Child Benefits Jo Purssey reports on the new Community Health Oral Fund (COHF) recipient program
O
ral health in young Australian children is universally acknowledged as significantly lower than ideal. This is particularly relevant in areas of Queensland. The Federal Government acknowledged this fact with the development and implementation of the Child Dental benefits scheme (CDBS) initiated in February 2014. A group of dental hygienists (DH) and oral health therapists (OHT) working in a large, well established private dental practice in the southern suburbs of Brisbane, designed an educational program to address this health deficit. The program was presented as complementary, one hour, antenatal oral health information session for new and expectant mothers. The content was designed to address common myths and gaps in knowledge and aimed to develop a stronger preventive approach to dental disease and oral health issues.
The main areas of focus were: + Expectant and new mother oral health. + Bacterial transfer and colonisation. + Diet and feeding habits pertaining to oral health. + Breast feeding issues. + Pregnancy diabetes and oral health implications. + Establishing good oral health habits for baby for life. For those attendees not familiar with the dental practice, a tour was made available to meet members of front office staff and senior management in an effort to build confidence and dispel fears about visiting dental practices. Resources developed for the session included a power-point presentation and a take-home information brochure covering all topics covered in the session. DHAA Ltd Community Oral Health Funding (COHF) was used to develop
and print the brochures, allowing for the production of a professional and informative resource. Attendees completed a short evaluation survey during the initial session, to assess their level of knowledge and understanding regarding their own, and their child’s, oral health, as well as the role of the DH and/or OHT A second evaluation would be made three months after the session, to assess whether the attendees found the program helpful and what information they had retained. Evaluations would be collated to assess the success of the program based on; attendee participation; responses to questions assessing retained knowledge; follow-up appointments made. Attendees were given a take home sample bag, containing toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, children’s dental education story book, oral health information brochures, certificate of attendance and $25 gift voucher for future dental appointments. Communication channels to share information with proposed attendees, presented a number of barriers during the planning and organising stages. Initial contact was established
5 with three local maternity hospitals. Information flyers and invitations were developed and supplied for dispersal to staff and expectant mothers attending their facilities. These efforts did not prove successful, with little interest being demonstrated by hospital staff. A large local GP practice, responsible for ‘shared care’ for public maternity hospitals in the areas, was visited and provided with copies of the information flyer but limited interest was shown in the program. A local newspaper offering free community information ran an announcement but did not generate any reported interest in the program. Local libraries and community health centres were unsupportive as it was being run by a private practice – regardless of the fact its was being run as a free community service. Better success was found with a new, large, private obstetric and gynecological group, located near one of the local hospitals. They were delighted with the proposed pilot program and requested ongoing updates and information to share with their patients as the practice grew and developed. They felt this was an important and worthwhile initiative. Expectant mothers currently attending the dental practice were also
offered an invitation to the session and, on the day, eight expectant and new mothers attended the antenatal oral health education session. Dental assistants at the practice were on-hand to assist with child minding. Initial evaluation forms showed that everyone found the session to be informative, useful and helpful. Areas of interest were – information about baby safe products; timing for babies first dental visit; teething and cleaning; and plenty of Q&A time. All attendees were reasonably aware of pregnancy related oral health issues and the importance of oral health habits for babies/children. Everybody was reasonably oral healthy – brushing two times daily with fluoride toothpaste – and aware of the role of a DH and OHT. They all gained a greater understanding of the role during the session and were happy to see a DH or OHT at their future dental visits. The resounding feedback was that this was an excellent, supportive resource with all attendees conveying interest in future sessions (including those aimed at older children). Expected outcomes from the session were that attendees were comfortable booking oral health appointments for themselves and happy to have their baby/small children attend with them.
An unexpected outcome from the session was the friendships developed by the attending mums. Contact information was exchanged and a new mothers groups was formed. Very positive! Initial feedback was positive and further post-program evaluation will be carried out in the coming months. The development team found the project to be a wonderful and fulfilling experience. A great deal of work was required to develop the content and organise the day, however, all involved felt it was worthwhile. Now the fundamentals are in place, it will be a much easier task to run future sessions. Dates for new sessions later in 2015 and for 2016 have been blocked off, invitations have been sent out and adjustments to the session programs, based on evaluation and feedback, are being planned. JO PURSSEY The ‘Expectant and New mothers oral health program’ development team would like to thank the DHAA Ltd Community Oral Health Fund (COHF) for providing funds to support this pilot program, as well as industry partners Colgate, Oral B, 3M ESPE, Kerr dental and Independent dental supplies) for their support and donations. More information on the COHF can be found in the member’s section of the DHAA Ltd website – www.dhaa.info
Program Review A post program SWOT analysis identified the following points Strengths Program content was welltargeted and effective; delivery from a private suburban practice can be successful in delivering oral health related education sessions; having staff-assisted support; having well designed and developed program and resources; eight attendees (plus babies) was an ideal number for the session.
Weaknesses Contacting proposed attendees was not very successful – this needs to be reviewed; presenting style needs to allow for more question time breaks; timing may need to vary to suit working mums.
Opportunities The development of the program into a regular service at this practice will ensure sustainability of an oral health education opportunity; developing the program to cover other areas of oral health and other age groups; sharing knowledge about the service to other obstetric groups.
Threats Maintaining energy and momentum within the planning groups; costs to maintain resources; loss of donations from industry; barriers to promoting sessions; maintaining attendee numbers; work commitments conflicting with session times (for both attendees and the team)
6
gro.erutufeerfytivacarofecnwww.allianceforacavityfreefuture.org ailla.www www.allianceforacavityfreefuture.org
COMMUNIT ACFF Y COMMUNITY GR S TANTS NA RG GRANTS Y T I N U M M OC INTRODUCTION
The ACFF is be able offer am number ofegrants tos help fund community projects. Over ffer a number revof Opleased .grants stceto jo rto p yhelp tto in um fund oc selected d tcele community dn uf selected pleh o projects. t stnarg f Over o re bmun a reff a period ofvfive years, offering oft$50,000 perdyear that will positive ng a total of $50,000 e itis op ACFF per evaish year lliwto taatotal fund ht s cprojects ejorp nthat uto f fund otwill rprojects aey have re p positive 0 0have 0,05 $ fo latot a gni impacts on dental experience inrare communities. grants proudly supported by.Colgate. e in communities. .etThese acaries gloC grants yb det opp proudly us ylThese duo supported rp erare as tnaby rg Colgate. esehT seitinummoc ni e
THE GRANTS
Committee grants ranging from $2,000 tos$20,000 to0selected projects each year rangingThe from mo$2,000 rf rawill eyaward h to ca$20,000 e stc ejorto p d selected e t cele o projects t 00 ,02each $o t0 year 00 ,2from $ mfrom orf gnignar to 2019. The committee grants ofr$50,000 each across all,projects. y grants2014 a total of $50,000 .stconly each ejo rpyear llaatotal ssacross o ca raall e yprojects. hyear cae 000 05$ fo latot a stnarg y
HOW TO APPLY
must complete To apply for an funding, application yb d applicants e n i at b must o form. e complete b na These can es application eh can T .m be form. rof obtained These noitcan acbe ilp obtained by pa nabyetelpmoc tsu al.com. Applications emailing susan_cartwright@colpal.com. lliw dwill na ra open ey hcon aeApplications 1st rebo October t cO will ts open 1 each non o 1st neOctober year po lland ieach w syear n will oiand ta c will ilppA .moc.la ng 1st November. remain open for four weeks, closing 1st November. .rebmevoN ts1 g
GING CRITERIA ASSESSMENT AND JUDGING CRITERIA
AIRETIRC GNI
following criteria willsuitability: be employed to assess project suitability: oyed toThe assess project :ytilibatius tcejorp ssessa ot deyol
• Applicants and proposed projects meet the eligibility criteria cts meet the eligibility criteria
A comprehensive budget projection is made ction is •made
• Clearare and appropriate aims and objectives are articulated d objectives articulated
Clear and appropriate methodology is set out ology is •set out
airetirc ytilibigile eht teem stc edam si noit c detalucitra era sevitcejbo tuo tes si ygolo
• A realistic timeline is in place
• An project effective method for evaluation of the project is explained denialpxe si tcejorp eht fo noit tion of the is explained
• Capacity for sustainability is demonstrated monstrated
is high • The significance of the project is high
• Levelsare of evidence to support the approach are provided he approach provided • Expected results of the project are outlined are outlined
detartsnom hgih si dedivorp era hcaorppa eh deniltuo era
• Project applicants appropriate experience and qualifications priate experience andhave qualifications snoitacfiilauq dna ecneirepxe etair
These grants are proudly sponsored grants are proudly sponsored by Colgate etag loC ybbydColgate er o s n o p s y l d u or p er a s t n a r g
9
Long Tan – One happy and successful place An upbeat update on the continuing growth of the Vietnamese project ON THE 2ND September each year the Vietnamese people celebrate National Day – their countries’ declaration of independence from France in 1945. Sharing the day with our Vietnamese friends was one of the best experiences I have had in Vietnam. Once again I was there as part of the AVVRG, ADA and DHAA Ltd. Long Tan Dental Project. Dr Helen Mc Lean and I travelled with a new and enthusiastic generation of dental practitioners, Dr Edward Pitts, Dr Laura Siebels and accompanied by Caitlyn Lewis our team dental assistant. Dr Pitts is Dr McLean’s son and Caitlyn is my niece – it was truly a great experience working with family and friends in Long Tan. To celebrate National Day the team,
and the gorgeous Miss Thuy, went to neighbouring Long Hai Beach to share in the celebrations, amazing seafood and company of local friends and their families. The Long Tan project, thanks to Dr Colin Twelftree and Lesley Denny and the many volunteers has been successful and has achieved sustainability over the past eight years. This is evident with the level of support by the Government, the Long Tan School and Kindergarten, Bai Ria Hospital and the also the community. The team screened two year-olds at the Kindergarten and also screened ten and eleven year-olds from Long Tan School. Dr McLean and I had the pleasure of screening local children that we have been seeing for many years. Preventive measures have been adopted
in the Long Tan School and weekly Fluoride still rinsing at school assembly sees the children lining up with their plastic cups and rinsing after their exercises. Each visiting dental team can use the clinical records to evaluate the program and demonstrate an improvement within the community. This year I had the opportunity to assist Dr McLean and Dr Phuoc teach English to nurses working at the hospitals in the surrounding Ba Ria area. It’s fantastic to think back to how this project began with and how embedded the project has become in the community and hopefully will continue to be so. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Lesley Denny by emailing Lesleymac@internode.on.net
Your DHAA Bulletin has a new contributor HI, MY NAME is Amelia Roff. I started working in the dental industry because when I first left school I interviewed terribly. The only people willing to take a chance on me was a dental practice in my home town of Newcastle. I found a strange enjoyment there; I liked the activity that had me running around the surgery to retrieve things for the dentist from the drawer directly behind them. I found myself revoltingly compelled to watch abscesses being drained and getting excited when extractions became complex and messy. I studied hygiene at the University of Newcastle and was a woeful student. However, I enjoyed the treatment side of things and meeting patients that attended the University clinic. Having passed my exams I have since found an enthusiasm for study.
Since graduating I have worked inner-city Melbourne, as well as spending two years in Cessnock in New South Wales at a local family practice. I am currently studying an Arts degree – which baffles most people I meet – but I love it. I find studying the arts allows me to develop a deeper understanding of my patients and the world in which they exist. As an added benefit, I get to write essays about Nicki Minaj and call it academia. In between studying I work for a variety of practices around Melbourne as well as the occasional day demonstrating for the Advanced Diploma of Oral Health at RMIT. My favourite aspect of hygiene is patient education. Many patients are left in the dark about the state of their mouths and I enjoy playing a role in enlightening them in regard to their oral and general health. I’m flattered that the DHAA has allowed me to contribute to The Bulletin and I hope to continue to do so for as long as they will tolerate me. Amelia Roff – Bachelor of Oral Health, University of Newcastle
10
The Bigger Picture The International Federation of Dental Hygienists – providing a global profile THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION of Dental Hygienists is an organisation whose mission it is to promote the profession of dental hygiene and Oral Health internationally through the member countries who meet and network every three years. The IFDH currently represents 29 member countries and 82,000 dental hygienists! The IFDH is an international nongovernmental organisation, free from any political, racial, or religious ties. It is incorporated and registered in the US as a 501(c6) non-profit organisation. It unites dental hygiene associations from around the world in their common cause of promoting dental health. The stated purposes of the federation are as follows: + Safeguard and defend the interests of the profession of dental hygiene, represent and advance the profession of dental hygiene. + Promote professional alliances with its association members as well as with other associations, federations and organisations whose objectives are similar. + Promote and coordinate the exchange of knowledge and information about the profession, its education, and its practice. + Promote access to quality preventive oral health services. + Increase public awareness that oral disease can be prevented through proven regimens. + Provide a forum for the understanding and discussion of issues pertaining to dental hygiene The IFDH is governed by its House of Delegates, which is comprised of two
delegates from each Association Member. Normally the House of Delegates meets every three years, in conjunction with the International Symposium of Dental Hygiene, which is hosted and organized by a selected member country. A five member Board of Directors (president, president-elect, vice president, treasurer, and secretary), elected by the House of Delegates is responsible for the execution of those goals set forth by the House of Delegates during each three year period. The IFDH 2013-2016 goals are; Improve oral health worldwide; strengthen the professional profile of dental hygienists; link dental hygienists worldwide; and strengthen the leadership and infrastructure of the IFDH. The IFDH has undergone some changes in infrastructure and direction the last few years which will be made apparent at the International Symposium in Basel, Switzerland in June of 2016. The most significant change is the registration of the organisation in the United States and the acquisition of an administrative office in Washington DC, headed up by Executive Director, Mr Peter Anas of Anas management. The office handles queries from members and other interested parties about the IFDH. The focus of the Executive Board in the last two years has been in promoting the idea of social responsibility within the profession of dental hygiene, with the introduction of the “Social Responsibility Award” The IFDH and the Global Child Dental Fund have launched this project to recognize, on an annual basis, hygienists and student hygienists who participate in a volunteering project which benefits
disadvantaged children, mainly but not exclusively in low- and middle-income countries. The website for application for this award is www.gcdfund.org One of the inaugural winners of this award is Ron Knevel, from La Trobe University for his work in promoting dental hygiene in Nepal. We are very proud of Ron for his contribution! In addition to this award the Executive Board has recognised that the IFDH needs to assume responsibility for improving the health of the public and has chosen to focus on improving the oral health of children. In addition to the Every Child has a Toothbrush Program, we have created a Social Responsibility focus that will include several programs. We will begin with a half-day workshop on social responsibility during our HOD meeting next June in Switzerland. At that time we will engage the expertise of individuals in community interventions and health literacy to guide us in becoming more aware of how to effect change. In 2017, we will host a conference designed to work with experts to create intervention programs tailored to our respective countries. We will implement those programs and report the outcomes at our 2019 ISDH. Funding is being sought for these social responsibility programs with the assistance of Henry Schein. The IFDH has partnered with the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) a non-profit organization designed to provide an aggressive response to eliminate children’s preventable suffering from pediatric dental disease. The organization has many preventive programs including Back to School
13
16 WHEN DETERMINING A toothbrush recommendation for a patient, the process is generally a relatively simple one. Dental practitioners evaluate evidence based on efficacy of plaque removal; a fair reasoning. According to the latest Cochrane review of powered versus manual toothbrushes, powered tooth brushes are indicated to give a 21% reduction in plaque compared to their manual counterparts after three months of use. This same review also indicated an 11% reduction in gingivitis after three months when using a powered tooth brush. So it seems quite obvious: electric toothbrushes are the best recommendations. The evidence collated for these studies, however, does not acknowledge individual patient motivations. The efficacy of plaque removal by electric tooth brushes does not necessarily mean they are the right choice for everybody. In no way do I wish to discourage the recommendation of electric tooth brushes to suitable patients, but I do wish to discuss the role of subjectivity in toothbrush choice. When running appointments in the dental setting, it is very common to be pressed for time. Patients run late, appointments take longer than expected and things tend to go wrong. At the completion of the appointment when the patient drops the question, ‘which toothbrush should I be using?’ There is rarely time to answer in great depth. Due to time constraints we often go with the simplest answer, the one the evidence supports; the electric tooth brush. Though these sorts of discussions are generally poorly timed (when you are gently encouraging your patient to the door, because your next patient is currently glowering at the reception staff) they can be seen as an opportunity to discuss the patients relationship with their current tooth brush- what they like about it and what they don’t; and most importantly, why. I have always worked in practices that
Toothbrushes:
Power or Passion? Shedding some light on the perennial question of which toothbrush is the best option
17 have an array of sample toothbrushes to give to patients at the end of appointments. There are oscillating heads for the electric toothbrush users and a stash of manual toothbrushes for the staunch traditionalist. They come in a variety of colours but essentially their characteristics are the same: small head and soft bristles with no bells and whistles. The main differences between them are colour, handle size and whether or not they feature cartoon characters or superheroes. I try to avoid discrimination when offering toothbrushes and allow the patient to choose their brush from the whole selection.
a chore as it takes me away from the living room or the kitchen where there are generally more people congregating, so I frequently brush my teeth while wondering around the house watching fragments of TV shows and carrying on conversations with a mouthful of tooth paste; it’s a bad habit I can’t break. In order to get myself enthused about brushing, I need to use similar tricks on myself that I use for my least motivated patients. The best thing that ever happened to my oral hygiene routine came in the form of a small yellow tooth brush with a fat, clear handle. The wide handle contained three tiny fish and an obscene amount
“ Almost every dental practitioner I have come across is all for the electric tooth brush.” My favourite part of this exercise is that the majority of my adult patients tend to hover over the novelty tooth brushes marketed towards children. They’ll get a bit awkward, and say things like, ‘huh, I suppose I’m a bit old for that one’ and slowly move their hand towards the sensible, drab one waiting for me to contradict their statement. I’ll explain that the Spiderman or Barbie tooth brush that they were leaning towards is a perfectly acceptable choice for a manual tooth brush. They will sheepishly take it. ‘If you insist’, they’ll say. When the patients return in six months, they comment that the toothbrush I gave them was really good. If it’s not too much trouble, could they take another Spiderman or Barbie toothbrush? They’ll tell me that they tried to buy one from the supermarket, but the head wasn’t small enough, or the bristles were too hard; but I know the truth, they like the cartoon characters or bright colours. I know this because I use these types of toothbrushes myself. As a hygienist, I’m actually quite a terrible patient. I find brushing my teeth
of glitter. You could press a button at the end of the handle that would set off a flashing light that lasted for two and a half minutes. The living room and the kitchen were no longer the liveliest spaces in the house, the bathroom disco party was now where it was at. Electric toothbrushes never held the same interest, so there plaque-reducing performance paled in comparison to the sheer excitement of the tiny, bargainshop tool. As a result of the transformative powers of the disco brush (which I was tragically unable to ever find again), I recognised that I needed to take the time to discuss what my patients look for in a tooth brush. Words like ‘plaque removal’ and ‘efficacy’ might sound like great buzz words in dental circles, but they may fail to gain the desired level of enthusiasm in the general public. The language that excites practitioners may be completely irrelevant to somebody that prefers to choose their tooth brush based on other criteria. Perhaps pink tooth brushes will make someone more inclined to brush than clinical white. Some patients may
be more driven by sustainability and lean towards a bamboo tooth brush. The mere act of discussing these products with the patient may be the most valuable aspect of all. Involving patients in the choice of tooth brush through conversation may increase the patient’s agency and interest in their oral hygiene. Perhaps my patient’s enthusiasm for their novelty tooth brushes did not stem from the comical presentation at all, rather their informed involvement in the choices they were making. They were made aware that electric toothbrushes were more likely to remove more plaque, but that may not have piqued their interest. These conversations often focus on tactile sensations, and a dislike of the slackjaw pose often adopted when brushing with the powered toothbrush; or as previously mentioned- colour and pattern. Importantly, however, instead of prescribing a brush, patients can choose for themselves based on the relevant information provided to them. You may not agree with their choice, but it may be the most motivating one for them. Almost every dental practitioner I come across is all for the electric tooth brush. I agree with this and the evidence tends to back this up. Working in the dental industry though, we often forget that people do not share our enthusiasm for oscillating heads, pressure sensors and wall chargers. This may motivate us because we spend our lives discussing this stuff. To the dental lay person, this might just be the dullest conversation they’ve ever been a part of- especially when they can glimpse a display case full of neat, cartoon-covered dental tools that they’re not being offered. n Sbaraini, A., Carter, S. M., Evans, R. W., & Blinkhorn, A. (2012). Experiences of dental care: What do patients value? BMC Health Services Research, 12, 177. dx.doi. org/10.1186/1472-6963-12-177 Yaacob M, Worthington HV, Deacon SA, Deery C, Walmsley AD, Robinson PG, Glenny AM. Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD002281. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002281.pub3
22
Be
SociallyAware Chances are you have a Facebook profile – but there are ethical and legal pitfalls around maintaining a professional online presence – read on and be safe!
F
acebook has 936 million daily users worldwide - fact! In an era where we are increasingly accustomed to sharing our daily lives online on social media networks, there are significant ethical and legal pitfalls for dental practitioners and dental students. These can be issues that include inappropriate posts on social media; disclosing personal information; comments on Facebook pages that may be viewed as testimonials; which may be both unlawful and breach professional codes of conduct. Careless use of social media places dental practitioners and students at risk of disciplinary proceedings by their employer and possible cause for civil actions including discrimination and harassment in the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal in their State or Territory; the tort of breach of confidence, breach of contract, negligence and defamation. In addition, Facebook ‘friending’ presents ethical dilemmas with regard to patient-practitioner relationships. It presents potential ‘boundary crossing’ pitfalls for dental practitioners.1 Clear and well implemented social media policies, and practitioner vigilance, are required for dental practitioners and students using Facebook. Responsible online presence may require organisational implementation of clear and specific social media policies.2
A workforce and a Facebook administrator who understands the organisation’s policies and terms of their employment contracts, codes of conduct and understands legal requirements and should have received comprehensive training and retraining to reduce the risk of violations and legal proceedings.3 Facebook is the most popular social media sited visited by Australian internet users. Australian Facebook users spend a staggering 8.5 hours per week on Facebook and almost a quarter of Australian users are accessing social media sites in excess of five times a day with 28 percent reporting that they visit social media sites while in the bathroom and toilet!4 The most common devices continue to be laptops and tablets. However checking in on mobile devices such smart phones has increased to 70 percent.5
Pause before you post Smart phones facilitate photos to be taken and instantly uploaded to a personal or business Facebook ‘wall’. Updates may be displayed on Facebook ‘friends’ home pages and allowing tagging (naming parties in photographs) and comments on the image depending on Facebook account privacy settings. Australian Facebook users have an average of 297 Facebook friends.6 With the increased accessibility to an image or comment and the increased capacity to index information that the
internet provides,7 an inappropriate post, photo or comment which may be unlawful under the Health Practitioners Regulation National Law (2009) or which has breached contract, breached confidentiality, unwittingly damages your employers or your own professional reputation or is considered defamatory in nature, has the potential to be disseminated very rapidly and in real time. Dental Practitioners may maintain an online presence for reasons which may include public access to practice information which may be inclusive of business hours, qualifications of dental practitioners, languages spoken, and disability access. 8, 9 Facebook may also be used for promoting community events, providing community oral health education and disseminating information from professional bodies and also for personal social networking.
Online patientpractitioner relationships Facebook privacy settings which facilitate horizontal communication may mean that dental practitioners who send invitation friend requests or accept friend requests from their current patients or past patients on their personal Facebook are challenged with ethical dilemmas associated with online patient to practitioner relationships. Ethical implications include privacy
of patients, confidentiality, trust, professionalism 10 and boundary crossing. Boundary crossing occurs when a dental practitioner initiates or allows behaviour which may compromise the patient practitioner relationship and is a breach of the Dental Practitioners Code of Conduct and National Law.11 Actions such as expressing a personal belief via a Facebook post which may exploit your patient’s vulnerability or cause offense may also be considered a boundary violation. 12 Organisational social media policies should outline recommendations that dental practitioners refrain from accepting or initiating Facebook friend invitations and standard text should be used to direct patients away from personal Facebook
pages to the official practice online network site. The Australian Health Professionals Registration Agency advises practitioner vigilance when using social media and advise that dental practitioners fulfil ethical and legal requirements under the Health Practitioners Regulation National Law ( 2009) and relevant legislation within State jurisdictions. The Dental Board of Australia Code of Conduct (3.4) outlines legal and ethical obligations of dental practitioners protecting privacy and maintaining confidentiality and mandates that social media use should be aligned with the dental practitioners with ethical and legal obligations, maintaining confidentiality and protecting privacy.
Confidentiality Dental practitioners have both professional and legal obligations maintaining confidentiality. The bio-ethic of Autonomy respects a person’s right to decide who has personal information about them.1 3 Confidentiality describes the nature the communication of this information and the agreement or an implied promise not to share this information with a third party unless consent is explicitly given to disclose this information. 14 The development of specific organisational social media policies to assist dental practitioners and dental practice staff to avoid ethical and legal pitfalls should include clear statements which state that practitioners and staff are strictly
24 prohibited to disclose any patient identifiable information. 15 The Australian Dental Association social media guide recommends avoiding posting images on social media sites and if it is necessary to post images, that the person whose image is shown must provide written consent on the basis that all potential uses and distribution channels of the image should be outlined and understood before consent is given.16 Dental Practitioners have a duty to maintain confidentiality under common law and confidential information should only be disclosed if the person has given consent to disclose the information or is otherwise compelled by law or if this information is considered a public risk. 17 Confidentiality is protected by statutory law in NSW under the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 and delegated legislation Health Records and Information Privacy Regulation 2012. Torts such as breach of contract, breach of confidence, negligence and defamation may be civil actions initiated by persons claiming compensation for physical, mental and financial harm through the actions of others.18 From a clinical supervision perspective it is recommended that organisational social media policies be contractual, prohibit disclosure of confidential information and also clearly state that discriminatory and harassing statements regarding staff or patients and defamatory comments are strictly prohibited. Furthermore it is recommended the social media policy outlines disciplinary actions for violation of social policy. Organisations Australian Dental Association 2012, ‘Professional boundaries’ Policy Statement 6.5.2 www.ada.org.au/about/ policies 3,15, 19, Wieland, J. Swank, S. Murphy, C. Freemire, J. 2011 ‘ Social media , health care privacy and your employees seven tips to avoid HIPPA violation and 2, 12
implementing social media policies are recommended to also implement ‘whistle-blower’ protection and enabling dental practitioners and staff to articulate concerns regarding ethical and legal violations in the workplace. 19 The Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australian, Industrial Relations Department provides templates for employment agreements for dental hygienists and dental hygienist contractors which state contractual obligations. Under these agreements employees may be subject to summary dismissal if there is a breach of media policy, by the employee or discrimination or harassment of any co -worker or visitor to the practice under any applicable law. They may also be dismissed for engaging in any behaviour which may damage the reputation of the employer or any breach of ethics or breach of confidentiality. The DHAA Employment Agreement template for dental hygienist contractors has a comprehensive confidentiality clause which encompasses knowingly or inadvertently disclosing confidential information including, but not limited to, patient information, practice policies, financial affairs, marketing and management information systems Breach of contract involving confidentiality may incur civil law actions and also instigate professional conduct proceedings if a complaint is made to the Australian Health Professionals Regulation Agency or in the state of NSW to the Health Care Complaints Commission. Disciplinary action may result in practitioner deregistration.
employee claims’ webinar and power point Ober & Kaler Attorneys at Law pp. 1-634 456 Digital Industry of Australian 2015 ‘The sensis social media report’ www. aimia.com.au/.../sensis-report-onaustralian-social-media-statistics. 7 Mansfield, S. Morrison, G. Stephens, H.
Privacy To date a common law tort for invasion of privacy remains undeveloped in Australia.20 However, statutory legislation which support privacy include The Privacy Act 1988. The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) protects non-health related personal information and encompass National Privacy Principles which prescribe the management of personal information, use and disclosure of personal information, anonymity and direct marketing and other management issues concerning personal information.21
Advertising and testimonials on Facebook To maintaining a responsible social media presence within a complex ethical and legal framework AHPRA recommends the implementation of organisational social media policies and dental professional associations guidelines provide valuable additional resources. The Australian Dental Association Social Media Guide references the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2007, Australian Consumer Law, Drugs and Poisons Legislation as relevant to maintaining a responsible and lawful on line presence. The Australian Health Professionals Registration Agency has published Advertising guidelines which prohibits under Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (2009) section 133. The use of testimonials (including social media) contravene the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law ( 2009). Furthermore dental practitioners are responsible for the content of their media pages even if a third party has posted the testimonial or comment. 22
Bonning ,A Wang, S. Withers, A Olver, R. Perry, A 2011,‘Social media and the medical profession’ MJA vol. 194 No 12 pp.642-644 www.mja.com.au/journal/.../ social-media-and-medical-profession. 8 Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency 2014, ‘National board policy for registered health practitioners:
social media policy www.ahpra.gov. au/.../2014-02-13-revised-guidelinescode-and-policy.as. 9, 14, 16, 22, Australian Dental Association 2011, ‘Websites & social media in the professional environment’ www. ada.org.au/.../media/.../m725946_v1_ policystatement_6.24_social...
25
“ The DHAA Industrial Relations Department provides templates for employment agreements for dental hygienists and dental hygienist contractors which state contractual obligations.” Discounting and gift vouchers are prohibited by Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (2009) also includes on social media sites. Advertising in relation to medical or therapeutic goods used in dentistry, including solutions used for teeth whitening is specified in the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2007.
Facebook Groups Facebook users may also choose to establish a Facebook Group with varying levels of privacy 23 including public, closed and secret groups . Closed groups which allow only members Mc Gee, S 2011, ‘To friend or not to friend: Is that the question for health care?’ The American Journal of Biowthics, 11(8): p2-5 DOI 10.1080/15265161.2011.602263 11 Dental Board of Australia 2014, ‘Code of Conduct for registered health practitioners’ www.dentalboard.gov. 10
of the group to view the content are favoured by professional associations like the Dental Hygienists’ Association Inc. From a clinical supervision context, professional associations like the DHAA Inc. use of Facebook facilitates horizontal communication and provides continuing professional development access for members of the group and personal support for dental hygienists. The DHAA Inc. Facebook pages also provides a forum for professionals to communicate freely without power differentials and professional boundaries. 24 The DHAA Inc. recognise that social media engages members in real time and the
au/Codes.../Policies-Codes.../Code-ofconduct.asp.. 3 Hope,R. A. 2008, Chapter 7. Confidentiality, p94-102 (in) Hope, R. A., Savulescu, Julian, Hendrick, Judith: Medical ethics and law : the core curriculum, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh
DHAA Inc. social media policy is explicit in regard to confidentiality, privacy, offensive, defamatory or unsuitable posts and warns of potential damages to individuals and the association. These include defamation lawsuit, privacy complaints, civil complaints with regard to discriminatory material, criminal charges with regard to obscene and hate materials, and advertising in breach of The Health Practitioners Regulation National Law ( 2009). Social Media use by dental practitioners and students requires vigilance and a respect for legal and ethical obligations under Federal and State Employment and Discrimination law, the Health Practitioners Regulation National Law (2009), The Privacy Act 1998 (Cth) and applicable state and territory statutory legislations pertaining to Health Records and Information Privacy. Relevant legislation for dental practitioners using social media may include Australian Consumer Law and the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code 2007. Implementation of contractual social media policies that clearly state non- disclosure of confidential information, without explicit consent, prohibit harassing or discriminatory behaviour, provide guidelines for patient- provider relationships, and clearly state disciplinary action for policy violations are recommended. Training and re-training of all the workforce is also recommended, whilst making clear and fair organisational provisions for whistle-blowers to voice their concerns regarding violations and unlawful practices without fear of victimisation. n
7, 18, 21, McIlwraith, J Madden, B 2014, ‘Health care and the law’ 6th edition Lawbook Co. Thomson Reuters 20 Australian Law Reform Commission 2014, ‘Serious Invasions of Privacy in the Digital Era’ Summary Report ISB 978-09924069-2-9 alrc.gov.au/.../alrc-releasesreport-serious-invasions-privacy-
Power, A 2015, ‘Is Facebook an appropriate platform for professional discourse?’ British Journal of Midwifery Vol. 23 No 2 page 41-43 24 Hughes, L. & Pengelly, P. 1997 Staff supervision in a turbulent environment: managing process and task in front-line services London: Jessica Kingsley Pub. 23
A full state-by-state run-down of Association happenings around the country
NATION STATE New South Wales WEBSITE
dhaansw.org.au
>
CONTACT
0411 473 762
“ Don’t forget there are three optional workshops available... If you have not already registered for the optional workshops don’t miss this opportunity, limited places available!
SPRING INTO THE ‘Circus Extravaganza’ coming to The Star, Darling Harbour Sydney this November 2015! Dress up in your Circus Carnival for the National Symposium Gala Dinner! The NSW Team have been working hard preparing for the highlight of the year, the 13th National Symposium of the DHAA on November 5-7. Themed ‘Under One Umbrella’ it will feature: + Three international hygienists amongst a diverse range of speakers. + 19 hours of CPD (scientific) program. + Optional half-day workshops available on first day. + An event for the entire dental team! + Opportunities to seek the latest products at trade exhibition! + Social events: Welcome Reception, ‘Circus Extravaganza’ Gala Dinner, Harbour Bridge Climb! 332 delegates have already registered and all sponsorship has been confirmed. Don’t forget there are three optional workshops available on the Thursday morning starting from 9am before the main program at 1pm. If you have not already registered
One of the slides from the first General Meeting in August
for the optional workshops don’t miss this opportunity, limited places available! Invite your colleagues along and register now at: sydneysymposium.com
DHAA National Symposium Workshops (Participation fees apply) WORKSHOP – Hand Physio Julia Wild, Certified Hand Therapist, Southern Hand Therapy, Sydney, NSW 09:00-10:00 $90.00 (1 CPD point) WORKSHOP EMS Ultrasonic Dr Axel Spahr, Head of Department / Head of Discipline, Sydney Dental Hospital / University of Sydney 09:00-12:00 $270.00 (3 CPD points)
WORKSHOP Evidence-based Dentistry Dr Julie Frantsve-Hawley, Editor-in-Chief, The International Journal of Evidence-based Practice for the Dental Hygienist, Illinois, USA & Dagmar Else Slot, Researcher in the Department of Periodontology, Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam, The Netherlands 10:30-12:00 $135.00 (1.5 CPD points)
In other news, we had our first General Meeting on August 20 featuring guest speaker: Dr. Peter Sheridan. He lectured about Digital Photography for the Dental Hygienist and also touched on the foundations of legal practice of dental hygienists
with periodontitis.4 Moderate and severe periodontitis was found in nearly one-quarter (24.1%) of Australian adults (18 years and older).5 The increased inflammation underpins most of the destruction that is evident in the periodontium of diabetics. Dental implications for patients with diabetes include: periodontitis, xerostomia, root caries, oral candidiasis, burning mouth syndrome and benign parotid hypertrophy.6 Project management
Application for funding to the RHCE2 grants were due in October, 2013. Previous Roadshows, sponsored one speaker who was contracted for all three venues to speak for three hours. However for 2014, DHAAQ wanted to foster local networks and support local allied health practitioners. Consequently this required a different approach to contract speakers in the local area of each location rather than a guest travelling speaker. This proved to be very labour intensive. Venues were sourced to cater for approximately 40 people per venue. Dates were selected so as to not coincide with the town’s show holiday or school holidays. Due to
the travelling distance of the event it was decided to hold the Roadshow over two weekends in 2014 rather than consecutive days which had previously been the case. An association with Diabetes Australia, Queensland (DAQ), was required to secure diabetes educators in each venue. DAQ provided the “Know Your Score” risk assessment tool formally known as the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment (AUSDRISK) Tool. This was utilized by participants at each location. Professional membership for delegates to DAQ was provided as a benefit of attending the conference. Professional associations were contacted for suggestions of speakers. The associations contacted were podiatry, rural nurses, rural doctors, speech, dental assistants, dental association, Royal Flying Doctors. The Divisions of General Practice were contacted through Medicare Locals in each region. Contracts
A contract with the Rural Alliance RHCE2 was negotiated to include 6 hours of CDP over four locations in regional Queensland. The President and the Regional
Roadshow Coordinator were cosignatories on this document. On securing the funding, the AUSDRISK Tool was booked. With funding confirmed venues could be secured; speakers could be offered contracts; accommodation sourced; and flights for DHAAQ volunteers could be organized. Outlines were offered to speakers in regards to content for their session in order to assure correct pitch of topic as multiple speakers were organized for each day. Over aching flow of speakers were: Indigenous Worker to offer Welcome to Country and to speak on kinship. Diabetes Educators offered an overview of type one diabetes & T2DM and speak on the AUSDRISK Tool. Other guest speaker included: exercise physiologist, periodontists, podiatrist, nutritionist, optician and endocrinologists. The mix of speakers depended on availability from the professions at each location. Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment (AUSDRISK) The AUSDRISK tool is a calibrated for the Australian population7 and includes 11 questions to calculate a score of probable risk of T2DM. Delegates used the DAQ’s iPad touch screen
to answer AUSDRISK Tool questions. A flexible Seca 203 Circumference Measuring Tape Measure was used for waist measurement. Men with waists >102cm are considered at a at higher risk of developing T2DM, for women >88cm is considered high risk. The tool assesses a range of risk factors and then calculates an individual’s risk. If a participant scores from 0-5 they are considered low risk and reminded to stay with a healthy lifestyle including one with physical activity. If a participant scores 6-11 points in the AUSDRISK they may be at increased risk of T2DM. They are asked to discuss the results with their general medical practitioner. If the person had any of the non-modifiable risk factors e.g. family history or being from Aboriginal descent, it is especially important to maintain a healthy lifestyle due to genetics. If someone scores 12 points or more in the AUSDRISK they may have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes or beat high risk of developing the disease. It is most important that they seek a general medical practitioner referral to have a fasting blood glucose test. To register for the conference the on-line “My Booking Manager” was used
29
Table1:
Table 2:
Table 3:
Attendees by occupation category
Professional Association
How did you find out about the Regional Roadshow?
OCCUPATION CATEGORY
N
%
MEMBER ORGANISATION
Dental Hygienist Dental Therapist Oral Health Therapist (dual registered) Dentist Dental Assistant Student Other Total
21 27 41
21.21 27.27 41.41
5 5.05 2 2.02 2 2.02 1 1.01 99 100.00
It was important to ascertain which professional association registrants were from. A little over one third of the registrations were from the DHAAQ (36.36%) with 10% of registrants from both DHAAQ & the Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association Queensland Branch (DOHTAQ). Table 2 shows the member organisations.
N
%
N
DHAAQ Facebook page DHAAQ website DHAAQ emails Posted flyer Magazine advertisement Via DHAA, DOHTAQ Friend, family or colleagues Total*
6 5.17 14 12.07 32 27.59 6 5.17 1 0.86 29 25.00 28 24.14 116 100.00
In the on-line evaluation post the event, the question of “How did you find out about Regional Roadshow?” was asked (Table 3). Advertising costs in magazines and printed flyers are expensive and it is important to know where best to allocate time and funds for advertising. Email blasts from the DHAAQ association was the most effective with 27.59% of respondents indicating this was how they were made aware of the event.
*Multiple boxers could be marked The overall satisfaction was calculated from the Likert scale of the two positive scores “Excellent”, “Satisfactory” indicating that 98.98% of attendees felt that had obtained value by attending the event. That the knowledge gained from the speakers was rated highly with 75.51% of respondents feeling it was “Excellent” and 22.45% “Satisfactory” with an overall rating of 97.96%.
Table 4:
Overall satisfaction with the Regional Roadshow TOTAL VALUES
EXCELLENT
SATISFACTORY
NEUTRAL
The value you obtained by attending this event?
78
19
1
98
The knowledge you gained from the speakers?
74
22
2
98
The venue
79
18
1
98
The overall service you received from our association
89
8
1
98
The venues were met positively with over 98% of respondents having marked the
%
DHAAQ 36 36.36 DOHTAQ 30 30.30 Both DHAAQ and DOHTAQ 10 10.10 From another DHAA branch 1 1.01 ADA 6 6.06 DAA 1 1.01 Not a member 15 15.15 Total 99 100.00
favourable. Finally the service from the association was over 98%. Table 4 shows
POOR
VERY POOR
TOTAL
the overall satisfaction with the Regional Roadshow.
to register participants and to provide feedback post the event prior to issuing of CPD certificates. Results
Registration was open to all allied health professionals, rural nurses and doctors. However, only 1 podiatrist registered on the day in Cairns. Overwhelmingly the dual trained Oral Health Therapists were the highest number of attendees with 41.41% with similar percentages of 21.21% and 27.27% for Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists respectively. Table 1 displays the breakdown of preregistered attendees by occupation category. The opportunity was given for delegates to offer feedback in a text box on completion of the data above. The comments provided included: “The whole event was well organised and all the speakers were very interesting” “Good range of topics” “ Partnering with Diabetes Australia Queensland” “Great networking” “Theme diabetes and lots of different professionals speaking on the theme” “Peer support” “The aboriginal health
worker explaining how their kinship works, found this very interesting” “The periodontist very entertaining and interesting speaker. Surprisingly podiatrist was a close second, who would believe feet could be interesting.” “I really liked the opportunity to use the iPad to do the diabetes risk assessment test. The endocrinologist clear guidelines and ABC standards & number values were invaluable. The podiatrist photos were compelling evidence of the need to control blood glucose levels. The dietitian’s final statement that apples contain Xylitol, one of my favourite products, was a surprise.” “I loved the way you guys really get outside the square to present an absolutely high quality event in terms of Professional Development. One of the younger delegates commented to me that although the optometrist/ chiropodist sessions were interesting, they weren’t really relevant, but myself and the more experienced delegates would totally disagree, because we understand more fully the notion of holistic healthcare. Understanding more fully the gravity of diabetic health
“T he exercise physiologist proved a great inclusion as the Oral Health professional is particularly sedentary in their work day. “
burden, we can better use our contact with these individuals, to stress their attendance to important medical dates; ie have you made appointments this year with foot clinic, eye checks etc. and to encourage them to do so for their overall wellbeing. Also great addition to my personal knowledge and interest. I appreciated the Indigenous culture speaker, and the Endocrinologist; learned so much there. Thank-you ” “More CPD than the previous roadshows. It is difficult for me to travel for CPD so the more local event the better” “Amongst others, the realisation that periodontal disease can represent (in total surface area) an area of ulceration equivalent to the palm of an adult hand,
representing a serious impairment to good diabetic health.” “Full day is good format” Discussion
Partnering with Diabetes Australia Queensland (DAQ) enabled the formative information from the Diabetes Educators. The inclusion of a periodontist from each location was to support building the local networks and referral pathways for clinicians. The exercise physiologist proved a great inclusion as the Oral Health professional is particularly sedentary in their work day. At each venue three standing tables were utilised in the rear of the room to ensure the theme of “moving more for better health”2 was reinforced. Each time a speaker was introduced and on thanking speakers, delegates stood for active applause. The active applause was met positively with people moving more throughout the day breaking up long periods of sitting.8 The podaitist’s reiterated the prevention message of and the red flags of: Dry , scaly skin and hair loss (on feet); Older people complaining about cold feet; poor or slow healing cuts or wounds; complaining
31
about painful legs when walking (claudication); painful feet at night and at rest; loss of sensation, numbness or insensitivity to pain or temperature; people complaining of tingling, burning, or prickling sensation; people complaining of sharp pains or cramps extreme; sensitivity to touch, even a light touch; loss of balance and coordination. 9 Ophthalmologist/ Retinopathy involves: Microvascular occlusion and leakage of retinal vessels which is present in 25 - 45% of diabetic population. In Australia it equates to between 300 000 & 500 000 Australians. 10 - 20% of these will have sight-threatening retinopathy. Progression of retinopathy is associated with the severity and length of time that hyperglycaemia
exists. 10,11 Hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors can influence the onset and progression of retinopathy.12 Renal disease, as evidenced by proteinuria and elevated urea/creatinine levels, is an excellent predictor of the presence of retinopathy.10 The nutritionist reiterated the prevention message of consuming a normal well balanced diet based on an individual’s nutrition needs. Oral B supported their Queensland representative to provide up to date product information and a lucky door prize of a Triumph Black electric brush.
Advertising was pushed widely through Medicarelocals, podiatry association, local hospitals and rural flying doctors association, so it was disappointing on the lack of participants from other allied health professions. The Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia Inc. which is the federal body who provide networks and encourage dental hygienists to develop lifelong learning through professional. Given the success of the Roadshow in Queensland, it is anticipated that the concept of the Roadshow can continue but with an even broader reach throughout Australia.
Conclusion
Attendance to the Regional Road Show was predominately from the oral health profession.
References: 1. Diabetes Australia. Diabetes National Election Agenda 2013 – 2015 Type 2 Diabetes The 21St Century Pandemic; 2013. 2. Diabetes Australia. Living with Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes. 2014 [cited; Available from: http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Living-with-Diabetes/Type-2-Diabetes/ 3. Institute BIHaD. Diabetes: the silent pandemic and its impact on Australia. Baulkham Hills, NSW: Novo Nordisk; 2012. 4. Chapple ILC, Genco R. Diabetes and periodontal diseases: consensus report of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop on Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2013;40:S106-S12. 5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australia’s Health 2012. In: Welfare AIoHa, editor. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare,; 2012. 6. Borgnakke WS, Ylöstalo PV, Taylor GW, Genco RJ. Effect of periodontal disease on diabetes: systematic review of epidemiologic observational evidence. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2013;40:S135-S52.
Acknowledgements
RHCE2 for funding. Oral B for professional support.
Diabetes Australia, Queensland Branch. DHAAQ for providing the information to be discussed openly. The authors would like to thank Ms Achima Joseph, Dr Ken Crasta, Dr John Carrigy, Mr Jason Larkin, Dr Toby Pavey, Ms Kelcy Hala for their professional assistance. Funding:
DHAAQ received sponsorship from RHCE2 and Oral B. The funding sources had no role in the Regional Roadshow design, data collection, data interpretation, or writing of this paper. The corresponding author had full access to all data in the study and had final responsibility for the decision to submit the paper for publication.
7. Australian Government. The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). In: Aging DoHa, editor.; 2010. 8. Australian Government. Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines-Adults 2014 [cited; Available from: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/ content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines 9. Apelqvist J, Bakker K, van Houtum WH, NC. S. Practical guidelines on the management and prevention of the diabetic foot: Based upon the International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot. . Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews 2007;24(Suppl 1): S181-S187(Suppl 1):S181-S7. 10. Bhavsar AR, al; e. Diabetic Retinopathy. June 2012 [cited; Available from: 11. Wong TY, Liew G, Tapp RJ, al. e. Relation between fasting glucose and retinopathy for diagnosis of diabetes. Lancet. 2008;Mar 1;371(9614):736-43. 12. Ockrim Z, D. Y. Managing diabetic retinopathy. BMJ. 2010;341(October):c5400.
South Australia WEBSITE
dhaasa.com
>
CONTACT
0408 899 056
>
“ South Australia conducted a formal vote to wind up our state branch and join the National Association at the end of June.”
SOUTH AUSTRALIA has celebrated a mile stone in our industry with a Gala Dinner in recognition of the 40th anniversary of dental hygienist training in Australia. The dinner was held Saturday 8 August at the Highway Hotel and was attended by around 50 guests. Particularly noted was the number of those attending who were part of the first class students and course facilitators from across the years. Dental hygienist training in Australia officially started in 1975 in South Australia and we were pleased to invite personalities from the industry to speak about their careers and time in the industry. Dr John McIntyre, a founder of dental hygienist training in 1975, started off the evening, followed by Sue Aldenhoven, one of the first graduates of the program. Sophie Karanicolas, a long time tutor and lecturer, was overseas but instead presented via video presentation. Margie Steffens spoke next, a key personality in our industry and responsible for many community programs, then followed by Jane Rossi, another prominent figure in dental hygienist training. Kelly di Manno and Sonja
Happy faces of South Australian Hygienists
di Matteo finished the presentations with a joint talk on their experiences in both the private sector and training facilities. We were very lucky to have Dr Robert Hirsch, a well known and well loved periodontist and facilitator of dental hygiene training, attend the gala dinner on the Saturday night as unfortunately the next day, Sunday 9 August, he suffered a heart attack whilst doing what he loved, gardening, and passed away. Robert was only 64 years old. Robert’s family held a private funeral for him but invited all those that knew him to attend a public celebration of his life “Robert - The Exhibition!” at Burnside Ballroom Sunday 23 August. South Australia conducted a formal vote to wind up our state branch and join the National Association at the end of June. The vote was successful with 94% of respondents voting in the affirmative to join the National Association. We feel this is a very positive step
in the right direction for the future of our association and industry as a whole. Our ever popular June dinner meeting was once again a resounding success held Friday 19th June at the InterContinental Hotel. Dr John Berketa, Forensic Odontologist, gave an engaging presentation with of course a few graphic photos and crucial reminders on the importance of concise record keeping. South Australia’s next event is our annual full day CPD event, to be held at the newly renovated Adelaide Convention Centre. This event is proudly supported by our main sponsor Colgate and boasts a varied line up of speakers. To name a few, Associate Professor Leonie Heilbronn from SAHMRI is discussing Nutrition, Obesity and Inflammation, Kostas Kapellas is presenting on Periodontal Disease and Heart Health and Dr Diep Ha is giving an update on the Current Trends in Childhood Caries. SA President
Western Australia WEBSITE
dhaawa.com
>
CONTACT
0449 910 455
THE TIME OF year has come where those first patients start wishing you a Happy Christmas – and it comes as a bit of a surprise! It has been a busy few months for the WA branch – we have confirmed the final CPD events for the remainder of 2015, and have also confirmed most of the events for the first half of 2016. We continue to select the most relevant and topical subjects for the broad range of workplace situations that our members are employed in, with a view to the future and the different possibilities that will open up to our profession. We have yet to have our vote to join in to the National Restructure – we are waiting for a few final details to fall into place after our discussion at our recent AGM, and we will send out notification of the vote shortly. It is a very important time in the history of our organization, and we want
to make sure that moving into the future, we are able to provide our members with the best and most appropriate representation for our profession. Our end of year function will be held on a Sunday afternoon in late November – so hopefully we won’t clash with any of your workplace Christmas functions – keep your eyes peeled for a “save the date” email very soon. If you have any questions or concerns about anything either at a State, or National level, please do get in contact with any one of us on the committee – available through our WA website at: dhaawa.com. Now is the time to bring any of your issues to the table and we are definitely here to help – if you don’t ask, we don’t know! We aim to serve you all to the best of our abilities. We look forward to seeing you at any one of the upcoming CPD activities through September and
October – please if you have RSVP’d for an event, and are unable to attend for whatever reason, be sure to notify us on the above
address as we cater for specific numbers and it is often an expensive exercise! Natasha Hunt WA President
Planner The 2015/2016 CPD Events calendar is already filling up. Full details at www.dhaainfo/events OCT 2015
10 October
Mercure Sydney, Parramatta
MIPS - Mastering healthcare challenges and CPR
13 October
Rydges World Square, Sydney
MIPS - Mastering difficult colleague interactions
14 October
ADA House, 54 Havelock St, West Perth
Radiography Supper Meeting - A review of radiologic anatomy of an OPG
17 October
Victoria Park Function Centre, Herston, Qld
MIPS - CPR and Doctors legal bag
17-18 October
Oaks Plaza Pier, Glenelg
SA & NT ADOHTA Oral Health Therapy Conference
MONTH DATE/TIME
EVENT
The Ins and Outs of Thumbsucking
OCT 2015
Pagoda Resort & Spa, 112 Melville Parade, Como Periodontal Disease Australian Red Cross, Hobart, Tas The Sebel, Launceston, Tas Hands-on Periodontal Instrumentation – Advanced ADA Centre For Professional Development, Leonards Infection control forStyour practice
MIPS - CPR17 Monash Ave Nedlands OHCWA
24 October
3-4 July 27 October 9.00am - 5.00pm
28 October 4 July 8.45am - 5.00pm 30 October 8 July 6.30 - 9.00pm 31 October 24 July 8.00am- 5.00pm 31 October 24-25 July NOV 2015 5-7 November 8.30am- 5.00pm 11 November 31 July 8.30am- 5.00pm 11 November JUL 5 August 2015 8.30am- 5.00pm 13-15 November 7-8 August 8.30am- 5.00pm
SEP 2015
VENUE
Centre for Professional Development - 71-73 MIPS - CPRStreet St Leonards, NSW Lithgow Infection Control Update in an Evening Gunz Dental Showroom, Unit 3, 26 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery NSW 2018 MIPS - Mastering difficult colleague interactions and CPR Stamford Plaza, Brisbane
Rydges on Swanston, Carlton Peadodontics Update 2015 Duxton Hotel, Perth Periodontal Instrumentation Roadshow The Star Casino Rydges on Swanston, Melbourne Medical Emergency Certification Training ADA Centre For Professional The basics of clinical photography Development, St Leonards Adelaide Convention Centre Periodontal Instrumentation Workshop
15 August 14 November 8.30am- 5.00pm
Simplifying Complex Anterior and Posterior Bond University Composite Resin Restorations
21-22 August 26 November 8.30am- 5.00pm
Periodontal Instrumentation Roadshow Claremont Yacht Club
4 September 27 November 8.30am- 4.30pm
First Aid and CPR for Dental Personnel ADA Centre For Professional Development, St Leonards Periodontal Instrumentation Workshop Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, Kooyong
19 September 28 November 8.30am- 5.00pm DEC 2015 6 December FEB 2016
13 February
SEP 2016
NOV 2016
“Dental Simulation Clinic,University of DHAA Victoria half day event Adelaide, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide DHAA SA Christmas Brunch
ADA Centre For Professional Development, St Leonards
Medical Emergency Certification
Brisbane, Qld
ASP National Conference
15 March
Hackney Hotel, Hackney Road, Adelaide
DHAA SA March supper meeting
19-23 March
Perth Convention Centre
ANZ Association for Health Professional Educators Conference
17 June
InterContinental Hotel, North Terrace, Adelaide
DHAA SA June supper meeting
23-25 June
Basel, Switzerland
International Symposium for Dental Hygiene
2 September
Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide
DHAA SA Full day CPD event
20 September
ADA Centre For Professional Development, St Leonards
Orthodontic Considerations for the Dental Hygienist
10-12 November
Hobart, Tas
DHAA 2016 National Symposium
MAR 2016 10-12 March
JUN 2016
TBA
MIPS - Mastering healthcare challenges and CPR Hilton Hotel, 32 Mitchell Street, DARWIN NT DHAA 2015 National Symposium 0800 ASP – Dinner Meeting “What is treated Centre for Professional Development Periodontitis?” Lithgow Street St Leonards The Paediatric Dentition Centre for Professional Development - 71-73 Lithgow Street St Leonards, NSW Australian and New Zealand Society of Pediatric Melbourne Mercure Treasury Gardens, 13 Dentistry. The Great White Bite: Tackling the Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 future of Pediatric Dentistry Centre for Professional Development Dental Hygienist and Oral Health Therapist Study Lithgow Street St Leonards, NSW Club Novotel Brisbane, 200 Creek Street, ASP – Dinner Meeting and Connective tissue BRISBANE QLD 400 grafting Level 7 Conference Room, Ingkarni Wardli Geriatric Dentistry Building, University of Adelaide
Key to the state colours nN ew South Wales
n NT
n Queensland
nS outh Australia
n Tasmania
n Victoria
nW estern Australia
Develop Empower Support www.dhaa.info
STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE