The Bulletin - Issue 30 March/April 2014

Issue 30 March/April 2014

The official newsletter of the Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia Inc.

Perth Perfect MEET THE NEW BOSS Introducing the DHAA’s new national President

GRASP THE NETTLE How to manage those awkward patient liaisons

Full report from the 2013 Symposium

Page 6

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Welcome to the First Bulletin for 2014!

Contents

This edition of the Bulletin is jam-packed with articles of interest. Firstly, reflecting on 2013, the National Symposium in Perth last year was a great success, verified by all the smiling hygienists in the photographs on page six. So don’t miss out this year - save the date for November 13-15, and we will see you in the Nation’s capital!

05 President’s Messages

Also for your attention: the new template for industrial relations queries, the facts about oil pulling, how to manage (or better, avoid) patient confrontations and the effects of antibiotics on periodontal disease. This edition also introduces you to our new executive, giving you a little insight into where they come from and what they are about – and putting a face to the name.

As usual, this edition includes our Branch reports, so that you can keep up to speed with what’s going on in your state, plus a comprehensive CPD calendar for the entire year.

08 Cambodia Calling

The DHAA Inc. would like to thank Lauren Jarrett for her contribution as Bulletin editor for the past year. She has done a brilliant job in moving the Bulletin into a fully functioning electronic newsletter. We appreciate her efforts to produce a high quality publication for the members and wish her well.

Moving forward, the Bulletin will be managed by an Editorial team –who of course continue to welcome materials or articles to contribute to the newsletter.

Happy reading!

Past and present.

06 COVER STORY Symposium Smiles Report from Perth 2013.

07 IT Report

Josh keeps us up to date.

Charity work with kids.

09 Industrial Relations New template for IR.

10 Australian Dental Council Serving the health profession

12 Grasp the Nettle

Dealing with difficult patients.

14 Meet the New Boss

Up close and personal with the new and vice presidents.

16 Amoxicillin and Metronidazole How effective are these?.

20 State of the Nation

A state-by-state round-up and events planner.

28 Event Planner

Check what’s happening for the rest of 2014.

National Executive PRESIDENT Mel Hayes CONTACT

VICE PRESIDENT Jo Purssey CONTACT

TREASURER Cheryl Day CONTACT

NATIONAL ADMINISTRATOR Patricia Chan CONTACT

IT Rep Josh Galpin CONTACT

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

FROM OUR HANDS TO YOUR HANDS

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Performance – for us that means listening, learning, collaborating, teaching, innovating, refining and perfecting everything we do. Our 10,000 products and countless services are exceptional because we develop them in conjunction with the very people who use them.

For you, performance means leveraging all your skill and education to deliver the best clinical outcomes for your patients. It’s a goal we proudly share with you.

We are Hu-Friedy. Passionately committed to helping the best perform.

Visit us online at Hu-Friedy.com ©2012 Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC. All rights reserved.

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S Past

Present

A belated welcome to 2014 and congratulations to all newly graduated health professionals!

We wish you all the best for your first year in practice. It will be a daunting yet memorable year, one you will never forget and will be cherished in your more experienced years. We also take this opportunity to thank the dental schools and educators for their investment in your education and future.

Oral health therapists and dental hygienists are the key primary preventive dental professionals, our expertise extends beyond the clinic and into the community through outreach services to people living in remote areas or in institutional settings and community education and we wish you success in your future employment and your positive impact on the Australian public.

The DHAA website has an industrial advisory line available to members. Members also have access to employment contract templates and guideline notes for your new position as Dental practitioner: Dental Hygienist and Dental practitioner: Oral health therapist. Please ensure you are registered with AHPRA and fully indemnified before commencing any employment and remember that we always work within Scope of Practice. There is a guide for understanding your Scope of Practice on the new look easy to navigate website www.dhaa.info and all members will be updated on any Scope of practice changes and templates of structured agreements will be available to members in our Industrial relations sections.

Following the National Council meeting in March I am excited to be taking on the role of National President.

I would like to acknowledge Hellen for her inspirational leadership over the past three years, and for all of her hard work ensuring that our Association is at the forefront of discussions regarding dental health services and AHPRA standards. I am aware I have some big shoes to fill, but with Hellens support and the support of the Association, I plan to continue this great work by advocating for our profession and increase the profile of oral health professional in a positive way.

Since taking on the Presidency, I have responded to discussion papers from Health Workforce Australia and the Australian Dental Council, and contacted the Health Minister and members of the Standing Committee on Health in response to the ADA’s “Hope for Scope� petition and the clarity around the scope of practice registration standard. I have also had the pleasure of attending a planning meeting for the next incarnation of the National Oral Health Plan, which involved stakeholders from a range of professional bodies.

Representation and contribution in these forums ensures that the voice of the dental hygienists and oral health therapists is heard, and is one of the most valuable benefits of being a member of your Association.

Your Association will continue to work hard to provide you with high quality and affordable CPD events, industrial relations support, grants for research and community oral health projects and an opportunity to stay connected through the newsletter and networking at events. Please feel free to contact me or your state committee members to let us know what the Association can do for you (or perhaps even what you can do for the Association!).

Hellen Checker Immediate Past President

Melanie Hayes DHAA National President

Symposium smiles Perth was a huge hit and now we need to look forward to Canberra 2014.

11th DHAA Inc. National Symposium Perth WA 14 -16 November 2013 The National Symposium in Perth was a great success, delivering to members, colleagues and special guest speakers a comprehensive view of dentistry today. It was an event that focused on topics of best clinical practice and current issues relevant to both Dental hygienists and Oral Health Therapists.

Presentations included periodontal treatments in relation to paediatric patients, peri-implantitis and new nonsurgical treatment options. Guest speakers also spoke on the need for significant improvement in quality oral health data collection and research statistics and the opportunities for members to further develop careers at Universities in recognition of the current requirement for suitably trained clinical tutors.

The immense effort in planning and organising by the National symposium committee was a testament to the success of the symposium including the social events that welcomed interstate visitors and the magical twilight river cruise.

The passionate discussions during feedback, and question times, throughout the symposium were particularly enriching and thought provoking.

Contributions made by consumer

Get your smiles ready for Canberra in 2014 12th DHAA Inc. National Symposium CANBERRA 13 -15 November 2014 See those bright “toothypegs” showing on the smiling faces of the photos above? They were taken at last year’s National Symposium at the Crown Perth last year and go to show that it’s not all about seminars, suits and sandwiches.

Come along this year and you’ll have a great time. As well as hearing from excellent speakers you’ll learn the latest practices, see new products and you’ll get to meet some like-minded people.

There will definitely be seminars and probably a few sandwiches... but that’s a good thing!

We strongly encourage all members to save the date, 13-15 November 2014, for our 12th DHAA Inc Symposium in

Canberra. Network with colleagues, strengthen the voice for greater delivery of preventive dental service to the under-served and build unity and professionalism to enhance our unique role as members of the wider dental team.

Spread the word and do not forget to SAVE THE DATE!

IT Report

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2014 has many ambitious undertakings that the DHAA Inc. is investigating for the IT area.

SA

advocate Hope Alexander, and Dr Patrick Shanahan’s insightful reflections on the plight of geriatric residential oral care brought to light the realities of underserved groups and the challenge we face in playing a greater role in bringing about a paradigm shift in dental service delivery.

It was clear the symposium succeeded in fostering the theme “exploring 15 possibilities” and DHAA WA would1like 34 01 to thank all those who attended. n E R 2

We are currently reviewing our content management system. You would probably know this area as the members’ section. At this stage it is very dated and members advise of difficulty with navigation of this resource. The DHAA Inc. is reviewing companies that specialise in Australian association membership management systems. Due to the complexity in programming the area, we are unable to build this area ourselves, as there are many tiers of users on this system. This will be a large undertaking and we want to make a very considered decision. We are hoping this may be online by the end of the year. We want to have a lot of member facilities on this system and we are trying to find the best system with the best user experience.

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After this has been completed we are hoping to integrate podcasts and webinars into this area. This will be a major CPD resource where our members can gain many CPD hours.

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DH AA NATI ON AL SY M PO SI UM

Strengthening Connect ions Our profession, our community, our hea lth

20 14 National Convention

Centre

CANBERRA

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The look of the DHAA Inc. webpage has changed to simplified format. There is still some more tweaking to happen. We are looking forward to completing the final product.

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The DHAA Inc. National Team owes a huge thank you to the collaborative approach with state branches helping to build the events pages. If you visit www.dhaa.info/events you can find all the Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Therapy related CPD events for the year. We are hoping to have this online by early February.

DH AA NATI ON AL SY M PO SI UM

Strengthening Connect ions Our profession, our community, our hea

lth

20 14 National Convention

Centre

CANBERRA

Soon we will be releasing the Canberra Symposium website, so watch this space...

Josh Galpin National IT Coordinator

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Cambodia calling Louise Towler reports on her charitable trip to Cambodia My name is Louise Towler. My hometown is Toowoomba Queensland and I completed my primary and secondary education there, along with my four siblings.

When selecting my subjects at school I had not been interested in going to University. However, after finishing year 12 I knew I wanted to study for a Bachelor of Oral Health but wasn’t sure how. So, for three years I worked as a dental assistant.

During which time I also completed a Certificate III in Dental Assisting.

This experience confirmed that I did like working in the dental industry but I would prefer a role as a health professional.

After studying for a year at Newcastle University to gain a tertiary entrance score I began my Bachelor of Oral Health degree at Charles Sturt University – Wagga Wagga campus.

After graduation my final year 12 class members and myself were offered the opportunity to travel to Cambodia – a trip organised by One2One Charitable Trust Cambodia and Charles Sturt University.

For the first week we were based in an old classroom at one of the schools just outside of Phnom Penh.

One2One organised the set up of the clinic including instruments and materials and we worked with a dentist from Cambodia and another from the UK. Also our head of school from Charles Sturt University attended and worked in the school with the students.

Treatments that were performed ranged from fissure sealants to extractions.

Louise Towler spent two weeks in Cambodia and loved the experience

The second week was split. With the first few days at the Cambodia Dental School and the remaining days participating in a fissure seal program.

I learned many things from this experience but what left the greatest impression on me was the insight into how healthcare settings vary so vastly across the globe – and in particular in the third world.

Cambodia then I recommend you visit the One2One Charitable trust website (www. one2onecharitabletrust.org).

In 2014 I begin in my new role as an Oral Health Therapist in the rural community of Emerald. Emerald has a population of around 14,000 and is located in the Central Highland region of Queensland.

My previous experience as a dental

“ I learned many things from this experience but what left the greatest impression on me was the insight into how healthcare settings vary so vastly across the globe – and in particular in the third world.”

The trip allowed me to develop my technical skills as well as my ability to communicate when confronted by a language barrier. Teamwork was also a crucial element that was needed for this trip due to working in very extreme temperatures with limited equipment.

If you are considering volunteer work in

assistant has helped me immensely, not just in understanding the dental industry, but also appreciating how each aspect of dentistry works.

In my new role I hope to provide oral health education for the community and be promoting a preventive approach to reduce caries and manage periodontitis. n

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DHAA INC IR ADVISORY TEAM REPORT

New template for Industrial Relations DHAA Inc members now have access to a simple method of contacting the Industrial Relations Advisory Team. We are fortunate to have a talented member managing our IT systems and web site and Josh Galpin, seeing the need for something easier for members to use when contacting IR Team, created a template of questions to be ‘filled out’.

This template is now our preferred contact – no need to remember our email address!

The template first asks members to confirm their membership status is current.

This step is vital – IR Team are incredibly busy with the increasing number of enquiries from our membership and want to give excellent quality service to you all. However, at times, members of other associations and past members who have allowed their membership to DHAA Inc to lapse, have tried to gain benefit from IR Team skills and advice. Members of DHAA Inc pay membership dues, and as such deserve EXCLUSIVE access to services such as IR Advisory Team and all the associated assistance that may be deemed necessary with cases we are presented with. We want members to gain exclusive rights, exclusive assistance, exclusive information that makes your membership and association with other professionals worthwhile. Your membership fees (as they stand currently) provide for a standard of benefits (including IR Advice) that is second to none against similar associations. One member, gaining accurate advice as to how to approach an IR concern, will save the cost of their membership and much more.

Josh’s template then goes into a series of questions that seek the important ‘statistics’ of your situation. Your work status (casual, permanent or other); your state (for issues such as long service leave that is a state based answer); whether you work under a current contract; the number of employees at your place of work (numbers of workers affects the answers we give for larger or smaller workplaces); how long you have worked there; whether you have a ‘start date’ that you can name; etc. There is a section for you to then expand upon your query, state your concerns or ask a question.

The assistance this template has given the IR Team has been immeasurable. We are able to see quickly a summary of the member’s situation. We can see the state and basic detail of work conditions. And we can use the information, given it is so well itemised, in our gathering of statistics to report back to National Council DHAA Inc and for our own assessment of trends and problem areas that may need an holistic approach in future.

We encourage ALL members to have a look at the Industrial Relations section of the DHAA Inc web site. You do not even have to log in initially to find the questionnaire: Go to Home page of DHAA Inc. Click on Information tab at the top of the page.

You will find “Industrial Relations” under that tab and it will open a page that has a question: “Do you need Industrial Relations help? CLICK HERE” - so click and find the start of the IR Advice page.

You will be presented with two big buttons asking if you are a DHAA Inc member: BEWARE – do not click ‘yes’ if you are not a member, because we have filters that will catch you out should you tell a fib!

Continue to fill in as many fields in the questionnaire as you can, and give some description at the last section to help us understand your concerns.

The DHAA Inc IR Advisory Team thank Josh Galpin for his inspired work and fine tuning of this questionnaire. We thank also the DHAA Inc Executive, especially out-going President Hellen Checker who has been a steadfast supporter of all that has been requested by the IR Team in terms of financial assistance to continue our skill development so we may serve you all better.

Take advantage of this fantastic service – the more we know about problems and concerns in our workforce, the more effective we can be as a whole association to make worklife and your profession enjoyable and becoming more of a ‘force to be reckoned with’. n

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The profile of the oral health profession continues to flourish as part of the Australian Dental Council’s (ADC) key business.

Undergraduate oral health programs have been accredited by the ADC since 2002, and it is now commonplace that the Site Evaluation Teams that visit each school, are led by an oral health practitioner. The accreditation standards for dental and oral health programs are about to undergo a review and Cathy Snelling, a dental therapist from South Australia, has been nominated by the ADC to be on the Steering Committee for this significant activity. Cathy is also the first oral health practitioner to serve on the ADC Governing Board and has been able to contribute to the ADC’s understanding of her evolving profession since being elected as a Director in November 2012.

ADOHTA is a member of the ADC, and it’s nominee, Jenny Miller, attended the recent Annual General Meeting and inaugural ADC Forum, held in Melbourne on 22 November 2013. The Forum is an exciting initiative developed by the ADC, where key stakeholders are able to put forward ideas, share their views on current issues in the dental profession, and provide feedback to the Council on accreditation and assessment processes. The November Forum generated lively discussion and oral health issues were very much part of the discourse. The ADC welcomes ongoing contribution in this context from all areas of the profession.

A very important part of the ADC’s core business is the examination and assessment of overseas qualified dental practitioners. For almost 20 years, this has been limited to dentists, but in 2012 the ADC formed a working group chaired by Sue Aldenhoven (Dental Hygienist) and

Serving the needs of the oral health profession

with membership comprised of Leonie Short (Dental Therapist), Clare McNally (Dental Hygienist) and Cathy Snelling.

This group reviewed the then current (and somewhat haphazard) pathways whereby overseas qualified oral health practitioners

could be assessed for registration in Australia. Dental hygiene had a more organised approach, but many of the previous pathways for dental therapists have become invalid or discontinued with the advent of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme in 2010. Adding to the complexity of the issue was the evolution of the oral health therapist and the fact that a dental hygienist or therapist from many international jurisdictions meant something very different to what we understand (and register) in Australia.

The working group recommended an interim approach to the assessment and examination process whereby TAFE SA (hygiene only) and Curtin University (therapy and hygiene) were invited by the ADC to continue to offer their highly

Participants in the ADC consensus workshop for Overseas Qualified Dental Therapists and Hygienists 18/10/13. Back row (l-R) Ass Prof. Julie Satur (ADOHTA), Ass Prof. Leonie Short (ADC reference grp), Dr Keith Watkins (ADC), Lyn LeBlanc (ADC), Dr Matt Hopcraft (ADC), Prof Lindsay Richards Chair, Overseas Dental Practitioners Assessment Committee, ADC), Michelle Thomas (DBA), A/Prof Jane Taylor, Sue Aldenhoven (DBA), Joan James (Oral Health Lecturer, Uni Qld). Front row (L-R) Roisin McGrath (ADC reference grp and DHAA), Sophie Karanicolas (Council of Oral Health Academics), Sonja DiMatteo (TAFE SA), Cathy Snelling (ADC reference grp). Carol Nevin and Russ Kendell (Curtin Uni) participated via teleconference.

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regarded examinations to overseas qualified colleagues. In mid 2013, with the current arrangements due to expire in December 2013, the ADC working group was reconvened as a reference group (Sue Aldenhoven and Clare McNally were unable to participate and Roisin McGrath, President DHAA (Vic), a dual qualified oral health practitioner joined the reference group). The ADC were keen to review the entire process of assessment of overseas qualified dental therapists and hygienists, and to consider the viability of bringing this important area under the umbrella of their well established dentist examination process.

Friday 18 October 2013, could well be regarded as a ‘watershed’ date for the oral health profession. It was on this day that the ADC brought an expert panel of oral health practitioners and educators together to participate in a Consensus Workshop. This dedicated and passionate group engaged in lively debate and discussion to consider the pros and cons of bringing the assessment of their overseas qualified colleagues fully into the ADC examination system. The collegiality and passion shared by the participants is typical of the oral health profession and great strides forward were made - the ADC reference group (Leonie Short, Cathy Snelling, Roisin McGrath and now joined by dental hygienist, Sophie Karanicolas) are meeting before Christmas to consider the outcomes of the Consensus Workshop and further advance the ADC’s role in this area.

It has been another busy year for the ADC and it is evident that the oral health profession has been very much a part of their activities and initiatives that support the entire dental profession. n

The facts about Oil Pulling It’s the latest craze in alternative oral hygiene, but does it really work? The Bulletin investigates...

Has a patient ever asked you about oil pulling? Francesca Clarke’s first request came about five months ago during an oral hygiene consultation when the patient asked her if oil pulling was effective. Not long afterwards, another patient asked if oil pulling would reduce her scale buildup. Fran decided to find out more about this unusual therapy.

Oil pulling is a recent alternative medicine trend in which a person sucks or ‘pulls’ a couple of teaspoons of oil around their mouth for about 20 minutes each morning, believing that it cleanses the mouth of toxins and bacteria and promotes general health and wellbeing.

But does it work? Fran found that it was certainly popular in other countries, especially the USA. Its popularity is spreading, especially through social media, which gives people greater access to information and exposure to alternate therapies.

However, as with most complementary medicines, claims for the effectiveness of oil pulling rely heavily on anecdotal evidence.

A search of the peer-reviewed literature yielded limited results. One study showed a significant reduction in plaque and gingival scores using oil pulling – but, in this case, the technique was used alongside other proven oral hygiene methods (Amit et al, J Oral Health Comm Dent 2007; 1(1):12-18).

In the absence of any reliable body of research, it is impossible to conclude that oil pulling works. On the other hand, it does not appear to do any direct harm. The main risk is that patients might neglect other proven oral hygiene practices believing that oil pulling will achieve the same result.

The DHAA Inc. National Executive has been following the social media interest in oil pulling and its claims to treat periodontal disease. After extensive searches in online databases including Cochrane and TRIP, the Executive concludes that, at present, there are no scientific studies to support the use of sesame oil or any other oils to treat periodontal disease.

DHAA Inc. therefore cannot endorse the use of any oils as adjunct therapy for the treatment of periodontal disease. However, it encourages members to submit any literature review or refer to any current guidelines that support oil pulling as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of periodontal disease. Anyone with a strong interest in this area may wish to consider applying for the DHAA research grant.

In the meantime, we should advise patients that the use of oil pulling in the treatment of periodontal disease cannot be validated at this stage.

Any patient who is clearly keen on oil pulling should be strongly encouraged to adopt proven oral hygiene practices as well as this alternate one. n

Notice of DHAA AGM The Annual General Meeting of the Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia Inc. will be held on Saturday 10 May 2014 at the Quest Flemington, 600 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC starting at 8.30-9am.

GRASP ThE NETTLE Awkward patient confrontations are never desirable.

Vicki Biddle and Dr Annalene Weston outline how best to manage or avoid them.

Following the great interest created by their recent presentation to the National ADOHTA conference in Brisbane, Vicki Biddle and Dr Annalene Weston explore those difficult conversations with patients that we really need to have.

There can be no doubt that life is full of difficult conversations and as individuals we hold these conversations many times during a day with a variety of people with seeming ease; and yet, there is one person with whom we all dread and avoid a difficult conversation... a disgruntled patient. Why is that? As dental practitioners, many of us possess communication skills which frequently surpass other health workers so why do we have a fear of grasping the nettle and just talking it through?

Here are a few examples of difficult scenarios before treatment.

Money It is not an unreasonable expectation of a patient to want to know how much their treatment is going to cost them, as well as how many times they will need to attend for the course of treatment to be completed. Consequently, once the patient has made a decision has to embark on a particular course of treatment, a genuine conversation with a patient outlining the likely costs at each appointment is a must.

It is also helpful for the patient to be given a written estimate, and naturally, the conversation and costs need to be documented in the clinical records.

If you are not comfortable telling a patient how much a particular treatment costs, then you need to question whether they would be better having this treatment provided by a different practitioner.

You also need to develop those skills and there are a number of courses available that can help to develop your own comfort zone.

Risks As dental practitioners we also have another obligation. This is to outline the possible risks of a procedure and provide the necessary warnings for a patient before a course of treatment to obtain valid consent. Indeed this particular obligation is determined by law.

Be prepared to outline all of the necessary information and then invite the patient to ask you questions until you are both satisfied that they fully understand what they are having, why, what could go wrong, what will happen if they don’t have the treatment and, of course, always document all the details of what you discussed in the clinical records!

13 Refusal Sometimes we all need to accept that we are not the right person to provide the treatment for the patient, either because it falls outside our expertise and scope, or because we know that we can never meet that particular patients expectations and make them happy. Advising a patient of this is a hard and uncomfortable conversation, but it is better to do so before something goes wrong, rather than after the event. Interestingly, most patients are happy to be referred to another clinician and are pleased that the referring dentist has recognised the complexity of their case and taken so much time to create a referral.

A different aspect of refusal is the patient’s right to refuse the treatment we propose, known as ‘informed refusal’. A good example of this would be where a patient refuses to be referred to a specialist for the management of their periodontal disease. Ultimately, patients are autonomous individuals with the right to either accept or refuse our recommendations, the key is to ensure both you and the patient are satisfied that the patient fully understands the consequences of not following your recommendations, and again WRITE IT DOWN. Then there are the difficult posttreatment encounters. Adverse outcomes can, and do occur and can result from many factors; some within your power to control and others that are not The reality is that no dental practitioner gets up in the morning with the implicit intent to harm a fellow human, especially someone who is under their care. So, how do we approach such a conversation?

Adverse Outcome When something goes wrong in the practice of dentistry it is imperative that

you tell the patient. While they may be angry or upset, we have an obligation to be transparent and open disclosure is considered an essential component of professionalism reflected in the Board Code of Conduct which states; When adverse events occur, practitioners have a responsibility to be open and honest in communication with a patient or client to review what has occurred and to report appropriately.

Further information about open disclosure is available from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s National Open Disclosure Standard available at www. safetyandquality.gov.au

Complaint Complaints can be made at the time of treatment, shortly after or sometimes many years after the event, and can take a variety of formats ranging from; an off-hand comment at front office to an angry rant, a short letter outlining the patients concerns to a letter from a solicitor. There can be no doubt that managing complaints well when they arrive at a low level reduces the likelihood

“ Grasping the nettle is difficult, and many of these conversations are hard, but the sense of relief you feel after you have had them will make you glad you did!”

of the complaint progressing to a critical third party such as the Dental Board or a lawyer, but how do we do that?

It all comes back to that difficult conversation, and regardless of your working arrangements, the best person to manage and respond to a complaint about you, is often you.

Some practices and government clinics do have formal complaint procedures and policies to follow; however, as dental practitioners we have a non delegable responsibility to address complaints made about us.

Put yourself in the place of the patient.

How would you feel if the person viewed as being ‘responsible’ did not bother to contact you? Just ask yourself what you would you do next?

Notification from the Dental Board/AHPRA Until relatively recently, these complaints would be managed by the dentist on behalf of the therapist/hygienist/OHT. However, as we are all independent registered dental practitioners this responsibility falls to us and us alone. Perhaps this is another difficult conversation, one with a well meaning colleague who will not let us control the course of our own destiny.

To quote Oscar Wilde: Lots of people act well, but few people talk well. This shows that talking is the more difficult of the two.

Grasping the nettle is difficult, and many of these conversations are hard, but the sense of relief you feel after you have had them will make you glad that you did!

If you want to read more about this subject, please visit the Dental Protection webpage to access our advice booklet ‘Handling Complaints’ at www.dentalprotection.org n 1

Code of Conduct www.dentalboard.gov.au

W

ell, I sort of “fell” into dental hygiene. In 2004 I was happily working as a dental assistant, and studying for my Tafe certificate when my boss told me about this new dental hygiene university course that was starting and that he thought I should apply. Knowing nothing at all about what a hygienist did, I applied and was accepted into the first cohort of the BOH program at the University of Newcastle.

I found that I really enjoyed learning more about oral health, increasing my level of knowledge and developing the skills to provide preventive treatments to patients; so much so that after I completed my degree I found I was still hungry for more, and enrolled in an Honours program. The staff at the University were very supportive and encouraging, and by the next year I was a fully fledged staff member and enrolled in my PhD. I still find the balance of clinical work, teaching and research to be a really satisfying career.

At the same time, I also became involved in the DHAA, as my colleague Linda Wallace and I joined the NSW Executive committee. Starting out by helping with CPD planning, I later became Secretary (2008-2010) and then President (2010-2012). I really value the opportunity to be able to “give back” to my profession; to advocate in the interests of members and increase the profile of dental hygienists and oral health therapists, and to promote the delivery of preventive oral health services for all Australians, is fulfilling.

I feel really passionate about research, and think that encouraging hygienists and oral health therapists to pursue research careers will only work to build our professional profile and increase the level

Meet the new

Boss Melanie Hayes is our new President.

Here’s what she has to say for herself.

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Five quick facts about ‘our’ Mel Favourite food: Chocolate Favourite book: PS I love you Favourite quote: Anything by Dr. Seuss Favourite holiday destination: Rome Favourite pet: A chocolate British Shorthair called George.

of respect received in the health workforce.

Undertaking research, especially in a profession with a fairly youthful research culture, requires a supportive environment, and I am proud to say that the DHAA is helping its members to achieve their goals.

I was the first recipient of a Dental Hygiene Research Fund grant in 2010, and the funds ensured that I was able to complete my PhD research project as planned. My PhD examined musculoskeletal disorders among dental hygienists, and included a study investigating the use of loupes as a preventive measure. I’ve managed to publish a few papers on this topic - if this interests you look up the articles and have a read, or ask me about it if you see me at one of the DHAA events!

This brief overview about me is not complete without a small mention of home. Throughout it all, my daughter Josie has been my biggest supporter.

I am proud to say that my hard work has not scared her off University studies, rather, she seems encouraged to work hard to achieve her own goals. She is probably the nicest, smartest, funniest, coolest person I know - and makes all of it worthwhile.

If I take a glimpse into the future, I can only hope that in my role as National President that I can be a positive and vocal advocate for our profession, and help the association to grow and continue to represent the needs of its members. n

Mel’s trusty wing-woman We all need one. Say hello to Queensland’s Jo Purssey – our new Vice-President Jo PURSsEY graduated from the University of Queensland in 2004, with a Bachelor of Applied Health Science, Oral Health. Since that time she has worked in private general practices.

Jo joined the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia, Queensland branch in 2005 and for the period of 2011 and 2012, held the position of President. Jo has most recently held the position of National Councillor for the Qld branch.

During this time Jo has represented the DHAAQ as a stakeholder for BOH program accreditation consultation, curriculum review consultation, representation and student support at UQ, CQU and GU. She has acted as allied association liaison with ADAQ, ADPA, ADOHTA, DAA & ADIA. Jo has also been an active mediator with Industry, both in terms of sponsorship and program development.

In her DHAA role, she has participated in submissions with HWA, the ACCC, AHPRA, the ADC, NDAC and NSQHS. She has represented the DHAA Inc at the Australian Health Care Reform Alliance, with State and Federal Government consultation regarding EPC/CDDS & DVA funding programs; 2012 Health Reform summit, Canberra; Health Reform summit, Sydney, 2013; OHTGYP stakeholders consultation seminar 2013; UWA aged care symposium and the UWA research project development consultation 2013.

Jo has been actively involved in community oral health promotion, developing and supporting activities at community markets and events for the homeless and in 2007 was involved in a pilot program to investigate the delivery of more effective oral health services in aged care facilities.

Jo has been involved with the development and promotion of continuing education opportunities for members of her profession and the extended dental team. In 2012 Jo led the steering committee in organising the DHAA Inc National Symposium, held in Brisbane.

In 2010, Jo developed a program for the provision of continuing education for health professionals in rural and regional areas, after successfully applying for the RHCE2 grant, supported by the Rural Health Alliance, through the Department of Health and Aging.

Currently working in private practice in Brisbane and in the central Queensland town of Emerald, Jo is also a casual member of the Academic staff at the University of Queensland working with students as a clinical and pre-clinical supervisor and workshop co-ordinator and supervisor.

A passionate supporter of oral health and the prevention of oral diseases for all members of the community across the life span Jo advocates strongly for the valid role of all members of the extended dental team. Jo promotes and supports a preventive model of care in the development of all oral health services and initiatives. n

16

DRUG WATCH

AMX+MET

How effective is the use of Metronidazole and Amoxicillin as an adjunctive treatment to non-surgical mechanical debridement in the treatment of Generalised Aggressive Periodontitis? Hellen Checker takes a look.

T

here is a distinct lack of

compelling evidence for a specific established policy pertaining to the use of adjunctive antimicrobial with non-surgical Scaling and Root Planning and debridement (Herrera et.al 2008). Specifically, the combination of Amoxicillin (AMX) and Metronidazole (MET) as an adjunctive treatment to non-surgical mechanical debridement, Full Mouth Scaling and Root Planning (FMSRP) in the treatment of Generalised Aggressive Periodontitis (GAP).

The American Academy of Periodontology Research, Science and Therapy Committee suggests that the use of a combination of anti-microbial AMX /MET may supress putative pathogens in deeper periodontal pockets in patients diagnosed with GAP (Slots 2006). The literature examined in this critique also supported the view that decision to use anti-microbial therapy as an adjunct to non- surgical debridement should be made on a case-by-case basis (Slots 2006) (Sgolastra et. al 2012) (Herrera et. al 2008).

There is no conclusive evidence to support dosage and duration of combined AMX/MET as an effective adjunctive to non- Surgical FMSRP (Ahuja et. al 2012). It is however recommended a thorough medical evaluation by a medical physician is required is for adolescents diagnosed with GAP in order to determine the presence of systemic disease associated with neutrophil abnormalities (AAP 2000).

The AAP suggest the anti-microbial therapy as an adjunct to non-surgical and surgical debridement be prescribed following a poor clinical response to initial therapy evaluated 1-2 post initial treatment and subsequent to micro biotic testing of the pocket and for treatment of Refractory Periodontitis. (Slots et.al 2006) The objective of periodontal therapy is to “eliminate the microbial aetiology” (AAP 2000) of generalised aggressive periodontitis. Primary outcomes of non -surgical periodontal treatment of GAP include reduction in clinical signs of inflammation, reduction in periodontal pocket depth (PPD) gain in

clinical attachment (CAL) and reduction in plaque index reduced bleeding on probing (AAP 2000).

Sgolastra’s review demonstrated primary outcomes and that FMSRP combined with MET/AMX treatment GAP disease had an obtained a gain in clinical attachment and a reduction in periodontal pocket depths. Secondary outcomes included reduced bleeding and bleeding on probing. There were no significant changes demonstrated in the visible plaque index. (Sgolastra et al 2012) Sgolastra’s meta-analysis data search was inclusive of multiple databases (Gray 1997 p.76) Medline, Cochrane Controlled clinical database of abstracts and reviews DARE and CINAHL. A manual and electronic search of the literature, in all languages for unpublished material, and included a follow up from reference list (Gray 1997 p.77) (Sgolastra et. al 2012) The Sgolastra review concluded metaanalysis data supported the effectiveness of MET/AMX as adjunctive therapy to FMSRRP however it was acknowledged that the sample size and inconsistent

dose of AMX/MET contributed to a “weakness” (Sgolastra et.al 2012) in the review and that there is a need for further 12 month RCT studies with larger population samples to confirm this result.

(Sgolastra et. al 2012) This meta-analysis included a diminutive quantity of small trials results and therefore may be regarded with caution. (Gray 1997 p.76) The heterogeneity of the studies was

“ Secondary outcomes included reduced bleeding and bleeding on probing.

There were no significant changes demonstrated in the visible plaque index. ”

acknowledged by Sgolastra. (Sgolastra et.al.2012) however there was no statistical analysis available on adverse effects from four of the six studies.

Sgolastra’s systematic review and metaanalysis should be considered attentively particularly as results were contradictory to those of the studies used in this review (Sgolastra et.al 2012) (Grey 1997 p.76) Ahuja concluded that although the use of AMX and MET in adjunct therapy to FMSPR proved beneficial in some patients, a conclusion could not be drawn to the efficacy of MET/AMX as an adjunctive to non-surgical SRP in treating GAP or what is deemed an effective dosage or duration of AMX/MET as adjunctive therapy.

(Ahuja et. al 2012) Ahuja included a search of MEDLINEand Cochrane Library Cochranecontrolled trials registry searches and web of science. Four studies filled the criteria of randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials of sixmonth in duration. (Ahuja et al. 2012) Limitations of Ahuja’s review included the exclusion of papers published any

language other than English or follow up from reference lists or reference to any hand search for papers. (Gray 1997 p.75) Similarly the population sample size of all studies was small and there were only three studies which met criteria, and all studies were once again heterogeneous in nature. (Ahuja et.al 2012) Herrera searched RCT and CCT studies and systematic reviews and guidelines from 2001 -2007 with the focus question is the efficacy of the adjunctive systemic microbial dependent on the quality of the debridement of the sub gingival biofilm and the sequence debridement-anti biotic usage? (Herrera et al 2008) Seven papers were analysed regarding the use of combined AMX/MET as adjunctive therapy to SRP in the treatment of GAP All Herrera’s selected studies showed clinical primary outcomes reduction in pocket depth, increase in clinical attachment and secondary outcomes reduction of bleeding on probing for test groups. However only one (Guerrero et. al 2005) reported “statistically significant improvements” The Guerrero study design

18

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19

was a parallel, double mask, placebo controlled study six months duration with a sample size of 41 patients and microbial testing of the periodontal pockets was not conducted. (Guerrero et.al 2005) Herrera may also be regarded with some caution due to the limited quantity of studies and small sample size limitations as studies selected were heterogeneous in nature. (Gray 1998 p.

76) Herrera reports the administered dose of the anti-microbial particularly, of Metronidazole and the length of administration were varied in the studies this attributed to “significantly inferior results” (Herrera et. al 2008) Herrera concluded if anti-microbial are used it should be part of adjunctive therapy SRP and “there is no direct evidence to support a specific protocol for the use of adjunctive antimicrobial with

References Ahuja, A., Baiju, C. S., & Ahuja, V. (2012). Role of antibiotics in generalized aggressive periodontitis: a review of clinical trials in humans. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 2012 Jul-Sep; 16(3): 317– 323.

Viewed 8th August 2013 doi: 10.4103/0972-124X.100903 Pro-Quest American Academy of Periodontology (2000) “Parameter on Acute Periodontal diseases” Parameters of Care Supplement Journal Periodontology 2000 71: 867-869 view 30th July 2013 www.perio.org/publications Armitage, G. C. (1999).

Development of a classification system for periodontal diseases and conditions. Annals of periodontology, December 1999, Vol. 4, No. 1, Pages 1-6

“ Herrera may also be regarded with some caution due to the limited quantity of studies and small sample size limitations as studies selected were heterogeneous in nature.. ” non-surgical SRP” (Herrera et.al 2008) debridement and the use of AMX/MET should be restricted and each patient assessed individually and for use for certain periodontal conditions (Herrera et.

Viewed 30 July 2013 (doi:10.1902/ annals.1999.4.1.1) Grey, J.A Muir (1997) “Evidencebased Healthcare, How to make health policy and management decisions” Churchill Livingstone Edinburgh UK Gu, Y. Ryan M.E. (2010) “Overview of periodontal disease, cause pathogen and characteristics” in R Genco & R Williams (ed.) Periodontal disease and overall health: a clinician’s guide, Professional Audience Communications Inc. Pennsylvania USA pp.5-24 Guerrero, A, Griffiths, GS. Nibali L, Suvan, j. Moles, D.R.Laurell, L. & Tonetti, M.S. (2005) “Adjunctive benefits of systemic amoxicillin and metronidazole in nonsurgical treatment of generalised aggressive periodontics: a randomised placebo clinical trial”

al 2008) (Sgolastra et. al 2012) It can be concluded that there is a necessity to develop randomised doubled blind clinical trials in a greater quantity and longitudinal studies regarding the efficacy of AMX /MET used in an adjunct to non-surgical debridement in the treatment of GAP. In the absence of conclusive evidence regarding dosage and duration of administration it is necessary to source information regarding parameters of care from key opinion leaders such as the American Academy of Periodontology research and scientific leaders.

Research leaders suggest decisions to prescribe AMX / MET as adjunctive therapy should be made on a case by case basis, in conjunction with a thorough medical assessment and with the highest regard for patient safety. (Slots 2006) n

Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 32: 1096–1107. Viewed 30 July 2013 doi: 10.1111/j.1600051X.2005.00814.x Wiley Herrera, D., Sanz, M., Jepsen, S., Needleman, I. and Roldán, S. (2002), “A systematic review on the effect of systemic antimicrobials as an adjunct to scaling and root planning in periodontitis patients.” Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 29: 136–159 Viewed 2 August 2013 doi: 10.1034/j.1600-051X.29.s3.8.x Wiley Mestnik, M. J., Feres, M., Figueiredo, L. C., Duarte, P. M., Lira, E. A. G. and Faveri, M. (2010), “Shortterm benefits of the adjunctive use of metronidazole plus amoxicillin in the microbial profile and in the clinical parameters of subjects with generalized aggressive

periodontitis.” Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 37: 353–365.

Viewed 4th August 2013 doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2010.01538.x Wiley Sgolastra, F. Petrucci, A. Gatto, R. Monaco, A. (2012)” Effectiveness of systemic amoxicillin/ metronidazole as an adjunctive therapy to full-mouth scaling and root planning in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis: A systematic review and metaanalysis.” J Periodontology. June 2012, Vol. 83, No. 6, Pages 731743, viewed 2 August 2013 DOI 10.1902/jop.2011.110432 Slots, J. (2004) American Academy of Periodontology Position paper “Systemic antibiotics in periodontitis” http//www.perio.org/resourcesproducts/pdf/46-antibiotics.pdf viewed 6.August 2013

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

NATION STATE ACT

WEBSITE

actdhaa.com.au

>

CONTACT

Email ACT

>

“ In these times of economic and legislative change to the dental profession, we need to become adaptable and recognise the changes that need to be made to connect those of greatest need to preventive services.”

The DHAA ACT Branch is very excited to be holding this years National Symposium on this year (November 13-15).

The team has a vision for an interesting program mixed with a little tourism. They are aware of what happens when we travel for events – losing our weekends and returning for another weeks work with a bag full of goodies to try out.

Professionally invigorated but mentally overloaded. So, how does this sound for a change?

Book your travel to arrive Thursday morning, or Wednesday night if possible.

After settling into your hotel make your way to The War Memorial for a fascinating look into our countries history and have an early lunch at The Terrace café looking up Anzac avenue to New Parliament House. What a view. Then walk down to the BAE Systems theatre for a half-day of speakers including afternoon tea.

After sitting for a few hours why not amble down Anzac Parade and check out the memorials along the way.

After 20 minutes you will have walked through Glebe Park and arrived at the Crown

where you will grab a glass of champagne in the Glebe room overlooking the Park. Then wander into Civic, the city’s heart, where you can dine in one of the many restaurants, catch a movie, or just have a drink with a few friends.

Friday morning walk to the National Convention Centre and start the first of two days of informative speakers.

The theme this year is Strengthening connections; our profession, our community, our health. There is an overwhelming and increasing body of evidence linking systemic and oral conditions, which in turn opens the opportunity for preventive dental professionals to advise and learn from an expanding group of other health professionals. Also, in these times of economic and legislative change to the dental profession, we need to become adaptable and recognise the changes that need to be made to connect those of greatest need to preventive services. A wide range of speakers and trade will be available for your professional edification. Don’t forget to support our students

by attending their poster talks.

Now, it’s time to head back to your room to get those fine threads on. Remember to pack your dancing shoes.

The bus will soon arrive to take you to the National Gallery of Australia for a fine three-course dinner in Gandel Hall. That’s the room with the amazing gold leaf doors.

Eventually the bus will return you to your hotel – tired but relaxed and ready for sleep.

Have a hearty breakfast on Saturday morning because you are into the listening and absorbing mode once again.

Do you have to go home tonight? There is so much to see. Why not stay and go to the Old Bus Depot Markets, the National Portrait gallery or go for a drive through our fledgling Arboretum. Did you bring the family? Why not take a paddle boat for a spin on the lake. Check out this link for other suggestions. www.visitcanberra.com.au We’re looking forward to seeing you in November.

Keep an eye on the DHAA website for when registration opens in May. Kathryn Novak DHAA ACT Branch President

21

New South Wales WEBSITE

dhaansw.org.au

>

CONTACT

0411 473 762

“ We have the opportunity to host the DHAA National Symposium in 2015. We are already hard at work for this, recruiting speakers and setting up a venue...”

2014 promises to be a good year for DHAA as we look forward to the long awaited amalgamation. Lots of members that have spoken to me have said that this unification will strengthen our profession in Australia. And this is what I believe and say too. One body, one voice, and more clout in what we want to say and do.

NSW held its annual day seminar in November last year, which was somewhat over-shadowed by the National Symposium twoweeks later. The title was The Golden Age and the topic was Aged Care. Colgate, as always, contributed greatly as our major sponsor for the day.

Numerous delegates say that this was the best day seminar that had ever been to – the information given was highly practical and personally touching. We had multiple speakers who have had great experience on the topic and all attending were riveted to their seats. I don’t think anyone closed their eyes that day, except when they were wiping their tears away with tissues.

On this day we also had our

The current 2014 DHAA NSW committee line up – including the new life member Angelee Murdoch (second left).

AGM where our committee was elected and a new life member was announced.

Angelee Murdoch! It was awarded for her consecutive years as a committee member including and a period of about seven years as treasurer. Once again I would like to congratulate her and thank for all the work she has put into the DHAA NSW branch, and still is!

I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate our new National Councillor, Melanie Hayes, who has also been a past committee member and President of NSW branch. All the best in your new role!

Our NSW CPD program for this year will be simpler as we have the opportunity to host the DHAA National Symposium in 2015. We are already hard at work for this, recruiting speakers and

setting up a venue as well as looking into a variety of social events for delegates and their families. It will be held in the first week of November 2015 so mark in your diaries that you’re coming to Sydney.

In 2014, DHAA NSW will be holding two or three lecture nights and possibly the whitening course with Prof. Laurence Walsh. We will not be holding a day seminar as we think it’s a good opportunity for NSW members to head towards Canberra for the National Symposium in October.

Anyway, the committee will be focused on applying their efforts for 2015.

So once again I hope all members have a safe and pleasant 2014 and hope to see you at an event some time soon.

Nikolaos Karadoukas DHAA NSW President

The Newsletter of the DHA

eensland

EDITOR'S REPORT

Robyn Russell

CPD Planning 1. How many h 2. Is my emplo Our association Robyn Russell is Queensland stepping down from her style 3.

What met for our􀀃2014 D has become verycommittee confusing in newsletter Editor role on the 1st of February at Online, work after five superb years. ent times. What types of courses our Strategic Planning day.

Don’t worry – she’ll still many of our current you choose to do,While and what is 4.herself 'R , QHHG WR be keeping busy committee members will dentalhygienist.com.au > on various commitees. ur budget for CPD?continueContinuing add to my R their support of the holiday destinations this association in 2014, we also for the prevention of Email Queensland > ucation seems to have become Steel Crown event will offer. have three new members periimplantitis. very expensive part of our lives. Many We will also 0-4 year old be holding – Carol Tran, professional Michelle Tasmanian-based our annual Hygiene Horizons Hankinsontheir and Elizafees for Periodontist, Emmasince Megson anisations have increased courses event towards the later part Burroughs. will also be presenting When making D became a compulsory component of registration. of the year in September.

Jo Purssey will be taking “Inside my brain - How to Planningrequirements is underway in on National like a ourselves periodontist”. a h these factors in mind, weCouncillor, all need tothink ask the development of this Robbern White will be Registration for this event me important questions. event which will be held stepping into the Vice is now open on the website Requirements in Brisbane this year.

President role and Fatima homepage. I look forward to

ell, the year is well and truly in full ng….If you are like me you may still reviewing your CPD plan for 2014.

LEFT

WEBSITE

CONTACT

Dost will be DHAAQ’s new Treasurer. We welcome a new edition to our CPD Chair, Annika Liiv’s family – Baby Hugo! Born a month early on New Year’s Eve. Congratulations Annika and beautiful baby Edward!

The development of our 2014 continuing professional development events calendar is well on its way! Our half day seminar on the 5th of April is titled ‘What’s in the Pocket’. We have some fantastic presenters for the day! UK trained Dental Hygienist, Mary Mowbray will be attending our seminar from New Zealand to discuss Implant radiographic evaluation and interpretation

seeing many members at the Women’s College Playhouse Theatre at UQ, St Lucia.

Thanks to the hours of hard work by committee member – Karen Toms, DHAAQ has been successful in 2014 RHCE2 Round 5 Rural Grant. This Rural grant will be used to fund ‘Regional Roadshow’. The Roadshow will be touring during early August over four locations (Rockhampton, Hervey Bay, Cairns and Townsville) to ensure our regional members have an opportunity to attend local quality continuing professional education. We hope members take the opportunity to enjoy some of the fantastic Queensland

2014 DHAAQ Committee Members

resident

“ DHAAQ has ice-President been successful in 2014 RHCE2 Round 5 Rural ecretary Grant. This grant NationalRural Councilor will be used to fund ‘Regional Roadshow’. reasurer The Roadshow willTreasurer be touring ssistant during early August.”

ditor

Debbie Holliday Robbern White

Carlene Franklin Jo Purssey

Fatima Dost

Position vacant Robyn Russell

Information and registration for Hygiene Horizons as well as our Regional Roadshow will soon be available on our website.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Robyn Russell for spending many hours over the last five years to develop and collate our Hygiene Essentials newsletter. While Robyn is stepping down from the editor’s role, she will be continuing to volunteer on the DHAAQ committee developing the annual Oral Health Month initiative as well as supporting our CPD events.

Practitioners m a) complete a m three years. 80 FOLQLFDOO\ RU VFLH b) make a de requirements a c) maintain thei for audit purpos d) produce evid to do so by the

DHAAQ aim to FOLQLFDOO\ VLJQL¿ Debbie Holliday DHAAQ President next half day e valuable CPD,

23

South Australia WEBSITE

dhaasa.asn.au

>

CONTACT

Email South Australia

>

South Australia kicked-off 2014 with a nearly completely new and young executive team. We are proud to have new graduates step in to important executive positions and see others progress through the ranks.

I look forward to leading our fabulous team and working through the year together.

2013 finished off with a wonderful Christmas AGM breakfast meeting held at the National Wine Centre. In September we were pleased to again host the DHAA

National Executive meeting in Adelaide and celebrate with a lovely dinner after our main CPD day for the year.

Sadly 2013 also saw the passing of Jean McNicol, the namesake of our newest student award and a true pioneer of our industry.

Jean’s contribution to Dental Hygiene in Australia started when she co-founded the first training course in Adelaide. True to her lifelong commitment to the profession Jean was actively involved in all the early developments

of both the dental hygiene course and the Dental Hygienists’ Association of South Australia.

We continue to hold record membership numbers and look forward to seeing these numbers increase.

As the newly elected president of the DHAA SA branch I look forward to an exciting year ahead with positive changes in our profession and also our association.

Tracey Herman DHAA SA President

New Graduates’ Supper – Inaugural Event March 2014

“ The main purpose of this informal evening was to welcome to the recent graduates to the profession.”

This year DHAA (SA Branch) conducted our inaugural New Graduate’s Supper. The main purpose of this informal evening was to welcome to the recent graduates to the profession.

We also invited several sales representatives from dental supply companies in a gesture of appreciation for their support over the years.

Several past and present Executive committee members gave short presentations on the Association, the profession, and on their own professional journeys, as hygienists and oral health therapists.

Jacquie Biggar (Immediate Past President of SA Branch) gave her presentation

and outlined the purpose, benefits of membership and functions of our Association, as well as adding her own personal insights. Kyla Burman and Josh Galpin put on an entertaining double act and discussed some of the highlights – and challenges – of their careers thus far. (Both held executive roles at state level, and Josh is currently involved with the National body as the IT go-to man) Current SA President Tracey Herman chaired the evening, and Louise Edwards, our motivated Vice-President, was assisted by her CPD team and other Executive committee members in making the event run smoothly. Leone

Mackenzie from 3M ESPE also said a few words to welcome the New Grads, and to offer her support for our organisation. We were well looked after by the attentive staff at our venue, The Maid Hotel, and the finger food (not to mention the wine) was delightful.

Many thanks to those who attended our event; we hope that it was a worthwhile way to network and to start making connections with your valuable Association.

Current student members – mark your diaries for next year so you can attend this gathering as you commence your new careers.

Ali Taylor National Councillor SA Branch

Tasmania

CONTACT

0419 712 512

With our fearless President away trekking the wilds of South America, this report comes to you from the National Councillor.

February saw Professor Laurie Walsh, in conjunction with the University of Queensland, conduct the in-office whitening course in Hobart. This event was very well attended with a majority of the participants making the effort to travel from interstate.

The branch is busy organising dinner meetings to be held during the first half of the year. In March Jenny McKibben, the Health Promotion Co-ordinator for Oral Health Services Tasmania, spoke to members about the health promotion focus and the projects currently being undertaken and planned for the state.

Other dinner meetings are being proposed with members being urged to put forward suggestions for speakers that they would like to hear. .

Karen Fisher National Councillor for Tasmania

Victoria

WEBSITE

dhaavb.com.au CONTACT

0418 336 119

>

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the President of the Victorian branch of DHAA Inc. My name is Roisin McGrath and I have recently taken over from Samantha Stuart. I am very excited to be at a stage in my family life and career, which allows me the opportunity to once again become more actively involved on our DHAA state Executive.

After a period of being understaffed, Victoria is pleased to announce that we now have a full complement of Executive members. I would like to welcome Jade Lemmon, who has taken over the position of Secretary.

Jade is very enthusiastic and committed to ‘learning the ropes’ and has made a seamless transition into her new role.

We were extremely lucky that our CPD team managed to secure Mr Andrew Heggie (Head of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Children’s Hospital of Melbourne and Director of Melbourne Research Unit for Facial

25

Disorders, University of Melbourne) to present to us at our July dinner meeting.

I’m sure all of our members who attended would agree that Andrew’s lecture ‘Beauty is only skin deep, what about the bone?’ gave us an insight into the complexities of deciding on the surgical intervention that will gave the best result, for both the patient and the surgeon.

Since commencing as President, I have had the privilege of representing DHAA Inc. in a variety of settings and on a range of topics (from Minimal Intervention Dentistry to Registration of Overseas Trained Dental Hygienists, and from workforce issues to undergraduate training).

DHAAVB has been working to build our relationship with the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and RMIT, to engage with our future colleagues to offer them support and guidance during their respective programs of study. I thoroughly enjoyed the careers night for the

University of Melbourne BOH students (which was hosted

by ADOHTA Vic.) and found this to be a great forum for the students to obtain valuable information to assist them in their transition from student to practicing clinician. Stella Christini (our National Councillor) and I also attended the University

their future careers. DHAAVB has also been asked by RMIT to assist them in coordinating workplace visits for their ADOH (Dental Hygiene) students, so they can observe experienced dental hygienists in action.

If any of our members would be willing to have an ADOH student visit them at their

diseases’ • Dr Helen Marchant (Specialist in Special Needs Dentistry) – who will speak about Autism Spectrum Disorders ‘Living with Angry Birds, Star Wars and Dr Who: strategies for the dental team’ • Dr Andrei Locke (Periodontist) – who will present a two-part lecture

“ DHAAVB has been working to build our relationship with the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and RMIT, to engage with our future colleagues to offer them support and guidance during their respective programs of study.”

of Melbourne BOH Research Day, where the final year students presented the findings of their research projects. DHAAVB is happy that, in conjunction with ADOHTA Vic., we were able to co-sponsor the Research Day lunch. We were impressed by the quality of the research conducted and also by the effort that went in to each presentation. The students should be incredibly proud of their achievements and we wish them luck in

practice, would you please contact me or one of our other Executive members so we can make the necessary arrangements?

Our half-day CPD and AGM is being held on Saturday 30 November at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

In addition to our AGM, we will have three speakers: • A/Prof Stuart Dashper (Principal Research Fellow, University of Melbourne) – whose topic is ‘Long in the tooth: new treatments for old

on ‘Management of gingival recession’ and ‘Periodontal re-evaluation and further treatment options’ We encourage you to attend what promises to be an interesting and informative session, providing scientific updates and more practical management strategies, which can be applied in our daily clinical practice. I look forward to seeing you all there!!!

Roisin McGrath DHAAVB President

Western Australia WEBSITE

dhaawa.com CONTACT

0449 910 455

>

The 11th DHAA Inc. National Symposium Perth 2013 was a huge success. We recorded the following stats: • 1 39 delegates at Thursday’s CPD Session • 1 13 at the Welcome Drinks • 3 15 at Friday’s National Symposium • 3 19 at Saturday’s National Symposium • 1 13 at the Twilight Magic River Cruise

day refresh course that including CPR for work place this month. This will provide the attendee to refresh a life time skills while still earning a seven CPD hours.

We have to say farewell to Bonnie due to her relocation to Geraldton. Mishal Punj has come on board to fill the Secretary role upon her return from holiday. We say thank you to both ladies.

“ We recorded the following stats: • 139 delegates at Thursday’s CPD Session.

• 113 at the Welcome Drinks.

• 315 at Friday’s National Symposium.

• 319 at Saturday’s National Symposium.

• 113 at the Twilight Magic River Cruise.

Thank you to everyone concerned.”

Thank you to everyone concerned and thank you too for your valuable feedback as there is always room for improvement or reinforcement.

At the last committee of 2013 we decided to gather information for members to self online registration for St John Ambulance one

An update on discussed event for 2014 are: The joint venture of ADOTHA WA and DHAA WA for the annual PD event will be held on the Saturday, 18 October 2014. With her solid and long standing experience in the field, Hellen Platell have been appointed as a Chair person

for this one day event by both associations.

Wendy Walker of 3M ESPE, ADOTHA WA and DHAA WA combined their efforts to set up the Study Club for DH, DT and OHT by giving an opportunity for members and non-members to gain a complimentary two CPD hours. An annual membership of $275 (including GST) for a minimum of 14 CPD hours from attending seven play back video lectures at a regular venue at South Perth Civic Centre.

This Study Club program for South West country practitioner has also been on the discussion table since our first discussion. Hellene, Wendy and myself will keep everyone posted.

Other proposed events are still awaiting for some following before they can be confirmed. All details will be published on our website and eblast to your personal email at the due course.

Emily See DHAAWA President

27

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The 2014 CPD Events calendar. Full details at www.dhaainfo/events MONTH DATE/TIME

EVENT

VENUE

APR 2014

4 April

DHAAQ Half Day Seminar

University of Queensland, St Lucia

5 April 8:30am-5.00pm

Working Posture Workshop

TBA

5 April 8:15am-4.45pm

Periodontal Instrumentation

Sydney Dental Hospital, 2 Chalmers Street, Surry Hills

11 April

ADAVB CPD and Training: Practice Accreditation Workshop

ADAVB Meeting Room

May (TBA) 8:15am-4:30pm

Laser Training for Dental Practitioners

Oral Health Centre of Western Australia

May (TBA) 8:15am-4:30pm

In Office Whitening for Dental Practitioners

Oral Health Centre of Western Australia

1 May 6:00pm

Dental Protection Ltd: Mastering Risk Management

Rydges Lakeside

6 May 7:00pm

Orthoclinic: Establishing the Aesthetic Prescription, Achieving it’s Reality in Implant and Conventional Prosthodontics

Keelty Room, Novotel Canberra, 65 Northbourne Ave

10 May 8:30am-1.00pm

DHAAVB CPD Event

Quest Flemington

13 May

ADAVB CPD and Training: Practice Network Meeting, Workplace Safety and OH&S for Infection Control

ADAVB Meeting Room

14 May 6:30pm

Modern Approach to Periodontal Treatment Planning and Periodontal Treatment in an Ageing population

Auge Restaurant, 22 Grote Street Adelaide

16 May

ADAVB CPD and Training: Practice Accreditation Workshop

ADAVB Meeting Room

20 May 6:30-10.00pm

ACT Dental Group: Bone Preservation, Maintenance and Regeneration – Red Flags and Remedies

King George Terrace, Parkes

21 May 6:15-8:30pm

CPDent: Consent, Confidentiality and the Vulnerable Patient

Macbeth Lecture Theatre, Badger Building, University of Adelaide

22 May

ADAVB CPD and Training: Latest on Therapeutics & Oral Cancer Detection

Crown Towers Garden Room

5/28/2014

Infection Control for Your Practice

Gunz Dental Showroom, Dunning Ave Roseberry

Late May, TBA 6.00-9:30pm

CPDent: Local Anaesthesia -Preliminary Notice

Sebel Playford Hotel, North Terrace

June (TBA)

Advanced Hands On Instrumentation

Curtin Clinic, Oral Health Centre of Western Australia

23 June

ADAVB CPD and Training: General Dental Essentials – Tips for Everyday Dental Practice

Novotel, St Kilda

18-20 June

Melbourne Dental School: Local Analgesia for Therapists and Hygienists

TBA

20 June

June Dinner Meeting

TBA

20 June

ADAVB CPD and Training: Practice Accreditation Workshop

ADAVB Meeting Room

24 June 7.00pm

Orthoclinic: The Style Italiano Philisophy in Anterior Composite Restoration

Keelty Room, Novotel Canberra, 65 Northbourne Ave

30 June 8:45-5.00pm

CPDent: Looking Ahead: Managing Peri-Implantitis and Periodontitis

Dental Simulation Clinic, University Of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus

July (TBA)

LA Workshop

University of WA

3 July

ADAVB CPD and Training: Introduction to Practice Accreditation

ADAVB Meeting Room

MAY 2014

JUN 2014

JUL 2014

MONTH DATE/TIME

SEP 2014

OCT 2014

NOV 2014

EVENT

VENUE

11 July 8:45am-5.00pm

CPDent: Oral Medicine

Sebel Playford Hotel, North Terrace

17 July 6:30pm

ASP: Getting to the Root of the Matter, Joint Paediatric and Periodontal Management

University House at the Woodward

25 July -2 August

DHAAQ Regional Road Show

Rockhampton (25/7), Hervey Bay (26/7), Townsville (1/8), Cairns (2/8)

26 & 27 July 9.00am-5.00pm

TAFE SA: Panoramic Radiography

TAFE SA, Gilles Plains

29 July 6:15-8:30pm

CPDent: Diabetes and it’s Management – A Cook’s Tour

Macbeth Lecture Theatre, Badger Building, University of Adelaide

30 July 6.00-8:30pm

DHAAVB CPD Dinner Meeting

TBA

5 August 7:00pm

Orthoclinic: Treatment Planning and Execution of the Complex Restorative Case

Keelty Room, Novotel Canberra, 65 Northbourne Ave

8 & 9 August 8:15am-5.00pm

CPDent: Dental Practice Update and Trade Exhibition 2014. Topics: The Principles and Practice of MI Dentistry Part 1 – Preventing Dentistry MI Way, Part 2: MI Way of Managing Caries: Tricks of the Trade, The Who, What, Where & Why of Dental Fear, My Patient is Fearful – Now What Do I Do?

National Wine Centre, Cnr North Terrace and Hackney Rd, Adelaide

15-16 August

Dental Update 2014 – at the Forefront of Dentistry

Stamford Plaza, Brisbane

20 August 6.30pm

Colgate Eminent Lecture Series

TBA

23 August 8:30am-5:15pm

DHAAVB CPD Event: Evolution and Revolution in Dentistry

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

9 September 7:00pm

Orthoclinic: Molar Extraction Techniques & Single Tooth Implant Protocols

Keelty Room, Novotel Canberra, 65 Northbourne Ave

20 September

DHAAQ Hygiene Horizons

TBA

25-27 September

ADOHTA Cutting Edge Oral Health

Panthers Entertainment Complex, Port Macquarie

3 October 9.00am-4:30pm

Endodontics and Prosthodontics, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

ANU Arts Centre, University Drive

18 October

DHAAVB CPD Event

TBA

18 October

Professional Dvelopment Day for ADOHTA WA & DHAA WA

University Club

18 October

DHAAQ Hygiene Horizons

TBA

28 October 7:00pm

Orthoclinic: Effective Tips for Success in Endodontics

Keelty Room, Novotel Canberra, 65 Northbourne Ave

31 October

Paedodontics Update

Stamford Plaza Brisbane

1 November 8:45am-5.00pm

CPDent: Saturday Afternoons, Teeth and the Local Pharmacy

University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus

12-14 November

Melbourne Dental School: Orthodontics for Dental Therapists and Hygienists

TBA

Key to the state colours n ACT

n New South Wales

n Queensland

n South Australia

n Tasmania

n Victoria

n Western Australia

Please email us if you have an event that you want to be included in the calendar

The 2014 CPD Events calendar. Full details at www.dhaainfo/events MONTH DATE/TIME

DEC 2014

EVENT

VENUE

13-15 November

DHAA National Symposium

TBA

22 & 23 November 9.00am-5.00pm

TAFE SA: Panoramic Radiography

TAFE SA, Gilles Plains

23 November 6:30pm

Adjunctive Periodontal Treatment and Limitation of Periodontal Treatment

Lion Hotel, 161 Melbourne St, North Adelaide

26 November 6:00pm

ASP: Diagnosis and Treatment of Periodontal Disease by Dental Professionals in Victoria

Ridges on Swanston

23 November 6:15-8:30pm

CPDent: Update on Allergic Drug Reactions and Common Skin Conditions

Macbeth Lecture Theatre, Badger Building, University of Adelaide

29 November

DHAAVB CPD Event: AGM

Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club

2 December 7:00pm

Sex, Drugs and Oral Cancer: A Potential Change in the Aetiology of Oral Cancer and the Role of the Dentist in it’s Early Recognition

Keelty Room, Novotel Canberra, 65 Northbourne Ave

12 December

TBA

National Wine Centre, Cnr North Terrace and Hackney Rd, Adelaide

Key to the state colours n ACT

n New South Wales

n Queensland

n South Australia

n Tasmania

n Victoria

n Western Australia

Please email us if you have an event that you want to be included in the calendar

Get your message heard.

Issue 30 March/April 2014

The official newsletter of the Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia Inc.

Promote your event or product to the Dental Hygienist community.

To get yourself into the next edition of the new digital Bulletin send your enquiry to Lauren Jarrett

Perth Perfect The official newsletter of the DHAA Inc

MEET THE NEW BOSS Introducing the DHAA’s new national President

GRASP THE NETTLE How to manage those awkward patient liaisons

Full report from the 2013 Symposium

Page 6

FOR RHD, DT & OHT / DENTIST Optimal Peri-implant Maintenance; Science, Systems & Success!

SUSAN WINGROVE, RDH

Visit www.dentaledglobal.com to register today!

LECTURE AND WORKSHOP

8 CPD Points

Over 2 million implants are placed annually and are now considered the best long-term treatment of choice for tooth replacement. Studies reveal infections in the periodontium and complications can occur with dental implants presenting us with different dynamics and challenges. As dental professionals we want to be able to confidently discuss implant treatment options with patients and meet the challenge of providing safe, effective implant maintenance.

OBJECTIVE OUTCOMES FOR THE LECTURE COMPONENT: • Assess, identify and monitor the health of dental implants with an evidence-based, five-step protocol.

• Provide safe implant maintenance and peri-implant disease treatment for all the challenges of implantology including cement residue peri-implantitis.

• Confidently talk with patients about their treatment options and the benefits of implants as the best long-term treatment of choice for tooth replacement.

• Understand the importance of 3D technology and it’s relation to treatment planning and diagnosis for peri-implantitis by viewing clinical cases.

OBJECTIVE OUTCOMES FOR THE HANDS-ON COMPONENT: • New step by step protocol for recession, attachment loss and furcations using the new Advanced Comprehensive Exam (A.C.E.) which includes a focus on the new ACE probe.

• Participants will have demonstrated and supervised practice with the Wingrove titanium implant instruments to probe and debride implants on models.

• Step by step debridement for narrow based, wide base, and specialty implants—(Hader bar, exposed threads, Locator), as well as Full-fixed / All-on-4™ prostheses.

• Outlined protocol and treatments with recommended products for peri-implant disease including cement residue implantitis.

VENUES AND DATES NSW Thursday 20th March Sydney Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney: 11 Jamison Street, Sydney QLD

Sunday 23rd March

Gold Coast Medland Orthodontics: 18 Carrara Street, Benowa

QLD

Monday 24 March

Brisbane Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane: 23 Leichhardt Street, Cnr Wickham Terrace, Brisbane

WA

Thursday 27th March Tompkins on Swan: Cnr Dunkley Ave & Canning Hwy, Alfred Cove, Perth

VIC

Saturday 29th March Melbourne Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne: 649 Bridge Road, Richmond

th

PROGRAM TIMING 8:00 am

Registration

8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Lecture (4 CPD points)

1:30 – 5:30 pm

Short Lecture and Hands-on Component (4 CPD points)

MS. SUSAN WINGROVE Susan Wingrove is an international speaker, clinical dental hygienist, who is also a researcher for Regena Therapeutics. She is an instrument design consultant for Paradise Dental Technologies, Inc., designer of the Wingrove Titanium Implant Set, ACE probes and Queen of Hearts instruments. She is a member of the Academy of Osseointegration, American Dental Hygienist’s Association and the International Federation of Dental Hygienists. Besides many journal articles on implant therapy, regeneration and advanced instrumentation, Susan is the author of the textbook: Peri-Implant Therapy for the Dental Hygienist: Clinical Guide to Maintenance and Disease Complications, 2013 Wiley-Blackwell publishers.

DHAA Inc.