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FROM THE TOP
Is change. Is good. Bill Suen DHAA CEO
With so much change happening in the way we operate as oral health professionals, there has never been a better time to be part of an industry association WE ARE IMMERSED in a sea of change at the moment. We have just had a change in the federal government, we are about to have access to provider numbers, and we are undertaking the TOPA (Towards One Professional Association) project. As health professionals we are trained and conditioned to be risk averse, hence the uncertainty that comes with change often makes us uncomfortable and anxious. So what do these changes mean to us, and how are we managing them?
The Federal Government
The recent federal election has significantly changed the political landscape in Canberra, with the incoming Labor government and the coalition opposition both losing significant public support. This signifies the increasing political clout of minor political parties and independents. Many issues that had been ignored by
the major political parties previously are now being reviewed as part of the post-election evaluation process. The DHAA Board has been revising our advocacy plan to capitalise on this new balance of power so that oral health can be on the radar in Canberra during this new term of government.
Provider Numbers
Our highly structured and disciplined ‘Bad Mouth’ campaign in 2020 has delivered great results to our profession, with provider number changes coming next month. This is a major win for the profession and we are now being recognised as a truly independent health professional group under Ahpra. This significant change opens doors for many e.g. in aged care, rural and remote practices and indigenous health. It offers many opportunities for cross referrals with not only other dental specialists but with the wider health fraternities. With added benefits come responsibilities and we must be vigilant with compliance and risk management with our provider numbers. It is important to note that a provider number is purely a commercial arrangement between funders and providers – it does not change one’s scope of practice. There are many issues that provider number holders must be aware of and address, and the DHAA is ready to support our members through this transition period in the coming months.
Aged Care
The DHAA launched an ambitious goal last year to establish regular
on-site oral health services in 50% of residential aged care facilities by 2026. A number of members have now completed the Aged Care Education Program and are ready to deliver oral health services to RACFs. This is timely as the new Labor Government has promised to address the aged care crisis while changes in provider number access will provide a valuable private funding source for oral health. The broad support for a senior dental benefits scheme is also on the table. Members are encouraged to embrace the opportunity ahead and make use of the DHAA Aged Care Chapter and Education program as support.
“ It is important to note that a provider number is purely a commercial arrangement between funders and providers – it does not change one’s scope of practice” TOPA
The phase 1-3 TOPA reports have recently been released for member consultation. It is important to note that we are attempting to create a new peak association to represent dental hygienists, dental therapists and oral health therapists. This is not a merger exercise but a creation activity as we are building it from scratch. This gives us the opportunity to design an association that meets the members’ and the profession’s needs both currently and into the future. The new
