6 minute read
Is change. Is good
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
Bill Suen DHAA CEO
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
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.
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 association should serve the profession that is facing significant changes and a robust design is needed so that it can be effective in driving and responsive to change efficiently.
The great work of past DHAA boards has set a strong foundation for the association to move forward, and it is important that TOPA takes the advantage of the accumulated experience and assets from the past, and at the same time adopts a progressive vision for the future. The six-phase TOPA project plan offers a clear pathway to careful planning, adequate member and stakeholder consultations and effective risk management, so that we are able to lift our back foot and start moving forward, safely and with confidence.
Membership Renewal
A special thank you to the large number of DHAA members who recently renewed their 2022 membership online. It is pleasing to see that DHAA membership has been steadily growing over the past years, and this contributes to our ability to deliver appropriate services and support to meet members’ needs, and at the same time maintain a very low and affordable membership fee. This can only be made possible by the large number of volunteers contributing their time and expertise in various committees and working groups to work together with my team of dedicated and hard-working staff. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your contribution as a volunteer, a member or DHAA staff.
To be part of the DHAA community please renew or join the DHAA membership. Collectively we have achieved a lot in recent years, and we will continue to do so for our members and the profession.
DHAA renewals are open
Don’t forget to keep your membership up to date
DHAA MEMBERSHIP AND professional indemnity renewals for the 2022/2023 year are due by 30 June. Simply sign in to your member portal on the DHAA website, go to your member profile and click through the ‘Renew Now’ button. Please make sure that you select any optional extras if you wish to continue or add them to your subscription. These include the DHAA/BMS comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance and the Aged Care Chapter. In addition to CPD, the DHAA offers its members support in every aspect of their career and professional needs. Examples include:
1. Affordable professional indemnity insurance
2. Advice on clinical and practice matters (expert panel)
3. Industrial relations support and advice line
4. Peer support program
5. Networking events to local and national colleagues - F2F and virtual
6. Ongoing update of development and changes to dental practice
7. Employment and recruitment services and advice
8. Business advice and business development support
9. Member discount on a wide range of products and services (including financial services, car purchase at corporate fleet buy rate, laptops, white goods, general retail, entertainment and holidays etc)
You should not need to practise alone as DHAA membership connects you to people, organisations and resources that you need throughout your career.
If you are not yet a member and wish to be part of our community and enjoy the full range of support and benefits, you can join by visiting the DHAA website – dhaa.info
Together we can achieve a lot more. n
