Snapshot of Australians' oral health

The latest Australia’s Health report shows that $8.3 billion was spent on dental services over 2011-12 . Representing 6.3% of total health spending, this was the lowest share of the total in 10 years.

About half of all people aged five and over had some level of private dental cover in 2010.

In 2010–11, the rate of hospitalisations for dental conditions which could have been avoided if the patient had received timely and adequate non-hospital care, was highest for children aged 5–9 and lowest for adults aged 25–34. The highest rates were in very remote areas and the lowest in major cities.

The report highlights ‘a lack of routinely collected dental service data’.

Published every two years by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the report is the most comprehensive analysis of the health of Australians and their health system.  The Institute is one of the bodies set to be merged into the new Health Productivity and Performance Commission, announced in the recent Federal Budget.

Leadership - Bridging the gap between knowing and doing

ADAVB is again partnering with Leadership Victoria to provide this year’s Health Sector Leadership Program.

The health professionals participating in the program are pharmacists, dietitians, speech pathologists, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists and dentists. The intensive leadership development course runs over four months and includes a mentoring element for each candidate.

It is based on Leadership Victoria’s acclaimed leadership model of VISION, INFLUENCE and ETHICS. The program commenced in 2011 and is wholly supported by Guild Insurance.

Pictured (from left): ADAVB President Dr Bob Cvetkovic with the Branch's Leadership Program participants, Drs Karen Kan, Des Naidoo, Thomas Lo and Devin Ong.

New Branch Council 2014-16 elected

ADAVB incoming President Dr Bob Cvetkovic

The ADAVB warmly welcomes our incoming President, Dr Bob Cvetkovic, Vice President, Dr Steve Liew and Hon Secretary, Dr Jo-Anne Cherry.

A list of the full 2014-16 Council can be reviewed here

The ADAVB also acknowledges the sustained contributions of past Presidents, Dr Greg Morris and Dr Anne Stewart, who are retiring from Council after many years of service to members and the community.

Members who wish to contact their Councillors can do so by emailing them via the envelope icons found next to each of the respective Councillors at the link above.

Health of Victorians at risk because of high soft drink demand

About 12% of Victorian adults consume soft drinks every day, contributing to significant levels of tooth decay and erosion.

The largest soft drink 'habits' are in Mildura, Colac and the Pyrenees with almost 20% of people drinking soft drink every day.

These figures come from 79 comprehensive oral health profiles, created by Dental Health Services Victoria in partnership with local governments, which have been released by the Rethink Sugary Drink campaign. (The Australian Dental Association supports this campaign.)

Besides tooth decay, consumption of sugary drinks is associated with a range of serious health issues including weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

COAG Reform Council highlights dental care

Federal ADA President Dr Karin Alexander welcomed the COAG Reform Council report on Healthcare in Australia, as it validates the ADA's advocacy for targeting government dental funding on Australia’s most disadvantaged communities.

“Australians continue to rate dental professionals the highest on the categories of listening carefully, showing respect and spending enough time with their patients. This confirms the quality of dental services provided by the profession," she said.

"What is of concern is the finding that nearly one in four of our most disadvantaged citizens delayed seeing a dentist due to their disadvantage. The ADA has continually called on government to direct dental funding in a targeted manner to address the unmet needs of these Australians. The report’s findings confirm this is
where government should focus its effort."