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The call of duty
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he International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) believes that we have a social responsibility to address oral health conditions that exists worldwide. During the House of Delegates meeting in Lucerne, Switzerland, in June, all Member countries participated in a Social Responsibility workshop. Professor Raman Bedi, Chair of the Global Child Dental Fund, advocated to delegates the importance of developing leadership capacity, and our role as change agents in promoting social responsibility. The IFDH are currently planning a Social Responsibility Conference for 2017, that will be held in Florence, Italy. The two-day conference will be themed “Social Responsibility: IFDH Global Oral Health Strategy”. It will bring together experts in various fields including; leadership, health literacy, prevention programs, and social responsibility. Advisors will be on-hand to assist national representatives in developing a suitable, local action plan. The goal will be for each country to be more effective in oral health promotion and disease prevention to existing clients, as well as reaching those outside
of our dental practice with oral health care messages. As the Australian Association member of the IFDH, the DHAA will select one or two representatives that are interested in being responsible for the development and implementation of a Social Responsibility Programme.
There are many lessons for us to learn about social responsibility
“ Volunteers could be project managers of a current Social Responsibility programme that can be expanded as a project for their country, or people interested in developing a new programme from scratch. ” Volunteers could be project managers of a current Social Responsibility programme that can be expanded as a project for their country, or they could be
Dr Esther Wilkins 1916-2016
Farewell to the First Lady of dental hygiene THE NAME DR ESTHER WILKINS may not resonate with us Australian Hygienists in the same way it does for our colleges in the US but we have a lot of thanks to give to this remarkable women as I can guarantee every single one of us has learnt from Esther. Do you remember being a student and carrying around that big hygiene bible ‘clinical practice for the dental hygienist? This was Esther’s pride and joy first published in 1959 which she is
known for 12 editions. To this day is the foundation for many dental hygiene programs the world over. Esther became a hygienist in 1949 earning her degree from the Tufts university school of dental medicine. The following year she established a dental hygiene program at the university of Washington and served as director for 10 years. Esther earned the title of doctor after becoming a dentist but proudly continued to include her RDH credentials in her writings.
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As dental hygienists and oral health therapists we are all committed to a duty of care to both our community. The IFDH believe we may need to think bigger. people interested in developing a new programme from scratch. The benefits to the DHAA, and the attendees, are as follows: 1. Learn from international experts and others in your profession who have implemented successful projects; 2. Develop an Action Plan and take home resources for your project; 3. Receive an Advanced Dental Leadership Programme voucher. This on-line course will enhance your skills in advocacy and leadership by involving policymakers; 4. Learn how to use World Health Organisation (WHO) evaluation and measurement tools and formats to present the results of your project; 5. Learn how to make a digital poster to present at present at the 2019 International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) in Seoul, Korea. Membership of the IFDH is one of the many benefits of being a DHAA member, and as the representative association for Australia we are your voice globally. We are excited to be a part of this social responsibility initiative, and the ongoing promotion of this agenda in our part of the world. n
PHOTO: YOON BYUN
With a list too long to mention of the notable achievements in Dr Wilkins life we did get to celebrate her 100th birthday three days before her passing. Known as the godmother of dental hygiene we now have a fairy god mother who has left a legacy for many Hygienists to come. All at the Dental Hygiene Association of Association of Australia would like to send our deepest condolences to Dr Wilkins family and colleges.
Dr Esther Wilkins devoted her entire life to the hygiene industry
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Naval-trained hygienist who was living branch’s constitution as our guide. We in Canberra, went over to Gilles Plains to elected our executive at the AGM, our complete her training and returned to July meeting. President Deb Robertson, work with Dr Graham Southwell. Vice President Wendy Dashwood “Debbie Subera was the first overseas Secretary/Treasurer Liz Mendoza. trained hygienist in the ACT, working Continuing Education committee were with Noel Egan. Wendy Dashwood, Barb Kitchings, Deb “While Debbie was here she ran a Wilke-Snow and Isia Nowicka. seminar “Take Time for Communication” “By then, two dental nurses from for the ACT hygienists inviting dentists Canberra graduated from Gillies and staff in the Science Building at the Plains DH program and returned ANU. This was the ACT hygienist’s Sandra Walker (Lawry) and Carlene first official function Bellchambers as a group. (Furler). “ Our ACT group began “In 1983 Liz Mendoza “Many in 1983 and we would more (Codina) (Dr Scott overseas meet in each other’s Parsons) arrived and hygienists homes. We were not 1984 Mary Beare (Dr came and went, Sterling Kitchings). and around really taken seriously by Barb Kitchings was also 1989 a dental most dentists.“ in town. When Debbie therapist S went back to USA she was replaced by conversion course began in Gilles Plains. Deb Robertson (Bray) in 1983. This brought us more members, as well “Our ACT group began in 1983 and we as dental hygiene graduates who came would meet in each other’s homes. We our way through their husband’s work were not really taken seriously by most in Canberra. Slowly, but surely, our dentists. Only those who we worked association grew into what it is today.” for who could see the difference that We would like to thank Wendy for we were making to their patients and telling us her story. Sadly it would seem therefore they became very supportive that many of the original records have of our fledgling association. They would been lost so we would love to hear from attend everything we invited them to, any hygienists who have memories of often by us forcing them to attend just the early stages of our Association. to make up numbers. If you would like to contribute please “The ACT branch became officially get in touch with Joanne Mohammadi at incorporated in June 1986, using the SA bulletin@dhaa.info n
Marcelyne ‘Marcy’ Patsanza “THOSE WHO ARE daring enough to think that they can change the world are the ones who do”. This famous quote is one that I link to my own ambitions in life. I am a young enthusiastic individual who enjoys the use of words as a way of
expression and inspiration through writing poetry and articles as well as public speaking. I have a strong interest in oral health promotion and prevention, dental health education and special-needs dentistry. As I volunteer for this exciting role as a contributor to the DHAA Bulletin, I intend
Calling all Newcastle Graduates IF YOU GRADUATED from Newcastle University and are interested in applying to add dental therapy to your existing dental hygiene qualification but are outside the five year credit criteria timeframe please note the following: 1. You must have a dental hygiene degree older than five years from the University of Newcastle. 2. You must be registered with AHPRA 3. You must have currency of practice 4. You must be able to demonstrate CPD over the last 12 months. If you can meet this criteria and wish to apply for the 2017 cohort, for more information and the official entry process, please email Janet Wallace, the Program Convener, at janet. wallace@newcastle.edu.au. Please mark your email subject as follows: ‘DHAA @ UON for DT’
to be delivering informative articles worth reading and ones which I hope will leave a lasting impression. I am always open for feedback and suggestions on topics of interest so please feel free to address these to me at marcypats21@gmail.com or the Bulletin editor at bulletin@ dhaa.info
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Dishing out the Diplomas TAFE SA saw 26 new grads find their wings – some with extra special plumage
T
he bird who dares to fall, is the bird that learns how to fly. The students of TAFE SA have spent the last two years learning how to ‘fly’. On 24 November, 2016, we witnessed 26 ‘birds’ celebrate their newly-attained skills as they dare to fly out from the safety of their nest! TAFE SA provide a highly-accredited two year Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene) program that offers a supportive learning environment and thorough training to achieve both dental and professional skills. While we as students celebrated this graduation day with excitement and relief, there was an under-lying sense of nervousness to step out into the real working world without the guidance of our tutors. Nurturing relationships were formed among peers and between the students and the dental staff throughout the duration of the course and these will be greatly missed. While the whole year group was commended for their exceptional performance throughout the course, a few awards were given to students who had displayed outstanding qualities within certain categories. Disha Jobanputra received the John McNicol Award for Outstanding Performance in the Advanced Diploma of Oral Health Course (Dental Hygiene). Disha managed to cause an uproar of laughter as she shared her experiences throughout the course and highlighted how much she made the most of the learning experience. She was beaming from a sense of fulfilment on that day and is quite obviously excited to step out into the Dental Hygiene workforce.
Marcy Patsanza (that’s me), received the Jane Chalmers Memorial Award for Excellence in Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry. I felt honoured to receive this prestigious award in the presence of Jane Chalmers’ parents’ in-law. They described to me the tireless work their daughter had achieved in the dental field. Just like her, I feel inspired and look forward to using my dental skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world. Michelle Mayhew deservingly received the Clinical Excellence Award for her commendable dedication and performance in the management of her patients in the clinical setting. While she states having a feeling of accomplishment, Michelle gives credit to the clinical staff as she mentions that she soon realised that “it takes a while to be as good as those you look up to as well as realising that she had just only begun scratching the surface of what there is to know in the dental field!”. Michelle has a strong interest in the management and treatment of patients with periodontitis and working with geriatric patients. She is also grateful for the efforts made by the DHAA to provide supportive events such as the New Graduates Supper in February 2017 organised by the DHAA which will provide a platform to reconnect and build networks within the industry. Nicole Hocking was awarded the Oral B Award for Outstanding Performance in Preventive Oral Care. On receiving this award she claimed that this was ‘her biggest milestone of these past two years’. She described the award as confirmation that she had made the right career choice.
Nicole aspires to be an empathetic and compassionate dental hygienist. One whose patients look forward to seeing. While she feels excited and relieved to complete the course she said that the tutors’ guidance will be greatly missed. Michelle Reynolds was awarded the Colgate Award for Outstanding Performance in Preventive Oral Care. Michelle displayed exceptional patient management within the clinical setting which was admired by most peers. Her hand scaling techniques, among other preventive dentistry skills, were often commended by the clinical tutors. Having attended the recent DHAA National Symposium in Hobart and interacting with Dental Hygienists from all around Australia, she is excited to kick start her career and eventually furthering her dental skills. Michelle believes that the CPD courses provided by the DHAA, with particular interest in hands-on courses, are very beneficial for new graduates to broaden their skills. Michelle Green was awarded an Award for Excellence in Ethical and Professional Practice, sponsored by Dental Protection Limited. Michelle, who was the year group’s student representative, is highly deserving of this award. She managed to consistently display grounded professional work ethics which are required in this industry. She enjoyed the simulated private practice experience and took particular delight in learning new information and expanding on her current knowledge. She enjoyed the out-of-work routine of student lifestyle, and believes that undertaking this course as a full-time
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student was totally worth the sacrifice. She said that she will miss the camaraderie of her fellow students and the tutor’s spot advice. Michelle aspires to be an excellent hygienist and wants to be able to look forward to going to work every day. Sandra Perrotta was awarded the Golden Scaler Award, sponsored by Hu Friedy, to honour her outstanding achievements on the course. Hu Friedy describe the recipients of this award as having the special “golden touch” that will serve them as they begin their new career in the industry. Sandra said that receiving this award has been her greatest milestone, to date, and a humbling honour. She excelled in building a good rapport with her patients, believing that this is integral in helping patients overcome dental anxiety, as well as motivating patients to implement changes to improve both oral and general health. She aspires to continue to work holistically and engage in both professional and self-development. Sandra also said that, although it feels surreal to finally complete the course, she believes that she and her graduating classmates are ready to work independently and implement their newly-learned skills.
Message to all new graduates The DHAA congratulates and welcomes all new grads to the industry. We urge you to continue to have the aspration to learn, the courage to challenge and the desire to advance your dental skills. Always remember “the bird who dares to fall – is the bird that learns how to fly” . n
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP AND L TO R; Alison Taylor, Disha Jobanputra, Marcy Patsanza, Michelle Mayhew, Tracey Herman; Sandra Perrotta (Golden Scaler award sponsored by Hu Friedy); Marcy Patsana between Jane Chalmers’ parents-in-law; Nicole Hocking flanked by Alison Taylor and Oral-B representative; Michelle Green with DPL sponsors; and Michelle Reynolds with the Colgate representative.
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WORK
REST &
PLAY
The National Symposium is always a mixture of hard work, networking and just the right amount of partying. Hobart 2016 proved to be the perfect combination.
W
e witnessed 285 DHAA delegates rolling into Hobart for this years 25th anniversary Symposium. Despite the grey clouds that threatened rain for the whole weekend, the feedback was that everyone had a great time – music to the ears of the hard-working, volunteer conference organisers! The program was jam packed with learning, with a hint of Tasmania. The first morning consisted of more workshops than ever before and we’d like to take the time to thank our sponsors for helping with organisation of these. Activities then moved over to the Museum of Old and New Art (MoNA) for the afternoon program. Delegates had the privilege of staying behind for a private viewing of the museum, once the doors had been closed to the public, as a part of the welcome drinks. Bubbles and canapés were quaffed as the museum’s latest exhibition was absorbed. Thursday’s opening was followed by two full days at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart where delegates heard from speakers on topics ranging from research, perio and things new to our profession such as ENT issues, orofacial myology and TMD diagnosis and treatment. During the breaks, delegates were encouraged to peruse trade displays and discover the latest products and procedures on offer. As always, Friday night topped off the event with the social highlight of the symposium. The Masquerade Gala dinner provided good music, more bubbles and a myriad of laughs. Quite a few were grateful for the late start on
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Packed auditoriums for some serious studying is offset against the full-on party mode of the Masquerade Ball
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13 Saturday and grasped the opportunity to experience Australia’s oldest market at Salamanca. Many were wearing dark glasses – can’t think why! Unfortunately, one of our intended speakers, Ron Knevel, was too unwell to speak at the symposium. His big shoes were ably filled at the last-minute by Dr Derek Mahony and we thank him for jumping in at such short notice. Ron has kindly offered to record his planned presentation which we will get to our delegates as soon as Ron is well enough to do so. Many of the speakers were found through social media connections by Danielle Gibbens and it was gratifying to hear that many of our delegates were fellow ‘followers’ and really were excited to put a face to a name. As you can imagine these speakers have huge followings which sees them being invited to speak all over the world. We thank them for taking the time out of their busy schedules to come to Hobart. If you aren’t already on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter then we recommend you get on there! There is a whole dental world waiting for you which we at the DHAA often share amongst our followers, as do our speakers. The trade booths were a major success and we completely sold out the event, with five companies making their DHAA debuts in Hobart. It was a pleasure to visit them each day, to follow up with the trade reps, they were all such a delight to work with We also need to thank a whole bunch of people without whom this symposium just wouldn’t have happened. Firstly our lovely event organisers, Conference Design, with special mention to Liz. This was her first solo event and you would never have known. Then there’s the wonderful, friendly staff of the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, who bent over backwards for us. However, Danielle Gibbens, who excellently managed the whole event, would like to single out two colleagues for special mention. “Most of all, the two people I am privileged to call, not only my colleagues, but also my friends, are Linda Thomas and Alyson McKinlay,” she said. “Thank you both for allowing a younger over enthusiastic colleague rope you into holding this national event I am so very grateful.” “As I mentioned in my closing, being a volunteer for the DHAA is an exciting and fun learning experience with wonderful supportive people,” she continues. “If you have ever had even the slightest inkling to volunteer I encourage you to jump with both feet as you too could be creating similar experiences for your peers.” Symposium Adelaide – “It’s all about the smile” has already been announced for 12-14 October next year. The organisers are already busy making plans and booking speakers. You can reserve your place early by visiting symposiumadelaide.com.au n
Hobart was a perfect mixture of great people, great speakers, and great exhibitors. Danielle Gibbens (top right) was the driving force behind the event organisation. Ali Taylor (top left) is taking the reigns for 2017.
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out more about this lesion but I continued so that we could figure out what was going on – for his own benefit. With the information gathered I got the patients permission to take clinical photos and get the dentist to review the lesion – it was agreed that it needed to be referred to an oral surgeon. This particular practice make specialist appointments for patients, but this patient was still reluctant to commit. I resolved this by calling the oral surgeon and organising for the patient to go directly from my appointment. The patient was happy with this, kept his appointment, and a biopsy was taken. The initial report identified a “5x10mm crusted cracked lesion on the vermillion border” and stated that, if it was anything at all, it would be a Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Subsequent reports confirmed this and recommended a wedge lip resection. The post-surgery report explained that the surgery had included a Vermillionectomy along with the wedge excision. The histology report from pathology stated that the SCC was stage T1NoMX invading 1.9mm with the lesion being associated with multifocal SCC in situ in solar keratosis. All this had happened within a week of the lesion being spotted at a regular hygiene appointment. At our follow-up appointment we had the chance to chat about post-surgery
and the impact of the whole experience on him. The patient reported pain for one week post treatment and an inability to touch or clean the area for up to four weeks as directed by the oral surgeon. He recalled that prior to his diagnosis, there had been three people that inform him it was a cold sore, despite never having had a cold sore prior to this. Overall he was amazed by how quickly everything had happened. The process of having the lesion identified, diagnosed and surgically removed, had taken just over a week. Episodes such as this can effect more than just the patient, and this experience has also been very hard for his wife, who has had to sit back and watch her husband go through everything – in particular the initial phase after surgery. Time has moved on and now he is in good spirits talking about how he grows a ‘hairy lip’ and that his wife has mentioned how different it is to kiss his new lip. n
Valuable lesion lessons learned Everybody connected with this good-news story are grateful that this lesion was identified and treated so early. Tragically this is not the norm. Despite the patient’s initial reactions they always return very thankful for the early detection. A nice feeling and a reminder of why we do our job.
Images showing the lesion and the minimal post-operation scar
Danielle’s key factors that can help in the early detection of up mouth cancers Make good notes • Know the difference between ‘normal’ and ‘not normal’. • Make good records by asking lots of questions. • Check your medical history to check if anything has changed. • Check for history of cold sores/ulcers etc • Take clinical photos – you can’t rely on your memory
Ask lots of questions • Find out how long has it been there and if it comes and goes or stays all the time • Has it changed in colour or consistency? • Have you had anything like this before? • Do you spend a lot of time in the sun? • Do you wear sunscreen when outside? Act quickly • Review lesions in an acceptable time frame – these things can grow fast!
Most things should heal within 7-10 days so, review every two to four weeks • If in doubt refer to your preferred oral surgeon or oral medicine specialist – better to get the tick of approval than to sit on it • Be supportive to the patient – this is a life changing event for them, they may not behave how you imagine just be sure to be supportive
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Good bye & good luck Doff your cap as this magnificent DHAA seven head off to pastures new and a well-earned rest Natasha Hunt Western Australia Chair Natasha initially demonstrated her event management skills by organising a very successful Perth National Dental Hygiene Symposium. The WA dental hygiene committee encouraged her to take on a term as President – a term and a half as it turned out!. Tash bought a vibrant face to our association and worked very hard reforming our state website to connect with our members and promote CPD events in a professional format. Scientific CPD points was a priority Tash addressed as well as holistic guest speakers. A yoga breakfast proved popular with our members as well as Christmas breakups in boutique bars, wine cellars,
not forgetting committee meetings around a swimming pool, golf club, or at a restaurant. This highlighted Tash’s skill at sourcing great venues and her exceptional food choices. As State Chair Tash attended many meetings at universities, allied health professional groups and specialist dental groups to promote our profession and vocalise from a hygiene prospective. She supports innovative members who want to lobby for provider numbers or trial new models of preventive dental care and proved to be a great support to our state director. The challenge of our state agreeing to go to a national body showed Tash’s determination to make sure it was in the best interest of our members by communicating with the restructuring committee issues of concern until they were resolved or addressed. Natasha, your leadership skills will be missed and we hope after a welldeserved break to see you back and involved in any of our committees. Rhonda Kremmer Linda Thomas Tasmania Chair Linda has been a dedicated executive member of the DHAA Tasmania Branch for many years, as both secretary, treasurer and, most recently, state chair. During this time Linda has found time in her busy schedule which consists of working at a busy orthodontic practice, former teacher at Tas TAFE, mentor to new graduates and mother of two teenage boys to assist our association on many levels most recent the Hobart Symposium. Linda was the driving force behind the successful workshop program. She has also organised several successful state-based days with local speakers. I would also like to
thank Linda for her contribution during the restructure, organising everything relating to the Tasmanian transition from state to national. We are not a big state here in Tasmania which means there are not as many people on the ground. It is people, like Linda, that put their hand up to help out – despite their busy schedule – that we as an association rely on, and are so grateful for. Linda’s hard work and go get ‘em attitude will be sadly missed in Tasmania. As a director I couldn’t have chosen a better state chair to help support and encourage our committee to prosper. We all here in Tasmania wish her great success in her future endeavours. Danielle Gibbens Robbern White Queensland Chair DHAA Ltd QLD Chapter would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our outgoing state chair Robbern White for her dedication and commitment to our association and profession as state chair over the past two years. Robbern has been a strong advocate for our profession throughout her time as chair. She has proudly led a successful state committee through many informative CPD events, volunteer homeless connect events and oral health month campaigns. She has been a proud representative at university student visits, professional meetings and also guided our state branch through the transition to a united national association. We appreciate her endless support and acknowledge the many volunteer hours she has contributed to the association. We continue to look forward to working alongside Robbern in 2017 as an active state committee member. Carlene Franklin
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Tracey Herman South Australia Chair Tracey joined the DHAA South Australia team several years ago, initially as National Councillor, and later as President and Chair, and quickly learned the skills and management techniques required to successfully lead the committee and fulfil the many tasks involved. She has represented DHAA on several committees and organised many events for DHAA members. Tracey has presented student talks at TAFE and the University of Adelaide over a five year period, and presented numerous student awards at graduation celebrations in SA. She states that one of her biggest personal achievements is developing her public speaking skills. We believe Tracey has been an inspirational leader who has brought a high level of planning, dedication and hard work to our organisation. It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Tracey as she steps down from the role of SA Chair. She is however, retaining a position on the Planning Committee for Symposium Adelaide 2017. Tracey is keen to mentor and guide the next Chair into the role whilst they develop their own experience. Alison Taylor Danielle Gibbens Tasmania Director I would like to acknowledge the representation of Danielle Gibbens to our association. Since graduating and moving to the state, Danielle has involved herself in the small membership we have here. She has put her hand up and represented Tasmania – in a lean time when we
struggled for volunteers – as president, national representative and then took up the role as national director. I have worked by her side for the last five years and can attest to the many hours given to our association and our presence here in Tasmania. At times her enthusiasm can be overwhelming but infectious and I found myself going along for the ride. The latest example is the outstanding success of the National Symposium in Hobart. Danielle has a thirst for knowledge and is my go-to person professionally as a peer and as a mentor to young graduates. She has established herself as an excellent practitioner in private practice. Most importantly, Danielle has a kind heart and she strives to be her best. There will be a time and place in the future when I will reflect that I had the privilege to work alongside this remarkable young woman. Linda Thomas Jo Purssey Vice-President Jo joined DHAAQ in 2009 as vicepresident and in 2010 became DHAAQ President. She then moved to the role of National Councillor in 2013 before becoming a director of the restructured DHAA Ltd. As a director, Jo was an active participant in board meeting discussions and was instrumental in preparing and analysing the membership survey in 2015. She served as vice-president for two years, representing the DHAA in a variety of forums, and also representing Australia at the IFDH House of Delegates meeting earlier this year. While on the committee in Queensland she has developed protocols and procedures that ensure the growth and development of the Association,
including mentoring individuals into leadership roles ensuring a strong team in Queensland. Jo has also been instrumental in developing Community Oral Health projects including taking Oral Health to the local markets to spread the word of preventative oral health. Jo is a strong advocate of dental hygienists and oral health therapists and is always looking for opportunities for development of our profession. We wish her well in her new role at La Trobe University, and look forward to her future contributions. Robbern White and Melanie Hayes Alison Taylor South Australia Director Alison became involved in the executive committee of DHAA SA Branch in 2009 (after a short stint in 2000), where she has held several executive positions, including president and vice-president, and has been an amazing mentor to incoming committee members. Alison has been a board member of the DHAA for many years, and was part of the restructure taskforce. As a director Ali has taken over portfolios including the Community Oral Health Project grant and Student Support Funding. Outside of the DHAA Ali is a lecturer and coordinator in the Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene) program, and is highly motivated to provide relevant and current teaching methods to engage students. Ali’s presence at DHAA Board meetings will be sorely missed. We won’t lose her amazing skills entirely though as she has now taken on the huge role of Chair for the 2017 National Symposium Organising Committee. We look forward to your continued contribution in this role. Cheryl Dey n
21 For all the latest info on DHAA events near you please visit www.dhaainfo/events
that he could have kept us engaged all day!. For something outside of the norm, Penny Fisher, from Families SA, advised us of the requirements for health care professionals in regards to mandatory reporting of child abuse. Thank you to all that attended and for your valuable feedback. I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our out-going SA Director, Alison Taylor, for all her hard work over the past few years. She has been instrumental in the restructure process and contributed many hours a week to ensuring a high standard of work. I am personally very grateful to Alison for being my righthand lady in SA. Without her I would not have been able to run the SA committee the way that I have. I would also like to congratulate Cheryl Dey on her appointment as the incoming SA Director, I’m sure she will continue to represent SA well. Finally, as the end of the year draws near, it is time to think about 2017. I have decided after five years on the committee – three as president or chair person – that it’s time for me to step down and let someone else take the reigns. I will
remain in the background to mentor the new incumbent. The last five years have been such a valuable learning experience for me. I have grown from someone who was petrified of public speaking to one who is mildly comfortable with it. I have learnt so much about the DHAA and the dental industry as a whole, made many friends throughout the country as well as some invaluable professional connections. I am very proud to have been a part of the transition from seven separate state branches to one unified national association with a board of directors. To be a part of this process from the very beginning is an honour and I am excited to see where it takes us. A huge thank you to all that have volunteered with me over the last five years and to our membership for your support and feedback. If you are interested in volunteering to sit on the SA committee, please contact me at chairsa@dhaa.info for more information. There are a variety of roles that can be tailored to suit your availability and skill-set. Tracey Herman South Australia State Chair
Tasmania
“ It (the National Symposium) was a massive undertaking with only 14 members here in the state to pull it all together.”
TIME TO EXHALE! That is the general consensus from those of us on the committee in Tassie as we proudly wound up the Symposium for 2016. It was a massive undertaking for such a small team – we only have 14 members here in the state to pull it all together. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, your support was overwhelming! Speakers were all fantastic and there was a huge demonstration of support from the Dental Companies in sponsoring workshops and achieving 100% capacity in the trade exhibition. A vast amount of our year was spent planning this huge event therefore, quite naturally, we don’t have a lot else to report on. We are saying farewell, and a huge ‘thank you’, to Danielle Gibbens who steps down from her National Director role representing our State and we welcome Andrea Shoobridge who will do us, and the association, proud. We have CPD dates planned for 2017 with a two-day event mid-year - watch this space if you enjoyed Hobart and would like to spend some more time with us. Linda Thomas Tasmania State Chair
23 For all the latest info on DHAA events near you please visit www.dhaainfo/events
their natural teeth and found this video very helpful. We were very lucky to have Dr Park join us here in Canberra. The event was sponsored by Colgate, and our local representative, Mandy Sutton, became the most popular person in the room when she gave everyone a super-cute Dr Rabbit stuffed toys to take back to our surgeries. In November, we had a wonderful time catching up with you all in Hobart for the National Symposium. I’d like to thank the committee, on behalf of the ACT Branch. Everything from the speakers, trade, venue and gala dinner, to the chance for the self-guided tour around Mona was absolutely top notch – a sterling job indeed and all your time, efforts and hard work was very much appreciated. At our ACT Branch end of year Christmas dinner we will be presenting the Dental Hygienist of the Year Award so stay tuned and all will be revealed in the next edition of the Bulletin. Until then, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Keep smiling, keep shining! Dahlia Kruyer ACT State Chair
Western Australia
“ I encourage you to consider volunteering for a role with the DHAA, as we are always looking for people with new suggestions and energy for the future of our organisation.”
IT’S BEEN SUCH a busy year for everyone, that almost every patient I see claims that time is moving faster and faster – I have to agree! This year has gone by at lightning speed, and here I am already wishing everyone the happiest Christmas and a wonderful holiday period with your nearest and dearest. This will be my last report for the Bulletin, as my term as Chairperson for WA has come to an end. I’ve had a great time over the past eight years of involvement with DHAA, have met some wonderful people and attended many fantastic events. My heartfelt thanks to everyone that has helped on the WA Committee over this period, especially our current committee who will continue to bring exciting and innovative CPD events to our WA members. Thank you also to the National DHAA committee who work tirelessly in the background. I encourage you to consider volunteering for a role with the DHAA, as we are always looking for people with new suggestions and energy for the future of our organisation. Aileen Lewis will be
taking over as the new WA Chairperson. Aileen has a great depth of knowledge, experience, and an immeasurable energy for everything! We are looking forward to 2017, with a great line-up of events, the first being a refresher in Infection Control on the 18 February. March will bring us an evening seminar with the ever-popular Professor Marc Tennant, date TBC. Saturday 3 June will be our day seminar at the beautiful Abbey Beach Resort in Busselton. It’s WA Day long weekend so why not make a holiday of it? The new quarterly state newsletter and Bulletin, are both good sources of information but please keep an eye on our member website for the latest info. For any WA events that require the “Member-only” password, please refer to the original email that you received advertising the event. If you have any questions or comments, please be sure to contact our WA Liaison officer, Bonnie Boudreau at wa@dhaa.info I hope to see you all at upcoming events in 2017! Natasha Hunt Western Australia State Chair
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DHAA Year Planner The 2017 CPD Events calendar is already filling up. Full details at www.dhaainfo/events JAN-17
28 January
DHAA NSW/QLD Byron Bay Full Day Seminar “The Whole Body Effect”
Elements of Byron, Byron Bay NSW
FEB-17
7 February
DHAA SA New Graduate Supper
The Maid Hotel, Stepney
18 February
DHAA WA - Infection Prevention in the Dental health setting (a refresher)
The Bendat Community Centre - 36 Dodd St, Wembley, WA 6014
18 February
DHAA NSW High Tea and Lecture
The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Medlow Bath, Blue Mountains, NSW
4 March
DHAA NSW New Graduate Ball
Swissotel, Sydney, NSW
21 March
DHAA SA Supper meeting
The Hackney Hotel, Hackney
22 March
DHAA VIC Dinner Meeting
TBC
24 March
DHAA QLD Supper Meeting
Fortitude Valley, QLD
28 March
DHAA WA Evening seminar with professor Marc Tennant
TBC
31 March
DHAA ACT/NSW Joint CPD Day
Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral, NSW
17-21 May
ADA Congress
Melbourne, VIC
30 May
DHAA NSW Hunter Valley CPD Full Day
Crown Plaza Hunter Valley, Lovedale, NSW
MAR-17
MAY-17
TBC
DHAA QLD Homeless Connect
TBC
APR-17
1 April
DHAA VIC New Grad Ball
TBC
JUN-17
3 June
DHAA WA Full day seminar
Abbey Beach Resort, Busselton WA
3 June
DHAA VIC
Daylesford, VIC
14 June
DHAA NSW CPD Dinner Meeting
North Sydney Harbourview Hotel, Sydney, NSW
23 June
DHAA SA Dinner Meeting
Adelaide Oval, SA
24 June
DHAA NT/ADOHTA joint event
TBC
JUL-17
22 July
DHAA NSW CPD Full Day
Airport function Centre, Sydney NSW
AUG-17
5 August
DHAA QLD half day event + CPR
Brisbane, QLD
19 August
DHAA NSW/VIC CPD event
Ceccanti Kiewa Valley Wines (near Mt Beauty)
2 September
DHAA VIC
Albury, VIC
9 September
DHAA QLD Brunch Meeting
Sunshine Coast, QLD
16 September
DHAA NSW Coffs Harbour CPD Half Day
Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour, NSW
OCT 2017
12-14 October
DHAA 2017 National Symposium
Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, SA
NOV-17
18 November
DHAA VIC Christmas drinks
TBC
19 November
DHAA QLD Christmas Breakfast Meeting
Brisbane, QLD
TBC
DHAA QLD Homeless Connect
TBC
3 December
DHAA SA Christmas Breakfast
TBC
SEP-17
DEC-17
Key to the state colours n ACT
nN SW
n NT
n Qld
nS A
n Tas
n Vic
nW A
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