The aged care agenda

Discover how the DHAA Aged Care Chapter is going from strength to strength

The DHAA Aged Care Chapter was established in 2021 to support members in developing a professionally satisfying and viable oral health service in aged care. The DHAA has also set an ambitious goal to have half of the residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Australia being regularly serviced onsite by an oral health practitioner by July 2026.

To build capacity and equip members with the appropriate skills to meet the special needs in RACFs, DHAA Aged Care Chapter members may enrol in the eight module online education program delivered through a self-directed learning approach.

In addition to the education program, chapter members have access to marketing support, resources and aged care specific CPD.

SA member Gemma Collins is a graduate of our education program, and this is what she thinks of the program:

“I thoroughly enjoyed the education program and the Aged Care Chapter. I found every module interesting and I became more motivated as I progressed through the program. I now have all the resources and knowledge to better support our older community. The Aged Care Chapter has created a very supportive community of likeminded, passionate people who care greatly about promoting oral health to people in RACFs. I felt the workload of the Program to be achievable, even with working full time and having two young children. Most importantly I have always felt incredibly supported. At all times I have been able to contact the creators of the chapter, who somehow always have the time to reply. Because of the Chapter, I’m a part of an incredible network of incredible people all across Australia.“

“I found the course and presenters very encouraging and motivating. I particularly enjoyed the zoom meetings and always felt very welcomed and kept up to date with everything happening behind the scenes. “

Now that she has completed the Education Program, she has big plans:

“My colleague and I have started our own company, ResiDental Solutions, and as of July this year we are proud to be providing preventive oral health services in RACFs on the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia. I am extremely passionate about making a change and providing high-quality dental treatment to those in RACFs and having the opportunity to educate the staff and better provide regular and effective oral health care.

Gemma Collins

Education program graduates Gemma Collins (above) and Tina Pezzaniti (below)

Tina Pezzaniti

Thank you DHAA and the Aged Care Chapter for giving me the opportunity to further develop my skills and passion for preventive dentistry. The Chapter has given me the confidence to safely provide the dental care these people desperately deserve. It has put the fire back in my belly and I am so excited to be the person that will make a change within my community. I couldn›t imagine not being a part of the DHAA or the Aged Care Chapter.”

Tina Pezzaniti has also completed the education program and she said that the DHAA Aged Care Education program is a holistic program delivered by a high calibre of presenters with a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. The education program is well designed. The learning modules are well structured with purposeful learning activities that contributed to her understanding of the content covered. The readings and additional resources are up to date and current. She particularly liked the on-demand style of the program as it enabled her to comfortably manage her study load around family and work commitments.

“This program has provided me with the confidence and professional development to support my current role at TAFESA and has provided me with the tools to support me in making a difference in my local community. I would like to be part of the interdisciplinary team in a residential aged care facility, supporting residents with daily oral health care for the prevention of oral diseases. I would like to increase oral health awareness for staff and families too, support oral health assessment and facilitate appropriate referral pathways.”

Tina attends Aged Care Chapter meetings regularly. She finds the participants a supportive group of like-minded individuals working towards an ambitious goal. The members have a wealth of knowledge and provide support and assistance through regular meetings and informative posts and group chats via the Aged care chapter Facebook page. “What an inspirational group of people!”

Become a part of the DHAA Aged Care Chapter

Join us and be part of this exciting initiative

The DHAA Aged Care Chapter membership is an ongoing annual add-on subscription to the DHAA membership, while the Education program is a one-off purchase for Chapter members.

If you wish to join (or remain in) the Aged Care Chapter, add it as an option when renewing your 2022-23 DHAA membership. If you have already renewed but wish to join the chapter you can add the chapter subscription to your membership by hitting the button below.

Once you’re signed up you can then buy the education program. Full details can be found on the DHAA website – dhaa.info

Aged Care Chapter Annual subscription $150; Aged Care Education Program $750 (this special discount rate has been extended to 31 December 2022)