Dental Board of Australia membership announced

The Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council has announced the membership and Chair of the new national Dental Board of Australia (DBA). Dr John Lockwood a dentist from NSW (previously President of the NSW Dental Board), will chair the 12 member body. The Ministers decided that the practitioner members of the DBA would comprise five dentists, one dental therapist, one dental hygienist and one dental prosthetist. The DBA members are as follows:

• Ms Susan Aldenhoven - appointed as a practitioner member (dental hygienist) from South Australia
• Mrs Jennifer Bishop - appointed as a practitioner member (dental therapist) from Queensland
• Dr Carmelo Bonnano - appointed as a practitioner member (dentist) from the ACT
• Dr Gerard Condon - appointed as a practitioner member (dentist) from Victoria
• Mr Stephen Herrick - appointed as a community member
• Mr Paul House - appointed as a practitioner member (dental prosthetist) from Tasmania
• Dr Mark Leedham - appointed as a practitioner member (dentist) from the Northern Territory
• Dr John Lockwood - appointed as Chair and a practitioner member (dentist) from New South Wales
• Mr Peter Martin - appointed as a community member
• Mr Michael Miceli -appointed as a community member
• Dr John Owen - appointed as a practitioner member (dentist) from Western Australia
• Mrs Myra Pincott - appointed as a community member

Induction programs and arrangements for the first meetings of the new national boards are now being finalised so that they can commence in September, and start preparing for the new national registration and accreditation scheme to be operative from 1 July 2010.

A message from Sue Aldenhoven, President: Award Notice to all members

Dear colleagues,
 
The submission from the DHAA Inc. to vary MA000027 Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2010 has been lodged with the Industrial Commission. The Commission has made the submission available on the AIRC website: http://www.airc.gov.au/awardmod/fullbench/variations/mav37.cfm
 
Due to the unprecedented number of submissions seeking variations to the Award the Commission has decided to delay the implementation of the Award. Transition on 1st January is no longer automatic and there will be a six month phasing in period. It is anticipated the Commission will still be working on transition provisions and other issues related to the Award in early 2010. 
 
This delay is beneficial to DHAA Inc. and provides us with more breathing space in the event our submission is not successful. It will afford the Association enough time to implement further strategies to ensure the protection of our members. Irrespective of the outcome it is advisable that our members have a signed contract with their employer in place prior to final transition. 
 
At this time there is a consultation period during which any parties wishing to lodge a submission opposing our submission can do so to the Commission. We have the opportunity to respond to these. The Full Bench of the Commission considers our submission, any opposing submissions, our reply and then hands down their decision. We have the right to appeal if we do not succeed. 
 
Preparation of the submission has taken an inordinate amount of work and I would like to thank Vice President Leah Littlejohn and Industrial Advocate Katrina Murphy for their commitment to see this to completion and for the support and commitment of the National Executive, National Council and Branch Presidents.

I would especially like to thank you, our members, for your continued commitment to our profession and supporting the Association by responding to the survey. Your responses were extremely valuable to our submission and provided us with current data on our member profile, employment status and conditions but most importantly your valuable opinions. Full results of the survey will be made available once the decision of the Full Bench has been handed down.
 
I will keep you updated and informed as developments occur.  
 
Kind regards
Sue Aldenhoven
President DHAA Inc.  
www.dhaa.asn.au

Changes to the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989

Last year, the National Association was contacted concerning an application to change the definition of the healthcare profession. We have recently been advised that dental hygienists, dental therapists and dental prosthetists are now included in the definition of a healthcare profession for advertising purposes. These changes will be enacted/commencing on a date to be proclaimed via a legislative instrument by the Governor General on 25th January, 2010. If no date is proclaimed commencement will be 6 months from Royal Assent ie: expect this to be effective by the end of July, 2010.

Nominations for National Executive 2010-2012

It is time to call for National Executive nominations for 2010-12 as the current term of office will finish in March, 2010. Members of the National Council, past & present are eligible providing they have had 12 months experience on Council. There is a list of eligible persons on the DHAA Inc. website under the member only section. The DHAA Inc. is the recognised key stakeholder for the profession of dental hygiene in Australia and serving on the National Executive provides a unique opportunity to learn and participate in the future development of the profession of dental hygiene. The generous donation of time and experience of the current and past executives is a sign of their dedication and strong commitment to advance dental hygiene in Australia.

Eligibilities: Download the Past and Current Presidents and National Councillors eligible for National Executive of the DHAA Inc. in PDF format.

Applicants: Please follow the instructions below prior to 31.12.2009

1. Download and fill in the the nomination form for your desired executive position. Download the nomination form here (pdf format)
2. Include your resume
3. Send both to Leah Littlejohn llittlejohn@iprimus.com.au

 

DHAA Inc. Symposium Officer

The DHAA Inc. is seeking an enthusiastic, self motivated and resourceful dental hygienist with a passion for professional development. The Symposia Officer will be working very closely with the National Executive & the Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) to plan and organise future National Symposia.

Job Description: Download the full job description in PDF format for more information.

Applicants: Apply by sending your resume and letter of interest to Leah Littlejohn: llittlejohn@iprimus.com.au by 31.12.09