The Bulletin - Issue 54 Feb / Apr 2020 by eroomcreative.com

Issue 54 Feb-Apr 2020

The official newsletter of the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia Ltd

We examine the new periodontitis classification system and talk to the experts who are using it Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait until you snap!

Happiness and meaning

A look at the causes and concerns brought on by stress at work

Encouraging you to explore the many qualities of happiness

STATE ROUND-UP Find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in your local area

DHAA Member Insurance Features & Benefits DHAA Member Insurance DHAA Member Insurance DHAA Member Insurance Features & Benefits

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This policy is offered exclusively to DHAA members, for any further questions or ldwde Cover (except • Protect yourself at no cost • You're covered to work advice, contact BMS on 1800 940 762 or dhaa@bmsgroup.com during Maternity Locum This policy is offered exclusively to DHAA members, for any further questions or ding work in Canada • One off cost for permanent advice, contact BMS on 1800 940 762 or dhaa@bmsgroup.com This policy is offered exclusively to DHAA members, for any further questions or retirement This page contains general information, does not take into account your individual objectives, advice, contact BMS on 1800 940 762 or dhaa@bmsgroup.com financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the

covers, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from BMS Risk Solutions Pty Ltd on request. BMS Risk Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 45 161 187 980, This page contains general information, does not take into account your individual objectives, AFSL 461594) arranges the insurance and is not the insurer. financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available This page contains general information, does not take into account your individual objectives, from BMS Risk Solutions Pty Ltd on request. BMS Risk Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 45 161 187 980, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the

03 3

Contents

The connection between plant health and dental health – not so far apart HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcome to 2020 – the international year of plant health. The United Nations has dedicated 2020 to raise awareness about plant health and the impact of healthy plants and forests on food security, poverty, economic development, and sustainability. At first glance you may question how plant health could be a compared to oral health; but thinking more closely about it there are several links. We have all seen the consequences that unhealthy food has on both oral and general health. Dental companies are developing ‘green’ products and recycling programs, yet for those living in poverty oral health can be the furthest thing from their mind until pain occurs. It is a reminder that while looking after our patients and looking after our planet are two very different things, what we do in one area can have an impact on the other. It has not been a happy start to the year here in Australia, with horrific bushfires devastating so many areas of our country. My heart goes out to all those affected by the fires, and my deepest sympathies to those who have lost so much. I have so much respect and gratitude for our firefighters, Defence Force members and all the volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to protect our communities, and are now starting the long process to rebuild them. The DHAA would like to offer assistance to those in our community who have been affected. Whether it is help getting registration or licensing paperwork reissued, new CPD certificates, or just lending an ear, we are here to help in any way possible. If you, or someone you know, could use a hand then please get in touch with us by emailing Bill Suen – bill.suen@dhaa.info. In happier news, I am delighted to congratulate and welcome our State Committee office bearers for 2020. We have several members returning to or changing positions, as well as a host of new volunteers and there is a full run down of all the changes on page 4. On behalf of the DHAA Board I would like to wish you once again a very happy and safe 2020. As Anne Frank said, “What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.” I hope that 2020 brings you and your loved ones some of your best days. Cheryl Dey DHAA National President

04 Movers & Shakers

Meet the committee members for 2020.

06 Accreditation Standards

A look at the important process of standards review

08 New site for sore eyes

Discover the benefits of the new membership platform.

COVER STORY

10 Brush Up On Perio

We examine the new periodontitis classification system and talk to the experts who are using it

14 Oral Health Promotion

There’s a myriad of career opportunities outside of the dental practice

16 The Power of Mentoring Discover the professional value of being mentored

20 Collaboration Calling

The tale of an unexpected business opportunity.

22 Don’t Wait To Snap

A look at the causes of occupational stress.

22 Happiness & Meaning

Exploring the many qualities of happiness

34 State of the Nation

Your quarterly round-up of everything that is happening around the country.

Key Contacts PRESIDENT Cheryl Day CONTACT

ADMINISTRATION & EVENTS OFFICER Patricia Chan CONTACT

IT REP Josh Galpin CONTACT

BULLETIN EDITOR Marcy Patsanza CONTACT

The Bulletin is an official publication of the DHAA Ltd. Contributions to The Bulletin do not necessarily represent the views of the DHAA Ltd. All materials in this publication may be readily used for non-commercial purposes. The Bulletin is designed and published by eroomcreative.com

DHAA movers and shakers As we move into a new decade, we welcome a host of fresh faces (and a few familiar ones) to the various voluntary committees around the country THE CONTINUED SUCCESS of the DHAA is reliant on the skill and expertise of our team of tireless volunteers. These hard-working heroes accept and execute their roles with a smile and we are delighted to congratulate and welcome our State committee office bearers for 2020. We have several members returning for another term or changing

Merrin Lewis

Michael Charlton

positions, as well as a host of new faces: Some of our long-standing State volunteers have moved into national positions. Jacquie Biggar has moved from NSW State Chair to National CPD Chair, Christina Zerk has stepped down from Queensland Communications Officer but continues as National Membership Officer, Lyn Carman from South Australia State Chair to the Chair of the Rural and Remote Special Interest Group, and Aileen Lewis from Western Australia State Chair to WA Director. We would like to thank these ladies for all of their work at a State level, I can’t wait to see

what they can achieve in their new roles. We are saying farewell to Annie Bogaerts, South Australia Communications Officer, Aneta Zielinski, Queensland State Chair and Leena Najeeb, NSW Communications Officer. On behalf of all DHAA members I would like to say a huge thank you for everything you have done for your Committees. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours and look forward to catching up with you at an event soon. There are also some changes here at The Bulletin. Both editor Marcy Patsanza and writer Margaret Galvin are stepping away to follow other pursuits, I know you will join us in thanking them for providing us with such a high-quality product and wishing them all the best. In their places we welcome new editor Robyn Russell and writer Amber Finnigan who will be joining The Bulletin committee from the next issue. n

DHAA State leaders at a glance

Jennefer Turnbull

State

Chair

Deputy Chair

ACT

Susan Melrose (returning)

Michelle Bonney (returning)

NSW

Merrin Lewis

Steven Chu

Meghan Argentino (returning)

Alicia Jubb (returning)

QLD

Jennefer Turnbull

Alex Tsikleas

Sue Tosh

Sally Hinora

TAS

Michael Charlton-Fitzgerald

Vacant

VIC

Sarah Laing (returning)

Desiree Bolado (returning)

Carmen Jones

Working with people Rhonda “and who are passionate about health caring for local and global communities inspire me to keep workin s g in Special Care Dentistry. I feel so encouraged for the future with young er members of our association who so willingly give of their time.” Margie Steffen s OAM (Aged Care SIG)

YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Volunteering has “denta enabled me to meet like-minded l hygien

ists, and introduced me to so many knowledgeable people within our profession. also a great oppor It is tunity to be involve d in organising DHAA conferences , all of which are incred and informative.” ibly fun Nicole Hockin

Kremmer (returning)

How can you he lp?

Like writing? Join our team of writers and author a piece for our quarterly Bulle tin. Like organising? Join a state comm ittee and help plan our CPD events. Got leadership goals ? Chat to us abou what’s involved in t being director, and get ment a state chair or ored. Got a special inter est? We have spec ial interest groups for aged care, rural and remote health, and research. Like numbers? Join our finance comm ittee. Interested in polic y? Join the team that reviews our polici es and position state ments.

THE DHAA RELIES almost exclusively on a team of hard-working “ volunteers. Their tireless enthusiasm and dedication is what turns the wheels of the Association, and there is always room for more. Download our volunteer flyer to discover the opportunities and if you want to throw your hat into the ring then get in touch with CEO Bill Suen – bill.suen@dhaa.info g (NSW Committee)

You will meet inspiri ng people and learn how a professional organ isation can contrib ute to building a better profes sional profile and image of dental hygienists and oral health therap ists. As a DHAA volunteer you can discussion and suppo actively contribute to the rt profession. Ron Kneve the development of your l (DHAA Director)

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5 FROM THE TOP

A year of positive change lies ahead

Bill Suen DHAA CEO

â&#x20AC;&#x153; We are excited to launch our new member website in March and I hope members will find the new website more user friendlyâ&#x20AC;?

AS WE ALL return from our holiday breaks and going back to our daily routine to start the new year, we are faced with a number of challenges. The devastating bushfires continue to race across many states and territories causing significant loss of lives and properties in a large number of communities. The emotional impact on many are huge and the whole country has worked together to help those affected through generous donations and many other ways. At DHAA we call on members to alert us of any colleagues that may be affected so we can reach out to them to offer our assistance in anyway that may support them throughout this difficult period. I am also extremely moved that a number of dental suppliers also indicate their willingness to lend a helping hand for dental supplies and equipment if necessary. We are also being hit with the risk of a Coronavirus outbreak. I ask everyone to be vigilant but no need for alarm, and practise our infection control according to standard guidelines. As a member of the health team, it is also our role to provide appropriate advice to patients to help them understand the clinical features and precautions. Where appropriate we should refer the patients to relevant medical care. It is therefore important that we are all kept up to date with the rapidly changing environment and information.

2020 is a year of many positive changes for our members. The change in our registration standards that removes the structured professional relationship with dentists provides many exciting opportunities. We have scheduled a number of education activities to help clarifying the new arrangements and outlining the practical ramifications throughout the year. The change also opens up new opportunities for our members to provide services to aged care facilities and at rural and remote locations. The Aged Care SIG and the Rural & Remote SIG are currently working on a number of pilot projects to develop new and innovative models of care, so please watch this space over coming months. We are excited to launch our new member website in March and I hope members will find the new website more user friendly and our aim is to make the website a one-stop shop for our member services. However, I must reiterate that your ability to contact us via email or phone anytime is still available if it is your preference to do so. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our retiring state chairs and communication officers and welcome the host of new faces that are joining our strong team of passionate and dedicated volunteers as of February 2020. n

UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR USE OF FLUORIDES IN AUSTRALIA MODERATED BY PROFESSOR Murray Thomson, academic and dental health professional experts met in February 2019 in Adelaide to share recent evidence. The updated National Guidelines on fluoride use which was originally introduced in 2005 and reviewed in 2012 reflect the consensus from the February 2019 meeting. A PDF of the current guidelines can be downloaded here.

Accreditation standards review With new accreditation standards expected in mid-2020 we look at the process of reviewing standards and its importance to dental professionals ONE OF THE roles assigned to the Australian Dental Council (ADC) by the Dental Board of Australia (DBA) is the accreditation of education and training programs which enable graduates to apply for registration as a dental practitioner. This includes the eight oral health and two dental hygiene programs currently accredited by the ADC and approved by the DBA. The purpose of accreditation is to protect the public by ensuring education and training programs produce graduates who can demonstrate the skills, knowledge and professional competencies needed to register and practise safely and ethically. In Australia, all education and training programs leading to registration as a dental practitioner are assessed against the ADC/Dental Council (New Zealand) (DC(NZ)) accreditation standards for dental practitioner programs (the Standards). The Standards consist of five domains: public safety; academic governance and quality assurance; program of study; the student experience; and assessment. During the accreditation process, education and training providers are required to demonstrate how their program meets each Standard. In 2019, the ADC and DC(NZ) commenced a review of the Standards. Regular reviews of the Standards are important to ensure they remain consistent with contemporary benchmarks and expectations, while

maintaining a focus on public safety. The last standards review occurred between 2013 and 2014. The outcome of the previous review was a significant shift in how dental practitioner programs were accredited in Australia. Four sets of standards, for the different dental professions, were consolidated into a single set of Standards for all registration divisions, including specialist programs. The review also

â&#x20AC;&#x153; In early 2020, the ADC will open the consultation period for the draft accreditation standards.â&#x20AC;? rationalised the number of Standards, with an outcomes-focus approach adopted. This version of the Standards was well received by stakeholders, with other accreditation bodies in Australia and New Zealand adopting them to various degrees. Building on the positive reception to the current Standards, this review is working to ensure these continue to be consistent with the needs of the sector and the wider community. To achieve

this, the ADC and DC(NZ) have drawn on external influences and stakeholder feedback to identify key focus areas for this review. These focus areas include Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori health outcomes; consumer involvement; inter-professional learning and practice; and assessment. It is anticipated that changes to the Standards will be made in each area. In early 2020, the ADC will open the consultation period for the draft accreditation standards. During this time, representatives from across the health sector are invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Standards. Feedback from the dental hygiene sector is especially important. As professionals working with recent graduates, you have first-hand knowledge on whether the Standards meet the needs of the professions and the communities that they serve. Feedback received during the consultation period will be used to refine the proposed updates to the Standards. The revisions to the Standards will then be considered by the ADC before submission to the DBA for approval. The new Standards are expected to be released in mid-2020 pending approval by the DBA. Based on the current project timelines it is anticipated that the Standards will come into force from 1 January, 2021. More information on the standards review, including the consultation period is available at adc.org.au n

BLOW OUT IN BALI! THE BALI INTERNATIONAL Conference in 2019 was a sell out with the number of attendees double that of previous year. The conference venue The Westin is an award winning 5-star resort located in Nusa Dua. The weekend was filled with six hours of CPD from highcalibre speakers that included Dr Christine May and Tabitha Acret, and finished with a cocktail reception where everyone got to chill out in the beautiful facilities. Most people took the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable weekend at the holiday resort before flying home. It is confirmed that the 2020 Bali International Conference will be held on 28 November, 2020. Due to the increasing popularity, we recommend that you watch out for further information and register early to secure your place.

New Site for sore eyes

After a mass of planning and preparation we are excited to announce that the new DHAA website and member portal will be launched next month By Christina Zerk

IN THE NEXT few weeks we will be making the switch to a brand new DHAA membership portal and website. Why are we making the change, what is going to be different and how does this affect you? Read on and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find out...

A major review

The new website has provided an opportunity for us to review and refresh our current content and structure. The changes will make content easier to find and access. The biggest improvements will be apparent in the member portal. Our main public facing website will still feature our Find A Professional page (where members can display their workplace details for patients to search and find a practice) along with information on the DHAA, our profession, all of our events, latest news and Bulletin publications.

New member portal

With just a simple click you will be taken to our Member Portal, an area designed exclusively for our members where you can find information and services tailored to you. Industrial relations and drug advice lines are here, along with a revamped CPD log that has had a few changes. Our first big change is to our member profile which has a brand new look. Your member number will now display at the top of your profile along with your current membership type (for our students and new graduate members). You can now view your upcoming event registrations, update contact and personal details, view invoices, update your employment details (the ones that will display in the Find A Professional search) and lastly, you can manage email and communication preferences.

Revamped events

Another noticeable change is that we will be able to streamline and manage all our events directly from our website. Meaning that you can register for an event directly from our page (or your member portal) . You will no longer be required to select your ticket category either, as the site will automatically apply member and student discounts to event registrations. You will be able to log into your profile and view all of your upcoming event registrations and attendances will be automatically reflected in your online CPD log.

CPD Log

Our new CPD log will have two separate tables. Firstly thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an editable table where you can enter all of your CPD hours from any event or seminar that you attend, as well as upload any

9 certificates or supporting evidence. A second uneditable table will display all of the CPD events run by the DHAA that will update after attending and show the event details, These events will be backdated to include all events starting from the 1 December, 2019 – keeping it inline with the new threeyear CPD cycle that has just started. While it doesn’t allow us to display your CPD certificate here (these will still be sent to all attendees), we are looking at ways to add a feature allowing you to print an attendance summary detailing attended DHAA events to be used as supporting evidence.

Improved profile management

Our own online groups

Another particularly exciting feature is a new area called Communities, These are similar to Facebook groups or online forums where you can ask advice and upload resources to share with other members. This is a new tool for us meaning that our member communities will be an area to keep an eye on in future as things are developed. In the meantime, this area will be utilised a lot behind the scenes by board directors, state committees, special interest groups and staff to communicate and collaborate by sharing resources used to make DHAA advocacy and events happen.

Membership management

Perhaps a littles less exciting than our sexy new website and membership portal ,this upgrade has come with brand new membership management software. This will be a massive help behind the scenes and will make membership communications, event management and renewals an much easier process. So now you know what to expect what do you do now? How do you access the new website? To make it easier we have put together a little checklist of things to do in preparation for the new website launch. n

The all-new communities section

New Website Preparation Checklist Things to do straight away from the old website: • Download your CPD log. We have prepared a video instructional on how to do this if you are having problems. • Make sure your membership is up to date. Our members will be the first to know when the new website, to ensure you don’t miss out check your membership is active • Check your contact details. The email address you use to log into your DHAA profile is where you will receive updates about the new website including details on how to log into your new members area. If you need to update this email address please email membership@dhaa.info When our website goes live: • Follow the prompts in the email to log into the new portal. • Head to ‘My Profile’ and review your details, updating any old or incorrect information. • Make sure that you have a postal address listed – this is especially important if you have your indemnity insurance

• •

•

coverage with us. Update your education details Head to the ‘Employment’ section, review and update your employer details for our ‘Find a Hygienist’ page. Make sure there are no spelling errors, incorrect capitalisation and remove special characters {like these} from the postcode. We do not edit or alter the information you provide so if you have made a mistake this will display to members of the public. Update your email preferences! You will be choose exactly which emails you receive from us. This includes our newsletter, event invitations, member benefits discounts, employment opportunities, and messages from our sponsors.

Once you have made it to the end of this checklist you are ready to head off and explore the new website and members area. Happy browsing!

We examine the new periodontitis classification system and talk to the experts who are using it By Margaret Galvin

o fully understand the new Periodontitis Classification System it is worth taking a moment to appreciate it’s history and why an update was needed. The 1999 classification system of periodontitis was based on research that emphasised the individual features of periodontitis, and therefore the differences in phenotype. The research impacted the 1999 classification system, and thus four different periodontitis phenotypes were recognised: 1. Necrotising periodontitis 2. Chronic periodontitis 3. Aggressive periodontitis 4. Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases As more research in the field has been

carried out it has been found that the original classification system has a few issues that include: • No clear communication regarding the differences between chronic and aggressive periodontitis • Difficulty applying the criteria of aggressive periodontitis in everyday clinical practice • A substantial overlap between the diagnostic categories • A lack of validity of the criteria for aggressive periodontitis being confirmed by well-designed studies • A classification system based purely on the severity of the disease failing to capture the complexity of the case The 2017 World Workshop was held to develop a new classification scheme for

periodontal and peri-implant disease and conditions so that clinicians can properly diagnose and treat patients. The new system allows scientists and researchers to investigate aetiology, pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment. In accordance with current knowledge, the new classification system recognises three forms of periodontitis: 1. Necrotising periodontitis 2. Periodontitis manifested by systemic diseases 3. Periodontitis (formerly ‘chronic’ and ‘aggressive’, now combined) The World Workshop also agreed on a classification system based on a ‘staging’ and ‘grading’ framework that is able to be adapted as new evidence emerges.

THE NEW SYSTEM

Using the new system

STAGING

Do you work in a general or specialist practice? I have worked in a general practice since December 2017 after graduating.

A brief overview

The ‘staging’ portion of the classification framework depends on the severity of disease at presentation as well as on the complexity of disease management. It is divided into four categories as follows: • Stage I – Initial Periodontitis • Stage II – Moderate Periodontitis • Stage III – Severe Periodontitis with potential for additional tooth loss • Stage IV – Severe Periodontitis with potential for loss of the dentition. The staging category is determined after considering clinical attachment loss; amount and percentage of bone loss; probing depth; presence and extent of angular bony defects; furcation involvement; tooth mobility; and tooth loss due to periodontitis. EXTENT AND DISTRIBUTION Localised <30% teeth involved Generalised >30% teeth involved Molar/incisor pattern

“ The new system allows scientists and researchers to investigate aetiology, pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment.” GRADING The ‘grading’ provides supplemental information about biological features of the disease. This includes a historybased analysis of how fast the disease is progressing, assessment of risk for further progression, predicted poor outcomes of treatment, and assessment of the risk that the disease, or its treatment, may negatively affect the general health of the patient. It is divided into three separate grades: >

Nafeena Feroz: General and Paediatric Dental Clinic

How long have you been using the new periodontal classification? It was released towards the end of my program and due to the update coinciding with finals, the concept was not heavily emphasised. After graduation the update was used minimally until recently in the last two or three months. What training did you receive or study did you carry out to educate yourself on the new periodontal classifications? No official training was provided. I learnt the new classification through the links provided on the American Association of Periodontology (AAP) and the supplemental information that was provided with the new staging and grading of periodontal disease. It took a few days to completely grasp the concept and implementation of the new classification has been difficult due to the time restraints that are present in private general practices. How did you find the transition from the old classification? The transition has been challenging, and not only due to the lack of time. The limited understanding and confidence in my knowledge of the parameters of the new classification has also made it tough to properly calculate the right classification. Another issue is the communication with other practitioners who have not updated themselves with the new classification and continue to use the old system. Without a consistent language there are ongoing implications that impact the communication with the patient. Does the new classification help to provide better diagnosis and treatment? The updated classification provides a more holistic approach to patient management and for understanding the progression of the disease. Unlike the original, the new classification takes patient factors into consideration that may influence the progression of the disease – directly or indirectly. This makes it easier to analyse if a patient is a high or low risk, and allows for their treatments and review intervals to be planned accordingly for more favorable outcomes. The new classification also breaks the disease down into stages with specific parameters, making it easier to track disease progression or improvement. By having theses stages, clinicians can have a better view of the disease as a whole rather than a blanket descriptor for disease classification. Do you agree with the new classifications and are there any changes you would like to see in the next update? Due to the limited use of the new classification I cannot say what I would like to have changed. With more use it will be easier to identify what works and what parts require further modification. Although the new system is more detailed and mildly more complex than original classification, I do agree with the new update and the parameters included.

Using the new system Carol Tran: Specialist practice

Do you work in a general or specialist practice? I work in specialist practice, where we’ve been using the new classification since it was released at Europerio in July 2018. What training did you receive or study did you carry out to educate yourself on the new periodontal classifications? The main training was from the lecture that I attended explaining the new classification, I followed this up with reading the published journal articles, websites and attending additional lectures. In total, I probably put in about 20 hours educating myself on the new classification and reviewing the evidence for it. I also presented a lecture for DHAA Qld members at our annual CPD day in March 2018. How did you find the transition from the old classification? While the old classification had its benefits, the new classification is easier to explain to patients. The old classification could be rather subjective. For example, the definition between ‘mild’ and ‘moderate’ required the art of interpretation from the clinician and patient. Does the new classification help to provide better diagnosis and treatment? Yes, as it’s grading and staging, it is easier for patients to understand the severity of their disease on a defined scale. It helps patients accept their diagnosis and treatment plans. Do you agree with the new classifications and are there any changes you would like to see in the next update? It took me a while to accept the new classifications as it was initially presented as a ‘way to help researchers to report incidences on a population scale’ rather than for day-to-day use in the practice as a clinician. But since adopting the new approach the patients do seem to take the severity and extent of their disease more seriously. For the next update, I would be keen to see: 1. The grade modifier of ‘smoking < 10 cigarettes/daily = moderate rate, grade B’ to just ‘smoking = rapid rate, grade C’. Smoking is smoking. 2. Remove the ‘tooth loss’ criteria - patients rarely remember how they lost their teeth progressively; especially if it was perio or caries or etc. 3. Emphase in stage IV, patients will probably need to have a pros/ restorative treatment plan due to a collapsing occlusion.

• Grade A – slow rate of progression • Grade B – moderate rate of progression • Grade C – rapid rate of progression Grading incorporates elements related to periodontitis progression, general health status, and other risk factors such as smoking or level of metabolic control in diabetes. The addition of grading allows the clinician to add individual patient factors into the diagnosis, thus allowing them to comprehensively manage a periodontitis case. Another benefit of the new classification system is the ability of the diagnosing clinician to factor in the element of ‘complexity.’ Factors such as masticatory dysfunction, bite collapse, drifting, and flaring all contribute to the complexity of a periodontitis case and thus, should be included in the diagnosis to allow for better treatment planning.

“ The addition of grading allows the clinician to add individual patient factors into the diagnosis allowing them to comprehensively manage a case” IMPLANTS A new classification system was developed for peri-implant health and a consensus was reached on the following case definitions: • Peri-Implant Health – characterised by an absence of bleeding on probing and inflammation. It can exist around implants with normal or reduced bone support, however it is not possible to define a range of probing depths • Peri-Implant Mucositis – characterised by bleeding on probing and visual signs of inflammation.

• Peri-Implantitis – characterised by inflammation in the peri-implant mucosa, and subsequent gradual loss of supporting bone • Peri-Implant Soft and Hard Tissue Deficiencies – The alveolar process/ ridge can be diminished through tooth loss. This can cause hard and soft tissue deficiencies. Medications and systemic diseases can also have an effect on the ridge At first, the new periodontitis classification system is daunting. There are many factors that were not previously included in the diagnosis of periodontitis. Having said that, a system that includes the elements that affect the disease process makes it easier to diagnose, treatment plan, carry out research, and look at overall population health.

Further reading

Given the complexity of the subject this article can only be a very limited overview of the new periodontitis classification scheme. The information has been gleaned from the following articles so you can perform your own research as required.

Staging and Grading of Periodontitis Tonetti MS, Greenwell H, Kornman KS. Staging and grading of periodontitis: Framework and proposal of a new classification and case definition. J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45(Suppl 20): S149–S161. https://doi. org/10.1111/ jcpe.12945

Periodontital Classification Caton J, Armitage G, Berglundh T, et al. A new classification scheme for periodontal and peri- implant diseases and conditions – Introduction and key changes from the 1999 classification. J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45(Suppl 20): S1– S8. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.12935

Flowcharts can be downloaded from the British Society of Periodontology website

PDF Reading Other helpful links include: • 2017 World Workshop: Periodontal Health PDF • 2017 World Workshop: Peri-implant Health PDF • 2017 World Workshop: Peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis – Case definitions and diagnostic considerations PDF • 2017 World Workshop: Dental plaque–induced gingival conditions PDF

Tips and tricks

Flowchart: One of the easiest ways to use the new classification framework is as a flowchart (see above). Here is an example that you can download from the British Society of Periodontology

Smartphone App: If you’re someone who likes to reference an app then just enter “Dr Peter Fritz” into the search function of wherever you download your apps, and you’ll find an easy-touse tool to assist in your periodontal classifications. n

14 CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The important influence of oral health promotion If you’re not loving hands-on hygiene, there’s a myriad of opportunity outside of the dental practice By Melanie Hayes

WE ALL LEARNT a great deal about the importance of oral health promotion during our dental hygiene or oral health therapy training. In fact, the competencies of our profession specify that on graduation we must be able to understand the determinants of health, risk factors and behaviors that influence health, the theories and principles of health promotion, health promotion strategies and how to design, implement and evaluate evidencebased health promotion (Australian Dental Council, 2016). Many practitioners implement health promotion initiatives alongside their current clinical roles; I know numerous colleagues who regularly visit pre-schools, schools or aged care facilities. Despite loving their work, some hygienists and OHTs will not practice clinically for the entirety of their working lives. Firstly, its tough on the body! Just like an athlete who retires from sport due to aches, pains and injuries, we may look to step away from clinical work to pursue alternative, but less straining, work. Secondly, we may simply be looking for a new challenge, or a chance to try something different. Or, we may be unlucky enough to be a casualty of a company restructure. Whatever the reason, you don’t have to step away from the dental profession entirely. If you enjoy health promotion you might consider pursuing work utilizing your skills! If you aren’t sure what you could do, or where to start, this edition is full of health promotion focused colleagues – reach out, have a conversation, and explore this potential career path.

Dr Melanie Hayes (PhD) is a dental hygienist who has enjoyed a diverse career in clinical practice, teaching, research and management. She has a Master of Education majoring in Career Development, and is now working in an interdisciplinary role at the University of Sydney.

Changing for better

Project Officer for the Centre for Oral Health Strategy, Joanna Mohammadi, gives some insight into her role in health promotion and policy Tell us about your current role. I’ve recently started a secondment as a project officer in the Primary School Mobile Dental Program. My role also sits within the Oral Health Services and Strategic Planning team at the Centre for Oral Health Strategy so I do some policy work too. What education or experience did you need for this role? I have a Bachelor of Oral Health and a Master’s in Public Health, but neither were a requirement for this role. Prior to this secondment, I had worked as a policy officer for priority populations. An understanding of the Australian dental system in the context of state and federal governments would be useful to have for this role. It’s important to remember, knowledge doesn’t have to always be through a formal qualification. It can be as simple as exploring a topic you’re curious about! What are the day-to-day activities? A key component of my role is

stakeholder engagement and consultation. This program impacts stakeholders across government such as NSW Health, Department of Education, NSW Families and Community Services. It also impacts on non-government stakeholders such as the Australian Dental Association, Australian Health and Medical Research Council, and the NSW Council of Social Services. Ensuring communication to appropriate stakeholders through phone calls, emails, meetings in addition to approval/correspondence briefs. What was the scariest/most challenging part of choosing an alternate career? I was worried that I would lose my clinical skill set. Even though, I knew I was ready to move into a population health/policy space. I felt I had “wasted” so many years working in clinical practice, however, I’ve realised this was a fixed mindset. In reality, the experiences and skills in each job I’ve had, helps me in some small way. For example, employment negotiation skills, working with a difficult colleague and time/resource management. Were there people along the way who helped you get the career you wanted? I have many encouraging friends, colleagues and teachers. I think it’s important to take advice from people who matter to you. In addition, I found a mentor who had experience in working in the Ministry of Health and asked them a lot of questions. Do you have advice for anyone looking for a change from clinical practice? The most important thing to consider is what you’re wanting from your ‘change’. Do you want to move completely away from clinical practice or is your treatment philosophy different to the practice you work in? As I mentioned before, it’s important to remember that knowledge doesn’t always have to be through a formal qualificationit can be as simple as exploring a topic you’re curious about. n

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN! 8 – 10 OCTOBER 2020 The annual national DHAA Symposium is a unique opportunity for oral health professionals to network, catch up with old friends, and establish new contacts. Come and be inspired by presentations from wellrespected, national and international speakers, discover the latest innovations at the two-day trade exhibition, and catch up on the latest research projects in an array of poster presentations, before partying at the infamous Gala Dinner. Mark the date in your calendar and make time to immerse yourself in two days of fun and professional development! FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER

dhaasymposium2020.com.au

The power of

mentoring

Shivani Kashyap

We speak to two members who participated in the 2018 DHAA Mentor Program and discover the professional value of being mentored By Margaret Galvin

Ian Epondulan

STARTING OUT IN a new career can be daunting. How does one go from the relative safety of the learning environment at university to becoming an independent professional? What can be done when a career feels stale, or there is a need to branch out? How can a career trajectory be changed or restarted? One way is to utilise the skills, knowledge, and experience of a mentor. A mentor possesses a willingness to share these skills, knowledge, and experience, and is able to guide a mentee no matter what stage the mentee is at in their career. The DHAA Bulletin sat down with Ian Epondulan and Shivani Kashyap, two participants from the 2018 DHAA Mentoring Programme, to find out what it was like to take part in the DHAA Mentor Programme as a mentee.

Tell us a little about yourselves. Shivani: I am an oral health therapist

(OHT). I completed my Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University of Adelaide in 2017 and completed a Graduate Certificate in Oral Health Science in 2019. My dual qualification with extended scope allows me to treat both periodontal and restorative patients in all age groups. I am currently working as an OHT with Azura Dental & Cosmetics and Tea Tree Dental. I also worked in the community with a mobile dental van which gave me the opportunity to visit schools and aged care facilities for preventive, restorative and health promotion purposes.

– Hunter New England Local Health District in metropolitan and rural dental clinics. Throughout my clinical practice I gained an appreciation of oral health promotion activities. I enjoyed delivering presentations in a variety of settings such as to new mothers’ groups, parents at preschool playgroups, students at TAFE, multicultural groups, new migrants, and refugees. In 2016 I embarked on post-graduate study and graduated with a Masters of Public Health (MPH) in 2018 from The University of Sydney and subsequently gained employment with NSW Health – Northern Sydney Local Health District.

How did you find out about the DHAA Mentor Programme?

Ian: I graduated with a BOH in 2012 from

Shivani: My final year hygiene clinical

The University of Sydney and started working as an OHT with NSW Health

tutor, Chris Corner, mentioned the mentor programme available for recent

graduates and asked my interest regarding the programme. Ian: I found out about the DHAA mentor

programme through reading the DHAA Bulletin.

“ It was nice to develop a positive mentoring relationship to learn from each other’s experiences”

How was a mentor found for you? Shivani: After I showed interest

regarding the programme, my details were passed on to the programme coordinator. Dr. Melanie Hayes (CEO of DHAA, 2018) then contacted me regarding the details of the orientation and mentorship programme through email.

Cathryn completed a Master of Health Promotion and has a strong commitment to excellence in dental education and community based oral health promotion.

How did you communicate with your mentor? Shivani: One of the most challenging

Ian: Dr Melanie Hayes asked questions

about myself and my experiences. She was able to pair me up with the wonderful Ms Cathryn Carboon who had a similar career journey to my own.

parts of the programme, for both mentor and mentee, was arranging a schedule for the progress of the programme. My mentor, Lyn Carman, is a very active and busy DHAA member. We managed

to meet in person whenever possible, however most contact was through text messages, emails, and phone calls. Ian: A webinar was set up at the

beginning of the programme for all mentors and mentees, outlining the mentoring process and answering any questions we had. A programme manual was sent by mail to both the mentor and mentee to keep track of progress. Melanie e-introduced Cathryn and I via email and although I had met Cathryn before in person through the DHAA at various events, it was nice to develop a positive mentoring relationship to learn from each other’s experiences. Being in separate States it was difficult for face-to-face interactions so we would communicate via phone, videoconference, and email. However, we have managed face-to- >

face interactions at DHAA workshops, events, conferences, and during the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2019.

What did you hope to gain from the programme? Shivani: I joined the DHAA mentor

programme to enhance my clinical knowledge and skills as good quality mentoring helps to expand professional socialisation. It gives personal support, increases the chances of success in the career after graduating from university, and gives me the opportunity to expand my network within the profession. I hoped to gain professional skills and knowledge from my mentor’s experience and wanted to learn how to utilise my underpinning knowledge in challenging clinical scenarios. I also wanted to gain an understanding of both clinical and non-clinical issues such as continuing professional development, scope of practice, employment contracts, roles and responsibilities of an OHT, and indemnity insurance. I was looking for guidance to begin my career with a smooth transition from student to independent professional so it was an opportunity to gain from a mentor’s clinical experience and skills, and to increase my network within the profession. Ian: I hoped to gain a mentor who could

share the experiences of their career journey, and guidance to see what opportunities were possible after having completed my post-graduate degree. I did not have too many expectations other than to be able to converse with someone outside of work to share my career journey so far. I wanted to get a new perspective, to gain wisdom from a mentor who has had a similar pathway in their career to help me discern the right direction for what I wanted from my own career.

What did you gain from the programme? Shivani: This programme had a lot of

potential but I was unable to utilise it to the fullest due to time restraints. I was, however, fortunate enough to receive guidance from my mentor regarding clinical and non-clinical components. The programme allowed me to contact other dental practitioners with expertise in restorative and periodontal areas, which in-turn gave me the confidence to make treatment plans and appropriate referrals. The programme and my mentor also supported me when undertaking job interviews, reviewing contracts, and navigating indemnity insurance.

“ Being in separate States it was difficult for face-to-face interactions so we would communicate via phone, videoconference, and email”

Ian: I gained so much valuable advice

from Cathryn. It was beyond what I initially expected and I was encouraged to go outside of my comfort zone and take up new opportunities. Some of the highlights and outcomes of the programme included; presenting three lectures and a webinar for the DHAA as a guest speaker; writing five articles in the DHAA Bulletin about oral health promotion and public health; further developing my leadership skills through becoming the Chair of the Oral Health Promotion and Public Health Committee (OHPPHC) for the DHAA and in-turn strengthening the partnership with the Rethink Sugary Drink Alliance; enhancing my role within the Students and Young Professionals in Public Health (SYPPH) Committee with the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA); gaining encouragement from Cathryn to apply, and be accepted, to present a rapid-fire presentation and poster abstract on my research about “Considering a sugar tax on Sugary Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) in Australia” as part of the Empowerment Theme at the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene 2019.

Was it clinical, career, professional or personal mentoring advice offered, and has it changed your career path/trajectory and clinical practice? Shivani: Although my involvement

with the programme was not longterm, it still helped me to develop professionally. It allowed me to become more confident in overcoming the transition from the supportive student clinical environment at university to that of the independent practitioner. Meetings included all aspects of professional development including clinical topics such as instrumentation, tooth whitening, medical histories; and non-clinical topics such as dealing with anxious, aggressive, and other challenging patients. Ian: The mentoring advice given to me

encompassed clinic, career, personal

communication. It provided a framework to develop the goals and milestones that I wanted to achieve. The programme coordinator also made sure that we were on the right track through email reminders that ensured we were both accountable for each other within the programme. There is nothing I would change about the programme as it has been a wonderful opportunity.

Would you recommended the programme to others? Shivani: I strongly recommend that

new graduates participate in this programme . It not only encourages learning from the mentorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich experience, but also motivates the mentee to gain the confidence to work independently. Ian: I would strongly recommend the

and professional matters. The programme has changed my career path/trajectory through making me more confident and aware of the skills I already had, but unlocking them to their full potential. I now have a clearer picture of the direction I want to take in my career journey, After learning about research and grant applications I may consider doing further study in the future and combining that with clinical practice. I have gained a deeper appreciation of my clinical practice as it has placed a picture of the concept of oral health beyond clinical practice and into the Public Health Realm, Health Promotion and Advocacy. I also have a better understanding of health literacy, working with allied health professionals in an interdisciplinary approach, and fine tuning skills in interpreting evidence-

based literature which can be put back into practice.

What did you like and what would you change about the programme? Shivani: I liked having my mentor

share her valuable skills and experience, the guidance that was provided for my professional development, and expanding my network. The programme, however, needs ongoing support and a more structured approach. The programme started well but maintaining the inconsistency of the sessions due to the busy schedule of mentor and mentee was the main challenge. This issue should be considered for future reference. Ian: What I liked about the programme

was the flexibility between the mentor and the mentee in terms of

programme to others because it has opened up so many opportunities. It has enabled me to converse with someone and get feedback on their insights and thoughts from a different perspective. The programme has allowed me to step back and take time to reflect on what I have accomplished in my career journey so far, and encouraged me to explore the next steps regarding where, and how, to take it further. I am thankful to all those involved in the coordination of the DHAA mentor programme and grateful to Cathryn who really has brought the very best out of me. In return I hope that she gained something out of the process and wish her all the best in her career. I am confident that she will continue to inspire many others on their journeys. I hope that as my career progresses and I gain more experience that I would be able to offer back that same mentorship to others, especially new graduates, in their career pathway. n

The call to

collaborate How a dental hygienist found an unexpected business opportunity with a speech pathologist friend By Karen Smart and Jenni-Lee Rees

HAVE YOU ASKED yourself which profession outside the dental team you could work with to provide better outcomes for your clients? When I met my speech colleague in 2014, I never imagined that our professional worlds would collide the way they have. Back then, we were two health professionals working in regional Queensland who both shared an interest in orofacial myology. At the time of meeting this was the proposed area of collaboration. I knew that orofacial myology was not accepted as a practice area of dentistry; nor was it hugely recognised as an area of practice by Speech Pathology Australia at the time. However, we were aware that orofacial myology was an area of growing interest in Australia, and was already well-established in the United States and Brazil. As we had both completed orofacial myology training courses, we could see the sense in joining forces. We worked together to establish a speech student-led orofacial myology clinic at our tertiary institution. My role was an oral myologist in this particular clinic. Together we provided services to clients – assessing, identifying and managing orofacial disorders. It was through collaborative practice that we established a shared goal for our clients, mutual respect and educated one another on each other’s roles as a speech pathologist and oral health therapist. This experience led us to the realisation that we were in essence, two health

professionals looking in the mouths of clients with both having expertise in the stomatognathic system, yet seeing things through a completely different set of lenses. I had limited knowledge of a speech pathologist’s scope of practice and the various members of the dental team were not understood by my speech colleague. As the orofacial clinic grew, so did our partnership. We established commonalities, barriers and opportunities where oral health and speech professionals could collaborate. The most amazing elements that developed in this partnership were the friendship, support and trust we established which really helped with problem solving. We found we were very good at bouncing ideas off each other and we were able to use each other’s clinical and personal strengths to mutual advantage and for client benefit. As a dental practitioner I was focused on the function of the dentition in the masticatory process and I found my knowledge complimented that of my speech colleague who focussed a lot on tongue movement and lip seal during swallowing. The partnership with my speech colleague has educated me on the vast range of practice that is Speech Pathology. They assess, manage and treat people experiencing difficulty in speaking (which includes both how the voice mechanism works as well as articulation), listening, processing and

expressing language, reading, writing, stuttering, social skills, and swallowing. They even have knowledge of breathing because it’s important for talking and swallowing safely. I didn’t realise how much anatomy and neuroanatomy knowledge is required to understand and treat these areas. Most speech pathologists are working in particular areas and will have different skill sets so this needs

“ When I met my speech colleague in 2014, I never imagined that our professional worlds would collide” to be taken into consideration by any dental practitioner looking for speech pathology input. There are 9,000 speech pathologists out there so you should be able to find one who fits your needs and is open to sharing your vision. As our partnership progressed, we expanded the relationship with input into each other’s tertiary courses. I co-supervised Speech Pathology Honours students on projects such

as improving the knowledge of oral health and swallowing in aged care and investigating the perceptions of regional dental practitioners and speech pathologists in interprofessional practice. My colleague lectures the oral health students on the swallowing mechanism from a speech pathology perspective and gives them some insight into treatment and management, whether that be in the form of compensatory techniques or rehabilitative approaches. She gives an aged care focus to look at recommended positioning for people with dysphagia or swallowing difficulties. Our collaborative partnership has become bigger than originally envisaged. We now have a closer relationship between university departments as other teaching staff in both professions better understand the mutual professional commonalities. Every couple of years we hold an informative collaborative event for oral health and speech pathology students and staff. Activities have included guest speakers who have survived oral cancer so students can hear about the personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience and discuss the professionspecific approach to care, as well as

considering how client-centred care can be implemented. We have had students from each discipline demonstrate oral and oromotor examinations specific to their discipline. These events allow participants to socialise, compare clinical techniques and knowledge, and educate each other about their professional roles. These are components which form the basis for professional respect and which we hope will encourages them as graduates to work in a less siloed or profession-centric fashion for maximum satisfaction for all concerned. There are still professions and professionals who are not willing to engage collaboratively which is saddening news. Little do they know how much they are missing out. Yes, it does take time. Both parties need to feel that they have equal status and a common goal to work towards; and having the occasional informal interaction helps bond the partnership. There is a certain amount of shifting of ideals, culture and beliefs but the rewards are worth it, and of course, the client benefits which any professional worth their salt should be aiming for. There is plenty of room for

collaboration in cancer care and the aged care sector. Speech pathology is well established in aged care, an ideal platform for both professions to team up to develop and ensure implementation of oral health care plans; so necessary in the prevention of aspiration pneumonia. Working with a speech pathologist can make a difference in many ways, from getting tips on managing behaviour during treatment through more effective communication means, to understanding swallowing or speech and language developmental milestones better so you can recognise when to discuss cases, refer on, problem solve or suggest a joint session for a client. The fact that the two professions do look through a different lens is great but when you look through both right and left lenses at the same time, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you see so much better? n n Karen Smart is a lecturer in Advanced Clinical Practice (Oral Health) at CQUniversity. Email k.smart@cqu.edu.au n Jenni-Lee Rees is a senior lecturer in Speech Pathology at CQUniversity. Email j.rees2@cqu.edu.au

Don’t wait until you

SNAP!

Occupational stress among dental practitioners is a growing issue. We look at the causes, concerns and reveal what the DHAA are doing to help By Roisin McGrath

The prevalence of anxiety disorders in Australia

Mental health problems and mental illnesses are very common. In fact, it is estimated that half of all Australians will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, and that one in five adults aged 16-85 years old have had a common mental disorder (i.e. anxiety disorders, mood disorders and substance-use disorders) during the past 12-months (AIHW 2019). Of these common mental illnesses, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent afflicting 14.4% of Australian adults. Having an anxiety disorder is more than feeling a bit stressed or worried. For most people, when a ‘stressor’ is removed the feelings of stress or anxiety will go away. However, for people with anxiety disorders, these feelings do not pass and often come on without any apparent cause (Beyond Blue). Despite the fact that effective support services and treatments are available, the majority of people living with an anxiety disorder are not getting any professional help.

One of the major barriers to people accessing mental health care is the continued stigma associated with being ‘labelled’ as having a mental illness. I’m sure you’ll all agree that it’s time that we were able to talk openly and honestly about the causes and consequences of mental illness, to create an environment where those experiencing anxiety disorders are more likely to seek early support and care.

Is stress and anxiety a problem in our profession?

Stressful life experiences increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder or can make an existing anxiety disorder worse (SANE Australia). Evidence suggests that occupational stress is prevalent among dental hygienists and is an important cause of burnout and attrition from the profession (Sanders & Turcott 2010,

Practitioner Group (%) n Dental Hygienist

1.96%

n Dental Therapist n Oral Health Therapist n Other

41.18% 54.9% 1.96%

“ It’s time that we were able to talk openly and honestly about the causes and consequences of mental illness”

Primary Sector Employed (%) n Private

Gorter 2005, Lopresti 2014, Parlette et al. 2018). Dental practitioners experience high rates of musculoskeletal problems associated with clinical practice, which can cause physical and emotional stress (Moodley et al. 2018). Non-physical occupational stressors frequently experienced include factors such as ‘emotional labour’, time constraints and running late, patient-related factors, personality traits (e.g. perfectionism,

9.8%

1.96% 1.96%

n Public n Not-For-Profit n Other

86.7%

conscientiousness, caring nature) and organisational or practice issues (e.g. relationships with employers, heavy workload). On the other hand, studies have also shown that, for some dental practitioners, stress can actually be performance enhancing and impact positively on their psychological wellbeing (Crum et al. 2013, Harris et al. 2017). It is apparent that how we perceive and react to stressful situations influences the level of impact they have on us. Stress management techniques are therefore important in maintaining our mental health and wellbeing and can play a pivotal role in ensuring longevity in our clinical careers. Protective factors vary between individuals but include things like a ‘sense of coherence’, good time management, control over one’s work environment, setting realistic career goals, support from peers, effective self-care practices and healthy lifestyles (Lopresti 2014, Gorter 2005, Gambetta-Tessini et al. 2016). What causes stress in one person >

may not cause stress in another. So, self-awareness is necessary to identify and monitor our own personal and professional stressors and to assist us in developing appropriate coping strategies. We can use stress management approaches to change the way we perceive stress, change the way we react to stress and change our lifestyles to promote better health and wellbeing (Lopresti 2014).

“ As your professional organisation we (the DHAA) want to do more to support you during these challenges”

What did you tell us about work-related stress?

Late last year, I hosted a DHAA webinar on mental health. Prior to the webinar, we conducted a survey of members asking them about factors at work that cause them stress. Although the purpose of this survey was to collect data for use in the webinar, the results were so valuable and insightful that we thought it was important to share them with you in The Bulletin. Just over half (54.9%) of those who responded were dental hygienists and another two-fifths (41.18%) were oral health therapists. The vast majority (86.7%) of members who responded currently work in the private sector. Our survey results suggest that time pressure causes the greatest impact, with two-thirds (66.7%) saying it is ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important in causing you stress. We know that musculoskeletal conditions are common in dental practitioners, so it was not surprising to find that musculoskeletal problems are a major issue for about 60% of you. You also told us that patient-related factors are ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ likely to cause you stress at work; in fact, hardly any of you (2%) said that working with patients did not cause you stress at all. Remuneration is one of those topics that surfaces regularly, but we did not

Table 1: Factors Causing Stress (%) Employment Issues Salary Issues Work/Life Balance Challenges Lack of Career Growth Professional Isolation Musculoskeletal Problems Time Pressures Lack of Support at Work Patient-Related Factors Lack of Autonomy 0

100

expect to find that salary issues are such a significant contributor to your stress levels. You can see the results for the rest of the stressor questions in Table 1. We also asked what support strategies you use to help mitigate your occupational stress (Table 2). It was great to note that such a large proportion of you focus on healthy eating and getting enough exercise and rest/sleep when you are experiencing stressful periods. Other strategies that can also help but were less commonly practiced include things like meditation and mindfulness. Just over half (52.94%) said they never use professional support services; this may be because the other strategies they use are sufficient to alleviate their stress. However, it is also possible that our members are experiencing barriers to accessing professional supports (e.g. cost, stigma, lack of available services, time etc.)

What is the DHAA doing to support members experiencing occupational stress?

Table 2: Support Strategies Used (%) Professional Support Planning & Preparation Meditation/Yoga/Tai-Chi Hobbies and Social Activities Rest & Sleep Healthy Eating Physical Exercise Mindfulness 0

KEY: n Not At All n Rarely n S ometimes n Regularly n Extremely Often

100

At the DHAA, we recognise the negative impact that employment issues can have on our members’ mental health and wellbeing. As your professional organisation we want to do more to support you during these challenges, not only by providing industrial relations advice – so many members have already benefited from the services of the fantastic Katrina Murphy; but also through the development of a new ‘peer support service’ to assist when a member receives a complaint or has an investigation launched against them. We look forward to telling you more about this exciting new member service proposal soon. n

Happiness &

SELF DEVELOPMENT

AFTER A JANUARY of many challenges here in Australia, there is much to reflect on, to share and even more reason to connect with each other, to heal. I listened to Cheryl McCarthy talking on Q&A the other night. She was the duty officer for the evacuation centre at Bermagui Surf Club during the New Year’s Eve bushfires, coordinating the emergency response when the call went out at 3am. While she was speaking on a terrifying and traumatic event, she appeared to me to have a calmness and humility. She was ‘happy’, peaceful, respectful and heartfelt. So, today while I reflect on this, I am curious to explore happiness and meaning and how, in the face of adversity, some people still triumph. I believe that the quality of our lives isn’t built on the events in our lives, but the meaning that we give to them. And that meaning becomes how we experience our lives.

one enemy of happiness. In this modern world we no longer face the same dangers and daily threats of the huntor-be-hunted approach to survival. To balance this, we have evolved to possess the human neocortex, which is the primary area for intellect – this is the creative, the intuitive, the intellectual, the spiritual. More importantly it is the home of happiness. So, let’s explore the qualities of happiness and consider what you would like to experience more of.

The future has several names. For the weak, it is impossible For the fainthearted, it is unknown For the thoughtful and valiant, it is ideal

Victor Hugo

We as humans are hardwired for hard times. We have a neurological fear system embedded within our brain (FFF) which has helped us to survive – although now that same fear system can limit our lives. What can save us is also the number

The twelve qualities of happiness... plus one

Love – the heart of

happiness. When we come from a place of love it is the antidote of fear. Love is the polar opposite of fear and the two cannot exist at the same time.

Optimism – this is more than

simply being positive; it provides power over painful events. Every event holds opportunities for lessons, and sometimes the greater the pain the greater the lesson.

Courage – as fear is hardwired

into our neural pathways so is courage, and the only way to rise above fear is to tap into courage. Courage provides a balance and a quality which allows us to thrive.

A sense of freedom - we all

have freedom to choose. When we choose we define who we are. Unhappy people don’t know (or don’t believe) this. The truth is freedom is available to anyone who has the courage to exercise it.

Proactivity

– wishing, waiting and hoping that opportunities come along, accepts the role of passive victim. When we participate in our own destiny, we chose to be the active hero in our own life.

Meaning 6

Security - happy people know

that nothing truly lasts forever. Not money, approval, or even life. Security isn’t measured in money or on a calendar but through feeling secure about who they are and what they stand for – it’s an inside job!

Health – health

and happiness are interdependent. The most important part of health is your mood chemistry.

Spirituality – happy people are

willing to go beyond the limits or boundaries of their own lives. Their fear isn’t death - its dying knowing there was still fuel in the tank, of not living a full life.

Altruism – happy people focus on

others not just themselves; they know that this focus feels great and gives them purpose. Contribution is one of our greatest needs.

Encouraging you to explore the many qualities of happiness By Lyn Carman

Purpose – happy people know

why they are here and are doing what they know they are meant to do.

Appreciation – this has a

banner all its own. We cannot experience fear and appreciation at the same time. Happy people spend time appreciating and being grateful for what is in their lives, who is in their lives and what they are experiencing.

“ I believe we all have a choice to experience life on our terms, so what will you chose to experience more of?”

Perspective

– unhappy people tend to have a black and white view of life. It either is or it isn’t, there’s no grey, and therefore they are easily disappointed. Happy people see the grey, and they keep sight of life’s bigger picture when there are problems.

Humour – humour and lightness

connect us to our neocortex. Try to stay angry when you are laughing. When we chose to take ourselves lightly our troubles appear less serious. It is in this space that suffering is lifted from the heart to a place of empowerment, the only place where there is power to heal it.

Some of the most amazing people in the world and in history have built their lives from adversity. I am always curious when there is so much to be unhappy about, that there are still some people that seem able to rise above it all and find true happiness. I believe we all have a choice to experience life on our terms, so what will you chose to experience more of? Much of what I share here comes from learnings in the book “You’re Only Six Steps Away From Happiness”. n DHAA Chair Lyn Carman is a clinical dental hygienist and a personal, team and leadership coach. You can email her at excel@lyncconsulting.com.au

A full state-by-state run-down of Association happenings around the country

STATE NATION ACT

DHAA ACT IS grateful that Susan Melrose continues to volunteer as ACT chair. Susan is the dental hygienist and practice manager at Weston Dental Surgery where she practices clinical dental hygiene two daysa-week and oversees all areas involved in the administration of a busy dental practice. Susan has been employed in the dental industry for 25 years as a dental assistant, dental hygienist and practice manager privately and while serving with the Royal Australian Navy for over 10 years. Her career path has

“ Susan Pelengaris will clarify the six anxiety disorder classifications and outline the use of Eye Movement, Desensitiation and Reprocessing”

provided her not only with clinical and administrative dental experience but also management and leadership skills that are well suited to this position. ACT members are invited to join the rest of the world to celebrate World Oral health Day over dinner on Wednesday 18 March at the Duxton Living Room, O’Conner. Susan Pelengaris will clarify the six anxiety disorder classifications and outline the use of Eye Movement, Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) – a psychotherapy treatment that has been evolved to facilitate the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experiences with the intention of bringing them to an adaptive resolution. Full details on the event and registration are here.

New South Wales

THIS YEAR WE say goodbye to Jacquie Biggar and welcome Merrin Lewis into the role.

“ J acquie [Biggar] has stepped into the role of DHAA National CPD chair, and has already been busy organising the national CPD calendar and the Bali Offshore Symposium.” Jacquie has stepped into the role of DHAA National CPD chair, and has already been busy organising the national CPD calendar and the Bali Offshore Symposium. Merrin is a qualified dental hygienist, graduating from the University of Newcastle in 2008 with a Bachelor of Oral Health, after having worked as a dental assistant in general and specialist periodontal practice for 10 years. In 2012 she took up a position as a Clinical Educator in the University of Sydney (USYD) undergraduate dental program, and in 2015 she graduated from USYD with a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education. More recently, she has been working as a clinical educator with the USYD Doctor of Dental Medicine program in Periodontics. Merrin is passionate

about health equity and has worked on collaborative health promotion strategies targeting Indigenous health. She is an advocate for interdisciplinary health education and is currently working in allied health in an effort to facilitate improved knowledge exchange between oral health and health education. Merrin and the NSW Branch will celebrate World Oral Health Day on 18 March over dinner, with Rochelle McPherson delivering a CPD session on Orofacial Myology. Please click here for details.

Queensland

JENNEFER TURNBULL has taken over from Aneta Zielinksi in Queensland. Jen has been working in private practice for the past 10 years since graduating from Curtin University (WA). She previously held a supervising role of the OHT/ dental hygiene department in her private practice. This position in conjunction

29 For all the latest info on DHAA events near you please visit www.dhaa.info/events

“ Psychologist Louis Mills will discuss how dental practitioners can identify patients who are affected by domestic violence and the steps to take to support them. with her clinical duties also involved supervising, mentoring and guiding other dental hygienists and OHTs, helping to negotiate better working outcomes for all parties involved, and working with management to streamline practices for better operator efficiency. Given Jen’s strong military background in the Communications Branch of the Royal Australian Navy (11 years) where she initially learnt many practical skills including problem solving, leadership, and management of others. She has since built on this base to be of good practical use within the dental industry and prides herself on her networking abilities and desire to help others. Jen is inviting Queensland members to a Saturday brunch CPD session at the

WOTSO, Chermside on 21 March to celebrate World Oral Health Day. Psychologist Louis Mills will discuss how dental practitioners can identify patients who are affected by domestic violence and the steps to take to support them. She will also discuss what our role as a health practitioner is when faced with these scenarios, the mandatory reporting required, and look at how can we help the victims reach out to the correct services. This is an important topic that is suitable for the entire dental team so we encourage members to bring their staff along. Click here for more.

South Australia

SUE TOSH IS the new SA Chair having taken over from Lyn Carman, who has in-turn moved on to head up the DHAA Rural and Remote Special Interest Group. Sue has been a dental hygienist in an orthodontic practice for many years.

“G iven the recent concerns around the Coronavirus this is a timely reminder of the need to ensure we are all up-to-date and adhering to the latest infection control guidelines. As part of the World Oral Health Day celebration, the SA Committee invite all members to join them on Wednesday 18 March for supper at the Hilton Hotel plus a CPD session on infection control. Associate Professor Sharon Liberali will provide an update on recent changes to the ADA Infection Control Guidelines. Given the recent concerns around the Coronavirus this is a timely reminder of the need to ensure we are all up-to-date and adhering to the latest infection control guidelines. The session will also include updates to the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2019) and the CDNA. Click here for more.

On Saturday 21 March, there will be a CPD session at the University of Adelaide Health & Medical Sciences Building on the Senior Smiles Preventative Oral Health Program for older people living in Residential Aged Care Facilities. Come along to find out how you can help residents at these facilities through your preventive, educational, and advocacy role. There will be practical tips on how to work with facility staff, residents and family members to provide oral health assessment, oral health care plans, develop referral pathways to local dentists, specialists and prosthetists. Read more.

Tasmania

WE WELCOME MICHAEL Charlton to take the chair of TAS Branch. Michael graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2014 with a Bachelor of Oral Health. Soon after graduation he began work >

30 For all the latest info on DHAA events near you please visit www.dhaa.info/events

“ Michael has a passion for empowering patients to understand and take control of their oral health and take great pride in educating his patients” in rural private practice in Ayr, North Queensland, where he proceeded to hone his clinical skills for the next three and-a-half years. A move to Hobart, Tasmania has allowed him to expand his repertoire of clinical abilities across two well-established practices, providing a wide array of hygiene and preventative services to his local community. Michael has a passion for empowering patients to understand and take control of their oral health and take great pride in educating his patients. As the new TAS chair, Michael is very keen to meet DHAA members and discover how best to support them. He is currently working on the 2020 CPD schedule for Tasmania, so watch this space for further details.

Victoria

SARAH LAING HAS kindly agreed to continue to serve as Victorian Chair. She works as a dental hygienist at a periodontics practice as well as a dental imaging practice in Melbourne. Sarah is passionate about teaching and has been a pre-clinical tutor and clinical demonstrator in oral health for the University of Melbourne. Victorian members are in for a treat for this year’s World Oral Health Day Celebration. The Victorian

“ The Victorian Committee has joined force with ADOHTA to host a two day seminar with presentations workshops and a social function over the weekend of 21 and 22 March”

Committee has joined force with ADOHTA to host a two day seminar with presentations workshops and a social function over the weekend of 21 and 22 March at the View Melbourne Hotel. Many sessions are already sold out and there are only limited places left. To check out what is available please click here.

Western Australia

CARMEN JONES IS our new WA Chair having taken over from Aileen Lewis who has moved into the role of WA Board Director. Carmen is a senior dental hygienist and dental therapist who trained at the Curtin University in WA. DHAA WA is hosting a CPD dinner meeting on Wednesday 18 March to commemorate World Oral Health Day at the Pagoda Resort in Como. Presenter Laura Drummond will outline the preventative caries management model that

“ Presenter Laura Drummond will outline the preventative caries management model that reverses early tissue breakdown and prevents disease from occurring in the first place” reverses early tissue breakdown and prevents disease from occurring in the first place. Latest technology in remineralisation, bacterial screening, pH testing and saliva quality are also covered. For more information and registration click here.

STAY INFORMED For all the latest info on DHAA events near you please visit the DHAA website www.dhaa.info/ events

Develop Empower Support www.dhaa.info

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

The Bulletin - Issue 54 Feb / Apr 2020

Articles inside

Don’t wait until you SNAP!

The Power of Mentoring

The call to collaborate

The important influence of oral health promotion

Brush up on Perio

New site for sore eyes

Accreditation Standards