The D3 Group for Developmental Dental Defects (D3G) has announced initial details for their D3 Day at IADR in 2024. Details are as follows:

The next “Molar Hypomin & Chalky Teeth” translational event will be held in New Orleans the day before IADR's 2024 General Session.

This one-day symposium will unite stakeholders from across the sector (healthcare practitioners, scientists, academics, educators, industry reps, and government professionals) to discuss how medical-dental integration will be key to attacking “the chalky teeth problem” holistically. 

If you fancy two quick-fire “Idea Incubators” – addressing “stronger science” and “science to social good” – and copious time with representatives of our wonderfully eclectic D3 family, then please save the date.

For more flavour of what we’re cooking up in New Orleans, check out our innovative recipe from D3 Toronto (2020 video trailer, 2022 program).

Recapping

D3G held the world-first International Symposium on Molar Hypomineralization & Chalky Teeth a year ago in Toronto, attracting over 100 participants from 22 countries while kicking off numerous translational goals. 

An unprecedented set of D3 topics & projects were addressed, following their earlier conception across a series of international webinars & task force meetings in 2020-22. 

The ensuing “Toronto D3 framework” provides an invaluable translational foundation for follow-up events – as recently held in New Zealand, with New Orleans next.

Learn more about the Toronto D3 experience via our comprehensive video/CE packs.

 

More info

Watch this space, or contact your hosts:

• General enquiries (c/- Sharon Dunn): secretary@thed3group.org
• LSU Health New Orleans (c/- Janet Southerland): Amelia Jenkins ajenk6@lsuhsc.edu
• University of Toronto (c/- Ben Ganss): b.ganss@dentistry.utoronto.ca
• D3G HQ (c/- Mike Hubbard): mike.hubbard@unimelb.edu.au

The Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water (DCCEEW) has provided us with a summary of the recent COP5 (5th Conference of the Parties) Meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland on 30 October - 3 November 2023. 

From the DCCEEW:

"While negotiations were wide ranging, there was a significant focus on considering a proposal to phase out dental amalgam. Ultimately agreement could not be reached by the COP and the issue of dental amalgam phase out has been pushed to COP6 (which will be held in November 2025). 

As a compromise, COP5 instead agreed that parties will need to submit national plans to phase down or phase out dental amalgam.

The decisions by COP5 will undergo additional scrutiny by the Australian Government in 2024, prior to formal adoption. This scrutiny process will include consideration by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.

There are a number of matters which will require domestic actions to ensure Australia remains compliant with its treaty obligations. We are currently assessing these matters and will contact relevant stakeholders regarding next steps in 2024."

ADOHTA will continue to stay informed on this matter and provide updates to you accordingly.

Find out more about the Minimata Convention and DCCEEW. 

by William Carlson-Jones, ADOHTA President

We've had a few very big weeks representing ADOHTA at meetings and committees, along with writing submissions. 

One such submission was to the Senate Select Committee into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services.

Our recommendations highlight:

• the Poisons standard requires review to allow OHPs to supply, prescribe, possess or use Scheduled Poisons within your scope.
• the Radiation Code prevents OHP's true independent practice by increasing the barriers to purchasing radiation equipment and prescribing clinical radiographs for patients.
• the DVA Dental Program should recognise the provider numbers of OHP's and consequently ensure equitable access for patients.
• the lack of access to Medicare Benefit Scheduled rebates for referrals to ENT and OMS and for diagnostic imaging services.

For your interest, our Executive Summary and full Submission are available for perusal:

• 201123 ADOHTA Submission Exec Summary.pdf 
• 201123 ADOHTA Senate Select Committee into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services additional submission.pdf

I'd particularly like to acknowledge Advocacy Director, Tim Budden and Executive Officer, Jasmine Bulman for their tireless advocacy in this space. 

We couldn't have done this without our immediate past President and current Research & Education Director, Dr Nicole Stormon, who alongside myself spoke at the public hearings to highlight these significant issues on behalf of you, our members.

With consistent, strategic advocacy in this area, we're eager for the tabling of the final report and look forward to providing a summary to you.

Author: Skye Doyle, DHSV     Featured: Elizabeth Cobbledick, ADOHTA VIC-TAS Member

DHSV has teamed up with Tonga to enhance dental services for the Island nation.

Through the capacity-building Colin Riley Scholarship, we've [DHSV] sponsored oral health professionals to travel to the West Pacific to partner with local providers to improve oral health outcomes for the local communities. Central to the scholarship is the donation of a fully stocked, decommissioned dental van.

Making An Impact

Liz Cobbledick, Oral Health Advisor School Dental Program at DHSV and Stephanie Veal, Dental Assistant, Oral Health Educator and Practice Manager at NCN Health and Royal Flying Doctor Service, were among the first recipients of the scholarship.

The two oral health professionals travelled to Tonga as part of a 10 day scoping tour prior to the official handover of the van.

“We got to spend the week setting it up, stocking it with consumables and equipment, and showing the local staff the key features on how to use it,” Liz said.

“We developed a step-by-step guide with instructions and photographs on how to use all the components to ensure they could operate the van, including wheel stabilisers, power isolation and the dental chair.”

The van also includes a wheelchair lift and an internal hoist.

The Tongan tour focused on fostering partnerships and providing dental expertise. During their visits with local health representatives, Liz and Steph presented on “What it’s like working as a Dental Assistant and Oral Health Therapist in Australia’”. 

“We visited local dental clinics and health centres. It was rewarding to share our knowledge with the dental team through the exchange of experiences and clinical skills.”

The donation of the dental van will make significant inroads when it comes to improving oral health.  

“Dental services are usually provided out of the Dental Department at Vaiola Hospital in Nukualofa, as well as at some community and school-based clinics across the island.

“The donated van will travel to villages and schools that do not have a dental clinic nearby, which will play a key role in ensuring that oral health care is accessible across the island,” said Liz.

The Power Of Partnerships

A central element to participating in the Colin Riley Scholarship is the ability to foster close ties and build enduring relationships.

Beyond the clinical component, scholarship recipients like Liz and Steph are required to meet dignitaries, visit key sites, attend cultural events, and engage with local dental staff and health practitioners to understand how DHSV can partner with oral health teams.

“We attended the Ministry of Health dinner at Liku’alofa where we were joined by the Minister for Health, Dr Saia Piukalu. We enjoyed traditional Tongan dancing, were invited to dinners, and were each presented with gifts and cakes as appreciation of our partnership,” Liz recounted.

“Steph met with the Prime Minister of Tonga and we also met some members of the Royal Family including the Prince and Princesses. We also visited numerous kindergartens, schools and health centres, attended numerous feasts and had the opportunity to enjoy traditional Tongan cuisine.”

The collaboration with local representatives was facilitated in partnership with Rotary West Ballarat, particularly Dr David Goldsmith and John McDonald, who've established strong relationships in the local area over the last 20 years.

Smile, You’re In Tonga

“The absolute highlight of the trip was visiting the MaliMali toothbrushing program at the local schools.” shared Liz.

The Tongan word ‘MaliMali’ translates to ‘smile’ and that’s just what Liz and Steph found themselves doing when they had the opportunity to learn more about the program.

“The MaliMali program has been running for more than 25 years and we drew inspiration from learning about such a well-established initiative, promoting prevention and education. The dental therapists visit each school once a week for toothbrushing and provide a fluoride mouth rinse, while the school staff coordinate it on the other days.

"Seeing 200 or so kids brushing their teeth all together, in perfect synchrony, is a sight I’ll never forget,” said Liz.

A visit to the Dental Department also helped Liz to view Monday morning in a whole new light.

“Each Monday, the 11-chair dental clinic starts the week with a prayer. This included beautiful singing from the staff – it was a really special way to commence our visit.”

Seeing The Sights

In their downtime, Liz and Steph packed in as much sightseeing as possible.

“We travelled around the island and visited all of the main tourist attractions, including the Anahulu freshwater caves and the Ha’amonga stone trilithon. We checked out the blowholes, spent the day at Pangaimotu Island, went swimming in the ocean swimming pool and saw whales off the coast. We loved the warm, sunny weather and fresh coconuts! Island life was great,” said Liz.

Feedback For Future Applicants

Liz offered some warm advice to future applicants:

“I’d encourage everyone who has an open mind, is willing to jump in and have a go, and the ability to be flexible and adventurous to apply!” We’re incredibly grateful to participate in the program and we strongly encourage all colleagues to consider applying for future scholarships."

More About The Scholarship

DHSV established the Colin Riley Scholarship to enable Victorian public oral health professionals to participate in clinical placements and support the delivery of training in the Western Pacific region. The scholarship was developed in honour of a beloved former DHSV colleague, Dr Colin Riley, who devoted his career to improving public oral health.

As part of the Colin Riley Scholarship, three decommissioned dental vans have been donated to Tonga, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands in the names of Colin’s three beloved daughters: Ella, Nicola and Fiona. The scholarship was established to provide 5 years’ support and the mobile dental trucks will provide help where it's needed most.

Work is currently underway to explore bringing staff from the Pacific Islands to Australia.

We’ll [DHSV] share future opportunities to apply for the Colin Riley Scholarship with you.

Ahpra’s annual report for 2022-23 is now available here.

We're pleased to see oral health practitioners only accounted for 20 of the 610 notifications received by Ahpra, highlighting the profession's commitment to quality and safety in healthcare and to their patients.

Find the full update from Ahpra here. 

A new resource has been launched by Ahpra to assist registered practitioners in managing feedback and complaints. 

Jointly developed by Ahpra, the 15 national boards and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, the checklist aims to help registered practitioners better address complaints when they're first raised by a patient or client, and may also be relevant to those who have a role in establishing and maintaining complaints systems and processes. 

Input was sought from health complaints bodies, professional organisations, indemnity insurers and consumers in the development of the resource and included practitioner user-testing. 

To find out more and access the checklist, visit: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2023-11-02-New-complaints-checklist-launched.aspx

DATES EXTENDED

2023 ADOHTA National Conference will be held in Melbourne on 27-29 July 2023.  Our theme will be "Equity in Oral Health Matters".

Our call for papers are now open read the guidelines here:

SUBMIT YOUR PAPER HERE

ADOHTA is supportive of the Indigenous Dental Association of Australia (IDAA).  

ADOHTA is sponsoring 2 eligible members to attend the Inaugural IDAA Conference on 28 Monday 2022 with $1000 each towards their travel and accommodation.  Read more here

What are the most important oral health messages for your community to hear? How can we engage with the public to educate and motivate them to improve their oral health? During the months of June to August, ADOHTA invites members to get creative and plan, implement and reflect on oral health promotion campaigns across the country.  Your oral health promotion could be developed for visits to childcare centres, schools or aged care facilities, community-based events etc. The only limit is your imagination! 

Click here for further information 

Click here to Submit your entry

ADOHTA, DHAA, ADA & Services Australia presented a Provider Number Update via an online webinar on the 17th May 2022.  The recording is available to view on the link below.

Click here to view the Provider Number Webinar