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Winner at the first time of asking Meet inaugural Rose-Anne Kelso Commemorative Award winner: Leah Hobbs
L
ife Sciences Queensland (LSQ) held the annual GENE awards on October 12th 2015. The RoseAnne Kelso Commemorative award was created by LSQ and sponsored by Stockwell to recognise an individual female’s endeavours, passion and dedication to the health and life sciences industry. Leah Hobbs is an oral health therapist (OHT) in private practice and lecturer in the Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) program with a focus on oral health promotion and aims to increase the BOH student’s awareness of the wider community’s oral health needs. “Oral health therapists are such a vital part of the health community and provide fundamental health education and treatment to all sections of the public”, said Leah. Since 2012, Leah has collaborated with the Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD) to increase oral health awareness for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In collaboration with QCIDD, Leah took
the lead on the production of four short videos on oral health care for people with cognitive and sensory impairment. Leah engages with BOH students to be included in the development of these videos. These videos go through steps on going to a dental surgery, flossing and tooth brushing. These online videos are not only useful for patients
“ The award was created to recognise an individual female’s endeavours, passion and dedication to the health and life sciences industry.” with disability, but are useful tools for families, carers and health practitioners to encourage positive oral health practices. Leah has developed an online mentor program for BOH students and oral health therapists who are working all over Queensland. This teaching innovation has shown to increase
BOH student’s communication and professional skills, in addition to having experienced OHT’s feel more engaged by imparting their expansive knowledge in their profession. These teaching and health innovations have increased students engagement in the BOH program. As the winner of the Rose-Anne Commemorative Award, Leah will be attending the International Association for Disability and Oral Health in conjunction with the Special Care Dentistry Association annual meeting in Chicago in April 2016 to further her knowledge in the area of special needs dentistry. At this conference, Leah has been accepted to present a poster on “Mentoring - is it favorable teaching strategy for increasing awareness for pediatric patients with disability in the Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy program?” www.scdaonline.org/?page=annualmeeting www.lsq.com.au/Events/GENE2016.aspx www.openaustralia.org.au/ debates/?id=2015-10-13.124.1
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Periodontal and implant maintenance Elysia Arnott reports on the EMS Ultrasonic and Modern Prophylaxis technique ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Axel Spahr presented a succinct yet clinically informative session regarding comprehension, identification, treatment and prevention of the occurrence of periodontal pathogens in natural dentition and implants alike. This was a continuing professional development session, sponsored by EMS and held in January at the Crowne Plaza in the Hunter Valley. Professor Spahr provided educated insight concerning the contributing factors, progression, treatment and ongoing preventative care measures of periodontal disease, and the additional or alternative measures required to effectively address peri-implantitis. Additionally, discrepancies amongst professional health care providers were addressed in regards to variation of product recommendations, the diversity in which one
approaches suitable treatment options, and associated appropriate instrumentation during the treatment and ongoing maintenance phase of periodontists and peri-implantitis. Informative discussion comprised of: manual and powered toothbrush use and recommendations, auspicious ultrasonic scaler tip selection, optimal utilisation of additional treatment methods (including adjuvant antimicrobial and/or antibiotic therapies), and adherence to current professional guidelines and recommendations for periodontal treatment. Furthermore, current technological advances within the dental industry have seen improvements with respect to efficacy, prognosis and patient comfort during procedures; such as the sponsor’s air polishing device “Air-Flow”. Professor Axel Spahr provided an evidence-based approach in highlighting the indications for air polishing use, possible associated risks (with regards to instrumentation and varying powders available) and demonstrated efficacy with the utilisation of differing case studies. Following the conclusion of the highly relevant and educational session, attendees were invited to partake in a Hunter Valley exclusive wine tasting accompanied by fine cheese and cracker selections, freshly harvested fruits and superior company. DHAA members, non-members and students were able to interact with fellow dental professionals, sales representatives and DHAA board delegates for an afternoon of frivolity amidst the surreal nature of the Hunter Valley vineyards. Elysia Arnott is a dental hygienist working at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney. We thank her for taking the time to write this article for The Bulletin.
Say Hello! Fiona Bartley I AM 41 YEARS OLD, happily married with two lovely daughters aged 13 and 9. I am currently working full time as a Dental Hygienist in an Orthodontic Practice called “Live Life Smiling” in Newcastle NSW. I did not always have a love for teeth and gums, when I finished my HSC way back in 1991 I went to Uni and studied Art. I received my Bachelor in Visual Arts then decided I wanted to work in hospitality so I went to TAFE and completed a Certificate in Hospitality Management. In 1996 I travelled to England for a working holiday living and working in a little pub in Oxford. I stayed overseas for 18 months earning pounds and backpacking around Europe. On my return to Australia I started as a receptionist at an Orthodontic practice (my childhood Orthodontist in fact), this was only going to temporary until I found a “real job”. It wasn’t long before I realised I really liked Orthodontics. After working in the office side of the practice for about 10 years I decided I’d really like some hands on work in the surgery. I
enrolled in the Oral Health course at Newcastle Uni to become a Dental Hygienist – a huge step at the time as a mature age student with two small children. I threw myself into three years of study and passed with flying colours, thanks to my very supportive husband and understanding kids. My previous studies haven’t been in vain as my background in hospitality helps me to communicate with patients and the fine art side helps with manual dexterity and instrumentation. I enjoy working as a Hygienist as each day brings a new challenge with patients and procedures. Being able to improve the oral health of my patients through education and prevention is especially gratifying. I’m eagerly looking forward to contributing to the DHAA newsletter. Thank you for the opportunity.
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New Challenges 20th International Symposium on Dental Hygiene Basel Switzerland 23rd to 25th June 2016
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Graduating in style With assignments a thing of the past there’s only one thing left to do...
MELBOURNE DENTAL SCHOOL THIS WAS THE EAGERLY anticipated light at the end of the tunnel, and what a night to remember! On behalf of the Bachelor of Oral Health and Doctor of Dental Surgery graduating classes of 2015 I would like to extend a warm thank you to the DHAA for their generous monetary contribution as well as CPD vouchers for two very lucky BOH graduates! The night was dedicated to celebrating our rich learning experience, hard work, achievements and friendships over the years with fellow graduates and demonstrators alike (now all colleagues) at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne where a delicious meal and drinks were well enjoyed and dozens of prizes handed out. Let us also not forget the showcase of all our now not-sosecret dancing talents. As we close this chapter, another more exciting one opens in the professional world… we can’t wait!!
The The complete complete package package for hygienists, therapists
and oral healththerapists therapists for hygienists, and oral health therapists
UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE Students glammed up last December to celebrate the completion of their degree. Held at Wolfies Bar in the Rocks, the harbour gave the perfect backdrop for the event attended by students, partners and a of their tutors. Recent graduated were able to catch up and unwind after their final exams, discuss hurriedly about their upcoming jobs and further studies while laughing and dancing the night away. With some students going on to study Dentistry, some going back to the University of Newcastle to increase their scope to include therapy skills, and some who were awaiting their results to start their new jobs - the night was a bittersweet farewell to their time at students together. Thanks to the DHAA for their support, as the night was a huge success and one that will be remembered by all who attended for years to come. Congratulations to the Class of 2015 UoN BOH, it was an absolute blast!
More support More support More advice More advice World leading defence World leading defence
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Could we see a return of the street side water bubbler; more space to excercise and areas for social interaction will have a knock-on effect on general community health
Improving the dental health of communities should be as simple a move as the car-free CBD. If we examine some of the determinants for good oral health: nutrition, general health and well-being and easy access to fluoridated drinking water; community level approaches to the management of risk factors effecting these determinants should be relatively simple. In fact for one of these determinants the solution already exists, it just seems to have lost favour with the public. The drinking fountain, affectionately known in the Australian vernacular as a ‘bubbler’ is in desperate need of a PR campaign. Historically seen a positive indicator of governmental concern for citizens, water fountains are now often placed thoughtlessly and
neglected; their public persona needs to improve and dental practitioners may have to play a role in this. The first drinking fountain was erected in London in 1859. The fountain was funded by the Metropolitan Free Drinking Fountain Association and was actually constructed as a tool of the temperance movement. When water quality was poor and beer seemed a far more sanitary choice, the drinking fountain was engineered in the hopes that those wishing to quench their thirst had the option of doing so with refreshing water rather than by getting happily inebriated in the nearby tavern. People were ecstatic at the arrival of the drinking fountain and hundreds flocked to its opening.
“Water fluoridation generally results in children having 35% fewer decayed, missing and filled baby teeth and 26% fewer decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth.”
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Over time the temperance movement has lost favour with the public and the drinking fountain fell from popularity. Poor initial design was responsible for contamination outbreaks and recently, bottled water seems to have become the beverage of choice for the majority of citizens. But that doesn’t have to mean the extinction of the bubbler. The bubbler could be co-opted for the dental health movement. Fluoridated water is a great tool in the fight against dental decay. Water fluoridation generally results in children having 35% fewer decayed, missing and filled baby teeth and 26% fewer decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth (Iheozor-Ejiofor Z et al.). Much like how free, clean drinking water was used to tempt people away
from the perils of an 11am lager, drinking fountains could regain their popularity to entice people away from the two for one deal at the 7-Eleven for coke or chocolate milk. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, and the drinking fountain is the enemy of tasty cariogenic refreshments, so it should be the friend of the dental professional. Though drinking fountains still exist in small numbers, much like payphones they are a dwindling relic vanishing from the urban landscape. Viewed unfavourably, they are seen more as a last resort for thirst quenching as opposed to their glorious, popular beginnings. Perhaps lobbying for greater drinking fountain presence is one option, but on a macro level, we could start a grass roots
campaign to have the drinking fountain brought back to its former charming glory. When discussing ways in which to improve a patient’s oral health, it could be mentioned that there is a solution just around the corner. Its free, it’s cool and its thirst quenching. It might be slightly hard to find, but in some towns and cities drinking fountains can still be seen; they might just be lurking behind a decrepit phone booth sadly covered in cobwebs. Corburn, Jason. “City Planning as Preventive Medicine.” Preventive Medicine 77 (2015): 48-51. Print. Iheozor-Ejiofor Z, et al. “Water Fluoridation for the Prevention of Dental Caries.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 6 (2015). Print. Whyte, William Hollingsworth. “Web of Friendship.” The Organization Man. . Philadelphia University of Pennsylvania Press, 2002., 2002.
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JUST HOW GOOD ARE
OUR TEETH? The latest research is out on the Oral Health of Australians. Fiona Bartley gives us the low-down
T
he Australian Institute for Health and Welfare has released its latest report; Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia: key facts and figures 2015. This document presents the most current information regarding the dental health and care trends for the Australian population. Data has been collected from surveys by the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data sets. Key topics covered by the report include: oral health, use of dental services, paying for dental services and the dental workforce. Findings on the oral health of young Australians in 2010 revealed that 55% of six year-olds had experienced decay in their deciduous teeth, and 48% of 12 year-olds had experienced decay in their permanent teeth. In 2013, of the adult population with natural teeth, 16% had experienced toothache in the preceding year. 27% of adults were uncomfortable about their dental appearance. Adults without insurance and those eligible for public
dental care (20%) were more likely to have dental pain. Furthermore, 19% of our aging population (65 and over) had no natural teeth and those with natural dentition (42%) wore dentures. Visiting patterns in 2013 showed 64% of Australians over five years old had visited a dental practitioner in the last year. Favourably, 44% of adults made regular dental check-ups with the same dental practitioner. There was good news for the population aged 15 and over – they visited the dentist more in 2013 (60.3%) compared to 1994 (56.4%). Remote Australians have the highest rate of potentially preventable hospitalisations relating from dental circumstances at 4.0 per 1,000 people compared to people living in cities at 2.6 per 1,000 people. Almost three-quarters of dentate adults with insurance (73.7%) made a dental visit within the previous year, compared with around half of those without insurance (51.0%) Dental services received, in 2013, by people who had visited a dentist in the last 12 months, averaged 1.09 scale
and clean services, 0.65 fillings and 0.27 extractions. Scale and cleans were higher amongst people with insurance (1.19) compared to those uninsured (0.94). In Australia, in 2012-2013, the total expenditure on dental services (except those in hospitals) was $8,706 million. Half of Australians (five years old and over) had private health insurance with dental cover in 2013, with 53% from major cities, 45% from inner regional areas and 44% from outer regional. In 2013, higher income populations were more likely to have dental
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“ In Australia, in 2012-2013, the total expenditure on dental services (except those in hospitals) was $8,706 million.�
insurance compared to lower income households. In 2013, there were 1,759 dental hygienists, 943 oral health therapists and 1,093 dental therapists registered, with 85% or over employed in their field. Dental professionals employed in Australia per 100,000 people equated to approximately; 56 dentists, five dental prosthetists, five dental hygienists, three dental therapists and three oral health therapists. Most dentists (90%) were general dentists and the remaining 10% were specialists. Major cities had
63.1 practicing dentists per 100,000 people compared to remote regions with only 25.7. The Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia: key facts and figures 2015 can be viewed in full through the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare website (www.aihw.gov.au/publicationdetail/?id=60129554382 ) Reference: AIHW 2016. Oral health and dental care in Australia: key facts and figures 2015. Dental statistics and research series. Cat. no. DEN 229. Canberra: AIHW.
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The diminutive Bowerbird has adapted to use our plastic rubbish... especially blue toothbrushes!
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Queensland
WEBSITE
dentalhygienist.com.au
>
CONTACT
Email Queensland
>
“ If you’re not already a member of the DHAA Ltd. Facebook page please go to DHAA Ltd website and ‘like’ the page.”
Northern Territory WEBSITE
dhaa.info > CONTACT
TBA
QLD HAS STARTED the year with DHAAQ Inc. officially winding up and we have now merged with DHAA Ltd. QLD Chapter is led by QLD Chair (Robbern White), Qld Communications Officer (Carlene Franklin) and our strong CPD Team. We will continue to support our local members. The Queensland team has organised another great year of CPD and networking opportunities for 2016. Homeless Connect – Wednesday 18 May at Eagle Farm. This is a rewarding day and we hope you can join us to spread the Preventative Oral Health Message. Keep your eye out as we call for volunteers closer to the date or you can email me president-dhaaq@ dentalhygienist.com.au to
register your interest. Hygiene Horizons: “Prevention for the Patient and Practitioner” – Saturday 21 May. The program for Hygiene Horizons includes; industrial relations; negotiating skills; the use and effects of silver fluoride; head and neck cancer; recent updates and how to perform an effective examination. Back care for the Dental Practitioners including a Pilates class (the class is limited to 18 so you will need to register early to ensure your place). Registration is now open! www.hygienehorizons2016. eventbrite.com.au Save these dates for 2016: “Breakfast with our very own Carol Tran” 14 October at UQ Women’s
College. Carol will be presenting on”Implant Maintenance” and “Air Abrasion” . (CPR will also be included for those who wish to update.) QLD Facebook Page The DHAAQ Facebook page will now merge with the national DHAA Ltd account. As of the 31 March 2016 the DHAAQ Inc. Facebook page will close. If you’re not already a member of the DHAA Ltd. Facebook page please go to DHAA Ltd website and ‘like’ the page. The page is very active and will keep you updated on all events and developments. Wishing you all a successful 2016 and we look forward to seeing you at our Events in Sunny Queensland.
THE NORTHERN TERRITORY is the newest addition to the state/territory reports as part of the formation of the national body DHAA Ltd. With this comes the appointment of an NT Director and the vision to give NT OHT’s and dental hygienist’s the same membership benefits, representation and
opportunities as other states and territories. We are currently acting on appointing an NT committee and foresee NT members feeling more included, informed and involved in oral health community events and advocacy. I moved from Perth to Darwin in April of last year and am loving the weather,
the people, the lifestyle and the opportunities it has brought into my life. After being involved in the DHAA WA committee as the alternative national councillor I am keen to develop the DHAA’s role here in the Northern Territory and I look forward to the year ahead.
Robbern White QLD Chair
Leonie Brown NT Director
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Victoria
WEBSITE
dhaavb.com.au
>
CONTACT
0418 336 119
Western Australia WEBSITE
dhaawa.com CONTACT
0449 910 455
>
GREETINGS EVERYONE to a new year with lots happening around the country. Victoria had its first CPD event for the year, which was held as a dinner meeting with guest speaker Dr. Warren Crossley giving a presentation on orthognathic surgery. It was an informative talk injected with Dr. Crossley’s
infectious humour. There was a good turn out of about 30 delegates and we all enjoyed a delicious meal at an inner Melbourne pub that has hosted us before. Up and coming events scheduled for the Victorian CPD calendar include a Combined Event on 18 June associated with ADAVB whereby Victoria will combine with ADOHTA to
host a program. On Saturday, 10 September we will run a Full Day Program in association with DPL at Rydges on Swanston and of course the National Symposium in November. Wishing all states and its members a prosperous 2016 and we look forward to catching up with you.
THE WESTERN Australian branch committee is happy to have joined into the new National DHAA. Our members that attended the restructure meeting held in December made a resounding “yes” vote. We are excited to see our Association grow and move forward, and offer more opportunities for our members to be part of something that truly reaches all corners of our land. Here in WA we are currently assisting in the production of the next State Oral Health Plan. There is very little in the way of positive media when it comes to the state of the nation’s
health, but very slowly we are aim to positively influence the oral health component, which is sadly overlooked by so many major initiatives. Politically and financially the economic climate is quite grim, which unfortunately has so many flow-on effects, and will for years to come. We continue to attend meetings with Dr Patrick Shanahan, who is a very strong advocate for the oral health of underserved populations, and the role that we, as preventive oral health practitioners, have in “turning the tide”. Watch this space. We continue to hold interesting and relevant CPD
events – please get in touch if you have any requests for content. Please note that our WA website will be closing shortly and transitioning over to the new national DHAA site, which will be launched very soon. Please ensure that your CPD file is up to date – all of the details of recent courses are still on the “events” tab on the site. Our WA Facebook page is also closing, and transitioning into the National site – please make sure you “like” it to stay up to date with current We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
“ There is very little in the way of positive media when it comes to the state of the nation’s health, but very slowly we are aim to positively influence the oral health component”
Anne DiPaulo Victoria State Chair
Natasha Hunt Western Australia State Chair
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Planner The 2016 CPD Events calendar is already filling up. Full details at www.dhaainfo/events 15 March
DHAA SA March Supper Meeting
The Hackney Hotel, Hackney
18-20 March
ADX 2016
Sydney Exhibition Centre at Glebe Island, Sydney, New South Wales
21 March
DHAA NSW First Dinner General Meeting
North Sydney Harbourview Hotel, Sydney
23 March
DHAA ACT Member Business Meeting
6-7 May
Nutrition and the Dental Practice with Dr. Steven Lin (DHAA Discounted Event), TBA
TBA
6 May 1:00-5.00pm
DHAA WA Combined Event ASP - A return to basic periodontology skills
Kallis function room, Leederville, Western Australia
9 May
DHAA NSW Second Dinner General Meeting TBA
18-May
DHAA QLD Homeless Connect
Eagle Farm, Queensland
20-May
DHAA SA/ ADOHTA Joint Event
The Highway Hotel, Plympton, South Australia
21 May
DHAA QLD Hygiene Horizons “Prevention for the Patient and Practitioner”
TBA, Queensland
28 May 8:30am-1:00pm
DHAA WA half- day seminar: “ A potpourri of minimal intervention dentistry”; “Screening for TMJ”; “Dry mouth: is there more to it?”
Telethon Speech & Hearing Centre, Wembley, Western Australia
16 June
DHAA ACT Dinner Meeting
17 June
DHAA SA June Dinner Meeting
Adelaide Oval, Ian MsLachlan Room
23-35 June
IFDH International Symposium on Dental Hygiene
Basel, Switzerland
18-Jun
ADAVB and ADOHTA combined event
TBA
JUL 2016
9 July
DHAA NSW Full Day Conference
Swissotel, Sydney, New South Wales
AUG 2016
12 August
DHAA Professional Development ‘By Request
22 August
DHAA NSW Third Dinner General Meeting
TBA
2 September
DHAA SA September CPD Day
Adelaide Convention Centre
10-Sep
DHAA VIC/DPL full day program
Rydges, Swanston, Victoria
20 September
DHAA TAS Business Meeting
14th October
DHAA QLD CPD day “Breakfast with our very own Carol Tran” - presenting on”Implant Maintenance” and “Air Abrasion” (CPR will also be included for those who wish to update)
MAR 2016
MAY 2016
JUN 2016
SEP 2016
OCT 2016
19 October
DHAA TAS Dinner Meeting
NOV 2016
10-12 November
DHAA 2016 National Symposium
DEC 2016
2 December
DHAA Tasmania Christmas Party
4 December
DHAA SA Christmas Breakfast
University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland
MONA & Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, Tasmania The National Wine Centre, SA
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