September President's Update
Don't miss out: Tickets selling fast for our Convention & Exhibition Fri Sept 18 to Sat Sept 19 - 12 CPD Hours
In addition to supporting our Australian Dental Council candidates and student members at Melbourne University and La Trobe Rural Dental School August was a busy month focussing on improving the oral health of all Victorians - one of our key missions.
Starting with Dental Health Week ABC statewide radio asked for the inside scoop on the ADA's national survey results of 25000 Australians showing young adults turning to social media for cosmetic dentistry, wisdom teeth and Dental Health Week messaging.
Meeting with the co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends for Oral and Dental Health - Dr Monique Ryan and Senator Helen Polley: (L-R) Dr Kaejenn Tchia, Dr Monique Ryan (Independent Member for Kooyong), Dr Carolyn Ng (ADAVB President), A/Prof Angie Nilsson (ADA Ltd Vice President), Senator Helen Polley (ALP), A/Prof Mihiri Silva.
Returning ambassadors for oral health in 2007: A/Prof Neil Hewson (Vic), Dr Denise Sylvestro (NSW), Dr Martin Webb (QLD), Dr Mark Hutton (SA), Dr Greg Morris (Vic)
National Advocacy
On August 11 and 12, 40 dentists from around the country met in Canberra to advocate for:
- Release of the new 10-year National Oral Health Plan: The last plan expired in 2024 and hasn't been replaced. The new plan is proposed to extend from 2026 - 2035.
- Full funding of the new National Oral Health Plan: to ensure commitment to implementation and improved oral health outcomes.
Dentists met with politicians from all parties and both houses to discuss:
- A population health approach to oral health, emphasizing prevention and promotion
- Person-centred, equitable oral health care across the lifespan
- A sustainable and affordable oral health system
- An oral health workforce for contemporary and future needs
- Integrate oral health into general health
- Optimising technologies and innovation for oral health and
- The ADA Dental Health Plan. Read the plan here, including details of:
- The Child Dental Benefits Schedule
- The Adult Dental Benefits Schedule
- The Senior Dental Benefits Schedule
- A phased, targeted approach to improving oral health outcomes for those at greatest risk
Local Representation
The Victorian Branch’s response to Premier Ben Carroll’s announcement on 22 August was sought by Channel 7, Channel 9, ABC, The Age, and several national publishers. Media engagement occurred daily between 22 and 26 August. For full details of the Branch’s position, view our media release here.
Victorian Dentist - September Out Now!
For more exclusive member updates - check out our September Vic Dentist
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