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 | 7 General Review Strategic priority area: Leadership Aim: To ensure that the ADAVB is the leading voice in dentistry and oral health in Victoria. The Advocacy and Health Policy team is responsible for leading the ADAVB’s work in policy, advocacy, research, health promotion and stakeholder partnerships. This work forms an important component of the ADAVB’s strategic priority area of leadership. Work area highlights Improve the oral and general health of Victorians The ADAVB was involved in a broad range of oral health initiatives. These included the development, review and promotion of resources for the general public, involvement in large-scale events, and support of the ADA’s annual Dental Health Week. Much of this was facilitated by the ADAVB’s Oral Health Committee, with additional support for public events from volunteer members. Promoting equitable and sustainable access to dental care Prior to the 2018 state government election, the ADAVB joined other professional associations, health services, and consumer and welfare bodies to advocate for better funding and access to public dental care. Under the banner of the Victorian Oral Health Alliance (VOHA), the group shone a light on the impacts of a lack of timely access to dental care on disadvantaged Victorians, with waiting times for public dental care exceeding 20 months on average. Through these activities, VOHA was successful in engaging the media and electoral candidates to raise awareness of the importance of good oral health. Advocating on issues that impact on the practice of dentistry in Victoria During 2018/19, ADAVB representatives met with the Victorian Minister for Health, Jenny Mikakos; the Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier; the Victorian Greens’ Health Spokesperson, Dr Tim Read; and representatives of the