes that the advice from the Council, which brings together representatives from public and private dental services and the education sector, will set the platform for far reaching and sustainable reforms for public oral health care service delivery in the future”.

The formation of the Council is part of the agreement between the Commonwealth Government and the Greens.

Smartphone app for health rating for packaged food

2011-09-05T11:07:00.003+10:00

A smartphone application released today shows consumers the amount of sugar, fat and salt in packaged food.

The free app uses “traffic light” ratings – red (high), amber (medium) and green (low) – for the amounts of sugars, salts and fats in these products.

The application was developed by the Obesity Policy Coalition – a group of public health agencies which includes Cancer Council Victoria and Diabetes Australia’s Victorian branch.

Oral health features in State's public health plan

2011-09-02T17:00:00.006+10:00

The State Government’s Public Health and Wellbeing Plan seeks to reduce the disparities in oral health including people living in rural and metropolitan areas. The plan - released today - sees these opportunities for progress to 2015:

include oral health promotion approaches in the update of Victoria’s oral health plan and in health promotion plans at local, state and national levels; for example, Smiles4Miles

increase oral health literacy through integrating oral health information with other health information and including oral health in school curricula, supported by the research, development and consistent use of evidence- based oral health approaches

introduce oral health policies and practices in key settings (including healthy food and drink policies and daily oral healthcare where required – such as in residential care)

target high-risk populations with prevention programs

maximise the benefits of water fluoridation to all Victorian communities

strengthen early detection of oral disease and early intervention

utilise health and welfare workers such as maternal and child health nurses and family and children’s services workers as oral health promoters (including integrating oral health into well person’s visits). This includes implementing the early intervention oral health program Healthy Families, Healthy Smiles to build the capacity of health workers working directly with young families.

New VicHealth CEO appointed

2011-08-29T15:29:00.001+10:00

Health Minister David Davis today announced the appointment of Ms Jerril Rechter as Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation - VicHealth. Currently Executive Director of Leadership Victoria, Ms Rechter will take up the role in October. Last June Mr Davis appointed Prof Mike Morgan, Deputy Head of the Melbourne Dental School, to VicHealth’s board – an appointment that pleased the dental profession because it brings opportunities to greater integrate oral health promotion in general health campaigns.

National safety and quality goals for health care

2011-08-29T12:13:00.002+10:00

As safety and quality is central to the delivery of health care, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is identifying a small number of national safety and quality goals.
The Australian Safety and Quality Goals for Health Care will describe the key safety and quality challenges in Australian health care and provide a focus for concerted and coordinated national action to improve the health system over the next five years.
A discussion paper with the draft goals will be prepared for public consultation by the end of October. The consultation process will begin in early November and continue until next February. A final set of goals will be developed by 31 March 2012.

Dentists, come to Mildura - Health Minister

2011-08-26T13:40:00.002+10:00

The Victorian Government will provide incentives for dentists to relocate to Mildura.
Health Minister David Davis said this yesterday when he met the nine fourth year dental students on placement at Sunraysia Community Health Services in Mildura.
The Budget provides $1.1 million to support dental practitioners to relocate from metropolitan locations and establish a practice in rural and regional communities.
The Government provided $5.5 million to Sunraysia Community Health Services to expand its public dental clinic, doubling the number of dental chairs to eight.

Dentists seeing few patients but providing more services

2011-08-24T12:36:00.006+10:00

Australian private general practice dentists are working fewer hours on average per year, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The time spent working has declined in recent years, after being relatively stable from 1983 to 2003.In 2003, dentists worked an average of 1713 hours per year, but in 2009, this figure was only 1564.
The report, Visits supplied in dental practice in Australia, shows the number of patient visits per dentist per hour is also lower than it has been in the past.
The decline in patient visits has been associated with an increase in the number of services provided per visit. This includes diagnostic and preventive services, and trends towards retention of natural teeth.

Patient-centred care

2011-08-22T12:44:00.003+10:00

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare is now discussing the findings of a paper on patient-centred care.
The nation’s Health Ministers noted the paper at their meeting earlier this month.
These discussions will be used to inform the Commission’s program of work in this area.
The paper is Patient Centred Care: Improving quality and safety through partnerships with patients and consumers. Following the release of the paper for public comment, the Commission received 69 submissions. There was a range of suggestions for modifications to the paper. The Commission says that has tried to include as much of the feedback as possible in the final version.
People interested in receiving a copy of the final paper should contact the Commission – mail@safetyandquality.gov.au

ADAVB applauds childhood obesity campaign

2011-08-17T10:35:00.011+10:00

ADAVB today wrote to Health Minister David Davis congratulating him and his Government on the new initiative to fight child obesity.
Noting that oral health is closely linked to general health, and oral diseases share many common risk factors with obesity, ADAVB – in the letter - encouraged the Government to embed oral health promotion in the Victorian Healthy Eating Advisory Service’s messages.
These messages could include encouraging parents to modify their child’s diet to fight obesity and help prevent tooth decay and erosion by:
• Providing a wide variety of nutritious, healthy meals and snacks, especially those rich in calcium and low in acids and sugars; and,
• Drinking plenty of tap water – especially if fluoridated. (It is essential to remain adequately hydrated, especially during summer and the best way is to drink water.)
ADAVB offered the Minister some simple but effective tips that could be included in the campaign’s messages, offering to work with his Department to further develop these messages to fit the new service so that parents and children recognise that good oral health practices will help this excellent initiative to triumph over child obesity.
The Branch also offered to promote the service via its health promotional Facebook page ‘Caring for your kid’s teeth'.

Report on dental labour force released

2011-08-10T10:37:00.005+10:00

There are some worrying trends regarding the number of dentists working in Victoria, according to a report released today.
The Australian Institute of Health Welfare report shows that Victoria has not seen any growth in full-time employed dentists between 2000 and 2006 with the rate (per 100,000 population) being stable at 50.5. This figure compares with NSW (from 55.8 to 60.4), Queensland (from 49.9 to 54.2), ACT (from 65.1 to 75.5), Tasmania (from 27.9 to 37.6), NT (from 33.3 to 44.0) and Australia overall (from 52.7 to 55.2) . This means that Victoria is falling further behind the national average. This data is prior to La Trobe University’s graduating students (commencing at the end of next year). The report also highlights that Victoria has lower than national average number of dentists working in the public sector.
Capital cities continue to have more dentists per head of population than other areas and numbers have decreased in inner regional areas, according to the report.

Do something real in Indigenous health - Minister

2011-08-09T17:32:00.003+10:00

The Minister for Indigenous Health, Mr Warren Snowdon, today encouraged nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists and other health practitioners to consider extending their careers to help provide care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders across Australia. He said a new website has been developed to share the inspiring stories of those already working to improve the health care available and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of remote health. "Working in Indigenous health can be very rewarding and challenging,” Mr Snowdon said. “Real stories by real people are shared on the website and include how doctors have helped a young boy to hear again, women overcome weight issues and people avoid the effects of diabetes."

Men - brush-up your daily dental routine

2011-08-05T08:52:00.002+10:00

New research shows that Australian men are significantly less likely than women to brush their teeth twice a day, with only 36% of men doing so every day over the last week.
This finding comes at a time when the majority of Australians do understand it is necessary to brush their teeth twice a day to maintain healthy teeth and gums, yet in practice this is not happening.
As part of Dental Health Week, Colgate - in partnership with the Australian Dental Association - is encouraging all people to brush their teeth twice a day to lessen the financial and health impacts of poor oral health habits.
ADA spokesman Dr Peter Alldritt said: “We recommend brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste in order to help fight bacteria build up”.
Although Australian men are worse at brushing their teeth twice a day every day than women, the research also showed that only a quarter of 16-24 year-olds brush twice a day every day. The research further found that unmarried Australians (36%) are significantly less likely to brush twice a day every day compared to married Australians (50%).

Report on dental health of Australian children

2011-07-29T11:39:00.004+10:00

Australia is ranked in the top third of OECD countries for the dental health of children, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The report, Headline indicators for children’s health, development and wellbeing 2011, devotes a chapter to dental health.
The report found:
• The prevalence of caries in Australian children over the past 20 years has decreased but risk factors associated with diet, hygiene and oral care remain
• Cost, access and parental awareness may contribute to children not having an oral examination until they enrol in school dental services at the age of five years
• Poor dental health is associated with low socio-economic status, one-parent families, younger or less-educated mothers, ethnicity and living in rural/remote areas. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are particularly at risk, having twice as much untreated decay as other children
• Children living in regional and remote areas are at increased risk of dental decay compared to those living in major cities
• Girls had a slightly higher mean decay, missing or filled teeth (DMFT) than boys. This could be explained by the earlier eruption of teeth among girls resulting in a longer period of exposure to decay-causing factors
• The prevalence of dental decay is lower in areas where fluoride is naturally present in the water supply or where fluoride has been added.

Dental Health Week spotlights oral cancer

2011-07-28T10:04:00.001+10:00

Dental Health Week – starting on Monday – raises awareness about oral cancer, the risk factors that contribute to it and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of getting oral cancer.
The Australian Dental Association has fact sheets and a website providing information on what to look for in your mouth, as well as the risk factors that can contribute to oral cancer. People are encouraged to talk with their dentist about the health of their mouth and their teeth.

New honour for Prof Eric Reynolds AO

2011-07-26T17:03:00.000+10:00

Melbourne Dental School head Professor Eric Reynolds AO has been appointed Melbourne Laureate Professor.

This honour, rarely bestowed, is reserved for the most distinguished members of academic staff at The University of Melbourne. It indicates the extraordinarily high standing that Prof Reynolds enjoys within the university, and nationally and internationally.

The appointment was made by The University of Melbourne Council on the recommendation of the Honours Committee, and becomes the latest in a long list of his honours and awards.

TGA transparency review released

2011-07-20T13:59:00.002+10:00

The Federal Government today released the report of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Transparency Review panel, chaired by Professor Dennis Pearce. Last November the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King, commissioned a comprehensive review of the way in which the TGA communicates its regulatory processes and decisions. The review aims to improve the organisation’s communication and transparency. With the Consumers Health Forum pressing for speedy implementation of the report’s recommendations, the Government will now consider its formal response.

Senior dentist joins VicHealth

2011-06-28T20:01:00.000+10:00

Health Minister David Davis has announced the appointment of eight new members to the board of the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), including Prof. Mike Morgan, Deputy Head of the Melbourne Dental School, Executive Director Oral Health Leadership at DHSV, and Co-Chair of the eviDent Dental Practice Based Research Network.

This is the first time a dentist has been appointed to the VicHealth Board and it signals a very welcome opportunity for a more integrated approach to oral health promotion.

The new board members are all leaders in their particular fields and bring with them specific expertise which will be used to guide VicHealth in the coming years, Minister Davis said.

The new board will continue to be lead by Jane Fenton, who has been Chair of the organisation since 2006 and a Board member since 1999. Two other existing Board members, Peter Gordon and Belinda Duarte have also had their terms extended.

Choice magazine examines tooth whitening products

2011-06-23T20:21:00.000+10:00

The June edition of Choice magazine has a feature on tooth whitening products. The article looks at various bleaching methods, offering tips and highlighting traps. It advises people doing home bleaching to first visit a dentist to get their teeth checked and cleaned, and to discuss the home whitening plans to make sure they are appropriate.
Discussing salon and kiosk services, the feature says that although they “cost less than those provided by a dentist, the industry is unregulated and the practitioners have no dental training”. The article also mentions the remineralising product Tooth Mousse, giving it “a thumbs up” saying that “it may also help keep your teeth white longer by resisting staining”.

ADAVB's new President

2011-06-22T12:48:00.001+10:00

Associate Professor Matthew Hopcraft (pictured) is the new President of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Dental Association. He started his one-year term on Monday, having been elected unopposed.

A/Prof Hopcraft is Director of Clinical Education at the Melbourne Dental School. He took over the presidency from Ballarat dentist Dr Anne Stewart who gave outstanding leadership over the past year, for which the Branch has expressed its gratitude and appreciation.

Dr Gordon Burt was elected unopposed as Vice President and is joined on the Branch’s Executive Committee by Dr Jo-Anne Cherry and Dr Bob Cvetkovic. Dr Mark Bowman continues to serve as Honorary Secretary.

AHPRA Senate Inquiry Report and response

2011-06-04T06:33:00.000+10:00

The report by the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee on 'The administration of health practitioner registration by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)', was released late yesterday.
It's ten recommendations are:
1. That AHPRA should issue a letter of apology to practitioners who were deregistered because of the problems revealed by the inquiry and, where it is established a lapse or delay in registration took place, AHPRA should reimburse practitioners for any loss of direct Medicare payments.
2. That AHPRA should rectify any situation where a practitioner is left liable due to their professional indemnity insurance lapsing, or being voided, during a period where they were deregistered by AHPRA’s administrative failings.
3. That the Commonwealth Government seek the support of the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council to undertake a regular review of the registration of overseas trained health practitioners.
4. That AHPRA establish Key Performance Indicators in relation to the registration of overseas trained health practitioners and provide detailed information on this matter in its annual report.
5. That complaints processing within AHPRA be reviewed to ensure more accurate reporting of notifications and to reduce the impact of vexatious complaints on health practitioners.
6. That the Commonwealth Government seek the support of the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council to identify and establish mechanisms to improve the accountability of AHPRA to the parliaments of all jurisdictions and the Australian public.
7. That AHPRA, as a matter of urgency, establish consultative groups with professional organisations and health providers.
8. That the Commonwealth Government seek the support of the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council to amend the National Law to provide AHPRA with a discretion to grant a grace period where a health practitioner faces deregistration as a result of administrative error by AHPRA.
9. That the Commonwealth Government seek the support of the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council to amend the National Law to provide further practicing classifications for practitioners in academic institutions and for those who practise in a limited manner.
10. That the Commonwealth Government seek the support of the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council to implement a review of the mandatory notifications requirements and in particular take into account the Western Australia model of mandatory reporting.

In a media release issued in response, Mr Peter Allen, Chair of the Agency Management Committee of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) welcomed the Senate's scrutiny of the early implementation of the national scheme, and "was pleased that the Inquiry did not identify any new issues that were not already being addressed by AHPRA".

“AHPRA acknowledges that many concerns expressed by our stakeholders about the early implementation period were valid. Nonetheless, we are encouraged that most submissions from organisations confirm support for the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. We are committed to working closely with our stakeholders to realise the full benefit of the National Scheme for all Australians,” Mr Allen said.

ADAVB submission on Metro Health Plan

2011-06-04T05:58:00.000+10:00

ADAVB has lodged a submission on the Victorian Government's Metropolitan Health Plan. The submission welcomes the plan’s acknowledgement of oral health services within its framework, and in particular the priority it attaches to the care of older people and oral health.

The detailed submission makes a number of recommendations including:
• Public dental care – waiting times to be reduced from an average 23 months to 12 months
• A fee-for-service voucher system – based on the DVA schedule (indexed) - for public health patients
• The Victorian Government to ask the Commonwealth Government to include dental services in Medicare Locals
• The State Government to request the Commonwealth Government to fund the mapping of the ADA Schedule and Glossary of Dental Services against the SNOMED CT (systematic nomenclature of medical clinical terminology) database
• Aged care
o Portable dental units to be provided for dental teams visiting aged care homes
o Mandatory and uniform oral health assessments by dentists or other registered oral health professionals
o The inclusion of a room for dental, podiatry and other health services in plans for new aged care residences
o Provide affordable transport for ambulatory residents
o Dental chairs being replaced in public clinics be renovated and installed in aged care facilities
o A 25% loading on DVA fees for treating eligible older people in nursing homes
o Basic oral health and hygiene training for nurses and carers and funding for educating and training of dental teams who visit residential care facilities.

Special thanks to members of ADAVB Council, and the Public Dentistry and Third Party Committees for their input to this substantial submission.

ADA's submission to Senate inquiry into AHPRA

2011-06-01T09:37:00.002+10:00

ADA Inc. has made a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the administration of health practitioner registration by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Recommendations to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committees are:

i. A comprehensive education process be established to provide clear requirements and timelines for AHPRA to notify practitioners of their registration obligations, due dates and processes;
ii. Provision of faster and more reliable communications between AHPRA and practitioners, the public and/or practitioner bodies be established to ensure inquiries are dealt with in a timely manner;
iii. Creation of nationally-consistent requirements for the response times of practitioners who have a complaint made against them;
iv. Provision of the right for a practitioner to respond to a complaint before it is escalated to investigation status be made available in all cases;
v. A review of the notification and complaints form be undertaken to remove the potential for the escalation of the nature of the claim and thus enable provision of a more balanced presentation of the
issues;
vi. Separate complaint forms to be developed for patient notifications and mandatory notifications;
vii. That AHPRA provide more detailed information to practitioners regarding the specific nature of the complaint a patient may have made to enable the practitioner to respond in a more timely and detailed manner;
viii. The development of a clearer understanding from AHRPA that the de-registration of dental practitioners endangers the livelihoods of those practitioners;
ix. AHPRA should take all steps possible to notify dental practitioners of the risk of de-registration due to non-renewal within a reasonable time frame (90 days from end of registration date); and,
x. That APHRA establishes a formal advisory committee of the registered professions, to discuss issues related to the administration of the new scheme on an on-going basis.

Launch of Whitecoat website postponed

2011-06-01T09:34:00.003+10:00

Health fund nib has told ADA Inc. that it has postponed the launch of the Whitecoat website. This is in response to sustained pressure from a coalition of professional bodies including ADA. The health fund has told the coalition that this is “to fully address the issues that have been raised” by the professional bodies and that nib “no longer intend(s) to send notification to practitioners of the launch next week”.

ADA is pleased that nib has postponed the launch and that it is seriously considering the ramifications that could be caused if the website proceeded. The association has constantly expressed its deep concern about the position dentists may be placed in if taking part in the Whitecoat website and also as to what real value the site would serve. ADA has long recognised the intent of nib to attempt to achieve some form of market advantage.

ADA has worked extensively on behalf of members with nib, the Dental Board of Australia and Medicare on this issue. The association first raised concerns over privacy and the use of Medicare data when advised of this by nib last March and subsequently advised Medicare of the ADA’s concerns.

The ADA will continue to work with the coalition of professional bodies, nib, the Dental Board of Australia and Medicare to ensure that dentists and the public receive the fairest outcome from the planned Whitecoat website.

Health Minister supports dental research and innovation

2011-05-31T11:57:00.004+10:00

Victoria's Health Minister Mr David Davis (left) has launched the inaugural Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) Research and Innovation Grants Showcase. The event highlighted 10 research projects funded by DHSV to improve the oral health of the population. "The DHSV Research and Innovation Grants Program is a key part of the work to improve the oral health status of Victorians and I believe it will pay long term dividends," Mr Davis said.

Older Person and Dentistry Forum

2011-05-30T09:53:00.005+10:00

The Minister for Health, Mr David Davis (pictured in the centre with ADAVB President Dr Anne Stewart and Associate Professor Matthew Hopcraft), and the Shadow Health Minister, Mr Gavin Jennings, addressed ADAVB’s Older Person and Dentistry Forum last Friday. The Minister addressed Mr Jennings saying he hoped that they could “do something in a collaborative and bipartisan way”. He spoke of remembering Mr Jennings, as the Minister for Aged Care, finding money for a non-budgeted aged care project. Mr Jennings said he would “support an issue in which the community would be better off”.

The Branch’s Vice President, A/Prof Hopcraft, spoke about the need for dental services for the older person. His Melbourne University colleague, A/Prof. Rodrigo Marino, provided information on services in residential facilities by dental health professionals. Dr Rain Papli addressed the audience on oral health services and Dr Warren Shnider spoke about specific oral health needs for the elderly.

Recommendations from the workshop included older person care being part of the syllabus for health care professionals, ways to make oral care part of the day-to-day activities of nursing homes, and greater collaboration between health professional bodies on this important issue.

Help shape Local Lead Clinician Groups

2011-05-20T13:42:00.002+10:00

Clinicians will take a lead in ensuring that Australians have access to high quality, co-ordinated health care as a result of the national health reforms, according to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Ms Nicola Roxon.

Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals today were asked to provide input into clinical leadership structures with the proposed model of Lead Clinicians Groups released for final consultation.

Local Lead Clinician Groups will build existing clinical networks in States and Territories and it is expected that the National Lead Clinicians Groups will advise the Federal Government on national priorities and strategies to improve patient care.

The first set of Local Lead Clinicians Groups and a National Lead Clinicians Group are expected to be phased in from July, with the remaining groups starting operations from July next year.

Alliance calls for immediate oral health planning

2011-05-14T06:33:00.002+10:00

Members of the National Oral Health Alliance (NOHA), including the ADA, have welcomed this week’s Federal Budget announcements on dental health, in the belief that they are precursors to major action promised by the Government for 2011-12 and for the Budget in May 2012.

They note that the Labor Government came to office in 2007 with a platform which included major new investment in oral health services for less well-off Australians through national leadership and the provision of better public dental services. This commitment was reiterated in the Gillard Government’s formal agreement with the Greens.

Initial action to meet these commitments has been detailed in this week’s Budget. The Government will allocate $0.5 million to establish a National Advisory Council on Dental Health “to provide advice to the Minister on options to address priority areas for dental health”.

In addition, the Budget has allocated $52.6 million over the next three years for a new voluntary dental internship program and members of NOHA look forward to contributing to its development and roll-out.

The Government has also re-committed to the introduction of a new Commonwealth Dental Health Program (CDHP) and will evaluate trials that have been undertaken of mobile dental facilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The Medicare-funded Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS) is planned to end on 31 December 2011, with unspecified funding switched to the CDHP. This will see the Commonwealth Government funding state and territory governments for additional public dental services over three years.

Priority in the new CDHP must be given to eligible people with chronic conditions relating to their oral health, to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and preschool children. There will have to be a transitional strategy and sufficient CDHP funding to provide services to people in need.

Poor oral health is largely preventable through regular dental care and oral health promotion. It is quite unnecessary and unacceptable in this affluent nation that so many children and adults have shockingly poor oral health. Action on oral health must be the absolute number one priority for new health expenditure in the 2012 Budget.

NOHA believes that an improved oral health system is a critical part of a more equitable and effective health system. It has been promoting a plan to meet the needs of the over 30 per cent of Australians who indicate that they currently go without or delay dental care due to cost or unavailability of services. The NOHA plan focuses on oral health promotion and prevention.

Federal Dental Budget 2011

2011-05-11T09:05:00.001+10:00

The Australian Dental Association Inc. (ADA) media release in response to the Federal Budget 2011, says that the ADA "is pleased that the Federal Government has listened to its concerns and has begun to address the workforce numbers and infrastructure problems that exist in the public sector".

However, the ADA has expressed great concern over the closure of the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS) from 31 December 2011. ADA President, Dr Shane Fryer, said “the closure of the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme will leave many chronically ill patients without subsidised access to much-needed quality dental care."

Federal Budget papers suggest that the CDDS is being removed to help fund the reintroduction of the Commonwealth Dental Health Program, allocated $290m over three years.

The ADA has welcomed $53m funding for an intern scheme (employing 50 interns), originally proposed by the ADA, along with establishment of a new National Advisory Council on Dental Health.

DBA considers definition of 'practice'

2011-05-10T12:53:00.002+10:00

The Dental Board of Australia, at its last meeting on 29 April, considered a number of issues including the definition of ‘practice’. The communiqué on the meeting notes: “The Board considered a paper on the definition of ‘practice’. The definition – which is currently contained in a number of registration standards that have been approved by the Ministerial Council - has resulted in difficulties for some practitioners. The Board acknowledges the concern raised from the current very broad definition of ‘practice’ that arguably includes any activity in which a dental practitioner uses their professional knowledge. The paper will be modified on the basis of feedback from the 10 National Boards and will be the subject of wide consultation in the next few months”.

Federal Budget speculation on dental schemes

2011-05-09T12:34:00.000+10:00

Tomorrow night’s Federal Budget is unlikely to contain funding for a universal dental scheme, according to media reports. Prime Minister Gillard had promised the Greens funding to fix dental care but the Government says it doesn’t have the money.
The Government may adopt the ADA Inc. proposal of a dental internship. Canberra watchers believe that there will be a $15,000 bonus for dentists who complete training in the public sector with targeting for rural and regional areas suffering from a shortage of dentists.
There is also speculation that the Chronic Disease Dental scheme will be closed.

Ban junk food advertising - health groups call

2011-05-09T08:42:00.003+10:00

The Obesity Policy Coalition has developed a national blueprint to regulate junk food advertising. The proposal is endorsed many health groups, including the Australian Medical Association, the Australian Dental Association, Cancer Council Australia, Diabetes Australia and the National Heart Foundation.

Under the plan, junk food advertising would be banned on free-to-air TV from 6am to 9am and 4pm to 9pm on weekdays. On weekend mornings, when children tend to watch more television, it would be banned from 6am to noon. Similar time restrictions would apply to pay TV channels except for those primarily directed at children, such as cartoon channels , in which case junk food advertising would be banned at all times.

The plan also suggests the restriction of unhealthy food advertising on websites aimed at children and through email, SMS, magazines, G and PG-rated movies for children, sponsorship of children’s sports in and outside of schools and unhealthy fund-raising drives used for schools and children’s sports. The blueprint also suggests stopping advertisers from using toys and competitions as promotions for fast-food meals, such as McDonald’s Happy Meal toys.

The Obesity Policy Coalition report has been sent to Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon.

Overview of health and welfare of Indigenous Australians

2011-05-05T15:10:00.001+10:00

The health and welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: an overview 2011 is a summary publication of Indigenous health and welfare statistics prepared by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Together with a series of articles available online from the AIHW Indigenous observatory and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, it provides a comprehensive statistical picture of Indigenous health and welfare. Topics covered in the publication include: demographic characteristics; determinants of health and welfare; health and functioning; mortality and life expectancy; health across the life stages; health care and other support services; and health and welfare expenditure.

TGA launches new website

2011-05-05T10:22:00.001+10:00

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has revamped its website. Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Ms Catherine King, said the revamped site is designed to clearly explain how prescription, over the counter and complementary medicines, along with medical devices are regulated. "The TGA is one of the most respected medicines' regulators in the world but for far too long its assessment processes have been too inaccessible to the public," Ms King said.

State Budget funding for dentistry

2011-05-04T09:58:00.002+10:00

The State Budget provides $7.3 million over four years ($1.8 million in 2011-12) to continue dental programs that assist high-need and at-risk patients. A further $19.4 million over four years ($4.1 million in 2011-12) will go towards:

Building capacity to improve oral health
$8.2 million over four years ($2.0 million in 2011-12)
These funds will be used to provide denture care to seniors who are unable to access public dental care due to long waiting lists. Funding will also go towards supporting oral hygienists to provide services to residents in pension-level Supported Residential Services across Victoria.

Improving the oral hygiene of children aged 0-3 years
$2 million over four years ($0.5 million in 2011-12)
The Healthy Families, Healthy Smiles program will target at-risk families and build the capacity of health workers to promote good oral health.

Providing more graduate opportunities for dental clinicians within the public sector
$3.3 million over four years ($0.3 million in 2011-12)
Funding will be used to attract dental clinicians to the public sector by expanding the Oral Health Therapists Graduate Program to all graduating dental clinicians. Graduates will be placed in areas with the highest workforce shortages and more support and training will be provided to supervising clinicians.

Assisting with the relocation of dental clinicians to rural areas
$1.1 million over four years ($0.3 million in 2011-12)
These funds will be provided to help dental clinicians relocate from metropolitan locations to rural and regional communities.

Delivering three new mobile dental clinics in regional and country Victoria
$4.8 million over four years ($1.0 million in 2011-12)
Three new mobile dental clinics will serve rural and regional Victoria. One clinic will be delivered each year, starting next financial year. There will be additional investment in service delivery and incentive payments for clinicians to work in the mobile dental clinics.

Community Services Grants program

2011-04-28T15:32:00.002+10:00

The Wrigley Company has joined the Australian Dental Association Inc. to launch The Wrigley Company Foundation ADA Community Service Grants program.

The foundation encourages dentists to plan and implement community health programs in their communities, to help to raise the standard of oral health care and education.

Up to seven $US5000 grants will be awarded. Applicants must be ADA members and can be a dentist or a dental student and must be involved with - or planning to launch - a community project focusing on oral health.

There is also a $US5000 study grant specifically for dental students from rural or remote areas that are studying in a regional educational institution, recognising the additional challenges they face in having to study away from home.

Applications for The Wrigley Company Foundation ADA Community Service Grants and The Wrigley Company Foundation Study Grant for Dental Students from Rural and Remote Regions close June 30. Successful applicants will be announced during the ADA’s Dental Health Week - 1-7 August. For further information and to access an Application Form visit: http://www.ada.org.au/

Big jump in CPI

2011-04-28T14:56:00.002+10:00

The ABS Consumer Price Index rose 1.6% in the March quarter 2011, compared with a rise of 0.4% in the December quarter 2010. This is the largest quarterly rise in the CPI since the June quarter 2006 when the CPI increased 1.6%.

CPI rose 3.3% through the year to March quarter 2011, compared with a rise of 2.7% through the year to December quarter 2010.

Over the 12 months to the March quarter 2011, the health group rose 4.1% mainly due to increases in hospital and medical services (+6.0%) and dental services (+2.8%). In the March quarter 2011 the main contributor to the sector was pharmaceuticals, rising 12.5% as a result of the cyclical reduction in the proportion of consumers who qualify for subsidies for out-o-hospital expenses under the Medicare Plus safety net at the start of each calendar year.

Report on oral health of NT Indigenous children

2011-04-28T13:09:00.004+10:00

Dental services provided to more than 6000 Indigenous children in prescribed communities in the Northern Territory confirm the high prevalence of oral health problems, according to a Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report.
The report, Dental health of Indigenous children in the Northern Territory, provides information on the dental services delivered as part of the Closing the Gap in the Northern Territory National Partnership Agreement.
The report details the amount and types of dental services provided, the extent of follow-up care provided to children with dental referrals and the oral health status of children who received dental services.
Based on about 4300 children who had treatment data available, almost all children receiving a dental service also received a diagnostic service. The most common services provided were preventative (70%) and restorative (48%), followed by fluoride varnish and dental surgery (16%). However, 55% required further dental care after their initial consultation.

Oral health gap between those who regularly visit a dentist and those who don't

2011-04-28T10:49:00.001+10:00

A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare confirms big differences in the oral health of Australian adults depending on whether they visit the dentist regularly or not. The report, Dental attendance patterns and oral health status, uses findings from the 2004-2006 National Survey of Adult Oral Health to show that adults with an unfavourable pattern of dental attendance have significantly poorer oral health than those with a favourable attendance pattern. The 'favourable' group includes about 40% of Australian adults who have a usual dental care provider whom they visit at least once a year for a check-up. The 'unfavourable' group, which includes nearly 30% of Australian adults, visit varying dentists infrequently and usually for a dental problem. The remaining 'intermediate' group (30%) have a mixed pattern of dental attendance.

State Budget to boost dental services?

2011-04-28T10:45:00.002+10:00

Media reports say that the Victorian Government is expected to provide funding in next month’s Budget to improve dental services for country towns under a statewide push to prevent disease and reduce waiting lists.
The reports say that the Budget will contain $11.2 million for:
■ An early intervention hygiene and health program to ensure children up to the age of three get free dental health checks.
■ Three new mobile dental clinics, introduced over the next two years, to improve services in rural and regional towns.
■ A new employment program to encourage graduates to work in country areas, by creating more training places for them in regional clinics.
■ An incentive scheme to encourage more dental workers to move to the country.
ADAVB President Dr Anne Stewart said: ''No government is ever going to have enough money to pay for disease repair, so the prevention of disease is crucial. However, it's important that the money is going to people who need it".

Painkiller linked to hepatitis

2011-04-18T15:38:00.001+10:00

The Medical Journal of Australia has reported that the pain killer methoxyflurane or Penthrox may be causing hepatitis. Drs Kacey O’Rourke, Stuart McMaster and Karin Lust write: “Although unproven, it is possible that our patient’s repeated exposure to the drug may have contributed to the development of hepatitis through dose-dependent toxicity”. The article, A case of hepatitis attributable to repeated exposure to methoxyflurane during its use for procedural analgesia, appears in Volume 194, Number 8 of the MJA. The American Food and Drug Administration banned methoxyflurane in 2005 because it was associated with serious, irreversible and even fatal kidney and liver damage. Penthrox was added to the Australian Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits last year.

Study to look at why dental system is failing children

2011-04-15T11:34:00.001+10:00

The Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health will lead a national study over the next four years to investigate why the oral health system is failing Australia's children. "Despite a substantial level of resources - approximately $1 billion dollars annually - being directed to dental services for children in Australia in the last decade, their oral health is still a major public health problem," ARCPOH’s Professor John Spencer says. "After several decades of improvement, child oral health has worsened and inequalities have widened." Latest statistics show that dental restorations and extractions are the most common reason for hospital admissions among Australian children under 14 years of age. In 2006 nearly 27,000 children - 8,114 of whom were pre-school children - were admitted to hospital for dental work. The study will look at how dental services for children are organised and delivered, comparing the use of private dentists and school dental services and the outcomes for child oral health. School dental programs will be included. The nationwide study – involving all eight State and Territory public dental authorities - will also document current levels of oral health and its variation across the child population. A representative sample of approximately 32,000 children aged 5-14 years old will be drawn from a mixture of public and private schools across Australia. "The challenge is to identify and eliminate barriers to dental health services in Australia, improving service delivery, reducing risks and promoting healthy diets," says Prof Spencer.

'No magic pudding' for dental scheme - Roxon

2011-04-07T08:42:00.001+10:00

There will be no funding for a comprehensive dental subsidy scheme in the May Budget, The Australian reported today. Health Minister Nicola Roxon told the newspaper that there was “no magic pudding” of money available for the scheme. Prime Minister Gillard last September signed an agreement with the Greens that committed the Government to include a dental scheme in the Budget in return their support to form government. “ … we are having discussions with the Greens about investments needed in dental health, as well as a lot of other areas such as mental health and (spending on) rural and regional Australia,” Ms Roxon said.

Traffic light food labelling move welcomed

2011-04-06T08:50:00.001+10:00

The food industry can play an active role in improving public health by providing consumers with information to make healthier and easier choices about the food they purchase. This is the message of the Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC) following Sanitarium’s proposed front-of-pack traffic light labelling system. A voluntary traffic light labelling system was recommended by the Federal Government’s Labelling Logic review. OPC’s Jane Martin said that with obesity at record levels and projected to increase, the move shows how the food industry can play an active role in improving public health by giving consumers information about the food they purchase. Cancer Council Victoria research shows that most Australian consumers favour traffic light labelling on food packaging.

Health and the environment

2011-03-30T11:38:00.003+11:00

A compilation of research evidence on how human health can be positively and negatively influenced by the environment was released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The report synthesises research findings on 15 selected environmental factors that can influence people’s health - temperature, walkability, extreme weather events, ultraviolet radiation, indoor and outdoor air quality, water fluoridation, transport, food and water safety, green space, vector populations, environmental noise, housing condition, and overcrowding and hazards in/around the home. Health and the environment: a compilation of evidence shows that the effects of the environment on humans can be either physical (such as respiratory problems due to air pollution) or mental (such as poor mental health during drought conditions). The effects can also be direct, such as injury or death, or indirect, such as when environmental factors influence lifestyle or behavioural choices.

Code on use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography

2011-03-29T12:11:00.002+11:00

The Dental Board of Australia has issued a new Code on the use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography. It requires that: “Dental practitioners using CBCT must be adequately trained in the safe use of CBCT and should abide by the Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Radiation Protection in Dentistry (2005) produced and published by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). “In addition, all dental practitioners associated with the ownership or use of CBCT must ensure ownership, licensing and operation of CBCT equipment complies with the legislation of the relevant state, territory and commonwealth jurisdiction.” Members should also look at the Board's interim policies on Botox and teeth whitening/bleaching also available on DBA's website.

Senate inquiry into registration system

2011-03-24T11:35:00.004+11:00

A Senate Inquiry will be held into the changeover to a national registration systems for the health workforce. The Senate approved the inquiry by the Finance and Public Administration Committee after the Coalition moved for a detailed examination of the registration process.

Dentists and other health professionals faced delays in renewing their registration.

The inquiry will look at the capacity and ability of the new Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency to implement national registration, investigate its performance and consider the impact on practitioners, patients, hospitals and other health service providers. The inquiry is to report by mid-May.

Dental vouchers for flood victims

2011-03-15T08:46:00.002+11:00

Ivoclar Vivadent has donated $100,000 to Variety Australia to provide dental treatment to Queensland and Victorian flood victims. Variety Queensland and Victoria will implement the relief program and identify those in need of dental care that they currently cannot afford.

This assistance will take the form of 400 dental assistance vouchers each valued at $250, redeemable though any dental clinic. Vouchers for dental work will be allocated by Variety with dentists billing the charity.

The Managing Director of Ivoclar Vivadent Pty Ltd, Mr Phil Jolly, says the scheme allows the company to help those affected by the floods and in turn, also help the professionals of our industry.

The company will write to all Queensland and Victorian dentists informing of the program.

Other dental manufacturers and suppliers have been helping flood victims – including dentists – in a number of ways.

Health care commission to operate from next year

2011-03-04T13:36:00.005+11:00

The Senate has passed legislation to establish the Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. As a permanent, independent body, the Commission will operate from 1 July next year.

The legislation was passed following amendments by the Greens. Senator Rachel Siewart, the Greens Health spokesperson, said the amendments would improve patient confidentiality thereby ensuring fully informed consent is gained from patients before their information can be published or disseminated. She said that throughout the health reform process there had been too much emphasis on hospitals rather than focusing on prevention measures, primary health and community services to keep people well and out of the hospital system.

Health and Ageing Minister Ms Roxon says that the Commission will be dedicated to monitoring safety and quality in health care. She said that the Commission is critical to the Government’s health reforms.

The Commission will:
* develop national standards for clinical safety and quality
* develop a national system for health service accreditation
* improve patient safety by reducing harm caused by preventable errors
* strive for more effective management of healthcare resources arising from unnecessary or ineffective treatment
* give independent and informed advice to all heathcare providers and healthcare users.

ISO highlights ADAVB's social responsibility efforts

2011-02-24T08:03:00.003+11:00

A story on the steps taken by ADAVB to implement the ISO 26000 social responsibility standard is featured in the just published ISO online newsletter. The article will also appear in next month's issue of ISO Focus magazine.
Written by Branch CEO Mr Garry Pearson, the article tells of the path taken by the Branch in implementing the Standard. The first step was the adoption of the Dentists for Cleaner Water program which involves the installation of ISO 11143 compliant amalgam separators.
The numerous social responsibility and environmental sustainability initiatives undertaken by the Branch funneled into the adoption of ISO26000. The article contains a tabled developed by the Branch listing the core subjects and social responsibility issues of the standard and maps them against ADAVB’s stance on each.

AHPRA registration experience survey

2011-02-09T08:35:00.004+11:00

The Branch will join the Victorian Minister for Health, Mr Davis, in a Round Table meeting this Friday evening to discuss National Health Reforms. This is preparatory to the meeting of the Australian Health Ministers' Council to be held next Monday.

Knowing that the Minister will want advice on problems experienced by health professionals seeking to register or renew their registration with AHPRA, the Branch is asking members to complete a very short survey. (The Branch is grateful to the many members who have already responded.)

Click here to go to the member only survey webpage and submit your response quickly - no later than 4.00 pm Friday 11 February.

If, after completing the survey, you wish to provide a more detailed summary of your experience with the length of delays or the number of phone calls or emails that were left unanswered, send them to Garry Pearson at garry.pearson.ceo@adavb.org

ADAVB's Facebook page launched

2011-02-02T20:32:00.002+11:00

ADAVB’s Facebook page was launched today. The Branch’s move into social media aims to provide oral health information and education in a quick and easy format for people who use these information sharing platforms to learn and stay in contact with friends and family. The focus is on oral health promotion rather than member services.

The first topic is ‘Caring for children's teeth' – information which will be of considerable use to many Facebook users. Our page provides hints and tips to help care for children’s teeth.

Similar oral health community information bulletins will be posted regularly on Facebook.

The Branch thanks members of the Oral Health Education Committee for enthusiastically embracing the concept and providing the information in an easy-to-understand manner. ADAVB also thanks communications advisors Porter Novelli for the backroom work in making our Facebook page happen. Please consider recommending our Facebook page to your patients and friends as a useful education and information tool.

Australia Day Honours to three dentists.

2011-01-27T09:25:00.006+11:00

Dr Jamie Robertson has been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours for his service to dentistry and providing dental health programs in Asia.
He was made a Member of the Order of Australia. The official citation says: “For service to dentistry and to international humanitarian aid through the delivery of dental health programs in Asia”.
Dr Robertson, of Altona, started his overseas humanitarian work in 1983 when he spent two months as a Rotary volunteer in a Vietnamese refugee camp In the Philippines. Next he led a dental team to a Tibetan refugee community in northern Indian. He joined a medical group invited to Vietnam in 1991. Since 1994 Dr Robertson has taken a team of covering all aspects of dentistry to Vietnam. Rotary clubs provide support for these annual visits. His work with the ADAVB has been primarily through our archive function, and he is currently helping the Branch in recording oral history interviews with various senior members. He received an Award for Distinguished Service from the Branch in 1998 in recognition of this and other contributions to the profession.
Dr Robertson has held a variety of other significant roles, notably as a Board member at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne and Dental Health Services Victoria, and as President of the Footscray Rotary Club (which was quite significant in supporting his overseas aid work). He has also served as President (Victorian Branch) of the Australian-New Zealand Society of Pediatric Dentistry and the (Victorian Branch) Society of Dental Anaesthesiology.
Two other dentists were also honoured. ADA Inc. Councillor Dr Terry Pitsikas, of WA, was also made a Member of the Order of Australia “for service to dentistry, particularly through executive roles with a range of professional organisations, and to education”.
Sydney dentist Dr Anthony Zahra was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia “for service to dentistry, and to the community”.

December quarter CPI up 0.4%

2011-01-25T12:16:00.001+11:00

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4% in the December quarter 2010, compared with a rise of 0.7% in the September quarter. CPI rose in all capital cities with the highest positive movement recorded in Melbourne – 0.6%.
Dental services were up 3.5% over the 12 months.
The CPI rose 2.7% through the year to December quarter, compared with a rise of 2.8% through the year to the September quarter.

AHPRA's new online service for checking registration renewals

2011-01-21T13:18:00.005+11:00

Members renewing their registration can now go online to confirm that their application has been received by AHPRA. This service is valuable because practitioners may continue to practise while their application is processed, even after the conclusion of the grace period which expires on 31 January.

The National Law provides for a one-month grace period so practitioners may lodge applications to renew their registration up until the end of this month.

The online service is accessible under the Registration tab on the AHPRA website or on individual National Board websites at http://www.ahpra.gov.au/

Once applications for renewal of registration are finalised, the practitioner details are updated on the National Registers.

For registration enquiries ring: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 7 3666 4911 (overseas callers)