ADAVB 2018/2019 Annual Report

A D A V B A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 / 1 9 | 2 3 Third Party Committee The Third Party Committee (TPC) monitors and advises on third-party influences in dentistry, including health funds, corporates and government funding agencies. The main activities undertaken by the TPC included addressing health fund incidents reported by members, providing feedback on the TAC dental fee schedule review and reviewing Australian Prudential Regulation Authority reports. The TPC recognises that health funds have a major impact on the dental profession and this is one of the biggest concerns of members. As such, there is a strong focus on monitoring health fund behaviours and trends in extras cover take-up by the public. The committee continues to work towards helping members and patients who are negatively affected, and supports the ADAVB and ADA in their advocacy activities. Another key focus area relates to corporate owned dental practices, particularly those that are operated by major health funds. The committee advocates for continuity of care for patients, as well as a high standard of quality and safety. Dentists and patients working together collaboratively to manage oral health results in trusting and ongoing relationships. This kind of provider-patient relationship should exist in both independent and corporate practice settings. I thank committee members for offering their time and expertise, and give special thanks to Ms Sonia Georgiades for her role in the work of the TPC. I’d also like to wish Dr John Chen well as he moves into the chair role. Dr Angelo Pacella Chair