18th December 2009: Christmas & New Year Emergency Dental Treatment Roster
The Association is offering an emergency dental treatment service for the community between the hours of 5pm to 9pm on Friday 18th December and then every day between 9am - 9pm on Saturday 19th December through to Sunday 10th January inclusive.
This Service is for emergency pain relief only.
If you are an SA Dental Service patient or hold a healthcare or pension card you may contact the Adelaide Dental Hospital on 08 8222 8222 between 8.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday or 08 8232 1034 after hours.
If you are a private patient please contact your own dentist before telephoning the emergency dental service number. Should you require emergency treatment please be aware that the treating dentist will require payment at the time of consultation. The fee may be higher than treatment provided in noramal business hours. When telephoning the emergency dental service number please let the call centre know which suburb you are located to enable them to provide you with an option which is local to you.
The emergency telephone number for Friday 18th December between 5pm-9pm and everyday between 9am-9pm on Saturday 19th December through to Sunday 10th January inclusive is 08 8378 1848.
5th August 2009: Dental Health Week Launch - SA
Dental Health Week 2009 was launched in South Australia on Wednesday 5th August 2009. Guided by ADA Inc’s topic, “Dental Health in the Over 55’s”, SA Branch decided the focus would be, “Dry Mouth and Oral Health in the Over 55’s”.
The day started with a media release by ADASA, ‘More Teeth, Greater Risk for South Australia’s Ageing Population’. This release was organised by the ADASA Public Relations Committee and Hamrahead. The release created interest from Mix 102.3, Cruise, Channel 7, Border Watch and Murray Newspapers. Although an interview was conducted with Dr Janet Fuss in Rundle Mall it was a more detailed interview with Dr Peter Alldritt (Vice-chairman of the ADA Inc Oral Health Committee) at the ADASA Office and footage taken at Dr Angelo Papageorgiou’s practice which was shown on the Channel 7 news later that evening.
The launch took place in Rundle Mall from 10am to midday. Dr Janet Fuss and Dr Peter Alldritt representing ADASA and Ms Hellen Checker and Ms Margie Steffens representing Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia (DHAA) , were on hand to give advice and handouts explaining dry mouth, some of the causes for dry mouth and also the products available to help ease the condition. The professionals were very keen to speak with the public and to listen to their dental complaints and discuss their symptoms and a possible remedy for their condition. Products and samples generously donated by GC Australia Dental Pty and Glaxo Smith Kline, were very well received by the public.
It was evident from talking with some people who have medical conditions such as Parkinson’s or Lupus, that they suffered dry mouth. These people were not aware that oral dryness was linked with their medical condition and failed to mention it to their dentist; therefore, the condition went unmanaged. Hopefully this campaign will bring awareness to the public that all oral problems should be discussed with their dentist no matter how trivial they believe them to be.
Salivary dysfunction is a common problem which very often goes undiagnosed. The absence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate normal salivary gland function until the rate flow is less than half the normal rate. Many major medical disorders are associated with dry mouth. While several hundred medicines are recognised to induce dry mouth, its adverse effects are not always listed in prescribing guides. Self-administered or medications bought over the counter are particularly important in this context.
symptoms:
· Oral dryness on waking
· Lack of lubrication during eating, talking or swallowing
· Altered taste perception
· Impaired retention of full upper dentures
· Mucosal irritation from foods and dental home care products
· Halitosis
· Dehydration (inadequate water intake, physical activity, travelling long distances, diuretics, caffeine or outdoors occupation).
signs:
· Dryness of the vermilion border of the lip
· Dryness of the oral mucosa
· Increased debris and plaque accumulation on the teeth and appliances
· Increased plaque formation on the tongue
· Loss of filiform papillae of the tongue
· Increased caries rate, unusual patterns of caries
· Dental erosion
· Multiple teeth with cervical dentinal hypersensitivity
· Failure to form supragingival calculus from plaque in the lower incisor region.
21st August 2008: Branch Meeting
Dr Peter Alldritt opened the meeting and welcomed members as well as offering a special welcome to Australian Dental Association, SA Branch member and award recipient Dr Terry Yuen; Mr Malcolm Farrow, CEO of Professions Australia; Ms Vickie Chapman, Deputy Leader of the State Opposition and Shadow Minister for Health; Guest Speakers, Dr John Matthews, President, ADA Inc. and Dr Janet Fuss, Vice President Australian Dental Association, SA Branch. 78 people were in attendance and 15 apologies were received.
The minutes of the Branch Meeting held 23 May 2008 were taken as read and accepted. As there was no business arising from the meeting Dr Alldritt presented his President’s Report.
Dr Alldritt opened by saying that "It is hard to believe three months had passed since our last Branch Meeting, held at the Lion Hotel". Since that time Council, Committees and staff have been working tirelessly on some very big issues. Dr Alldritt identified the items which are demanding most of the attention as: the proposal to remove the age restriction on the practice of dental therapists; the development of a new State Oral Health Plan; and Succession Planning for the Association.
Dr Alldritt stated that with the draft changes to the Regulations of the Dental Practice Act about to be released, the ADA and other interested parties are poised ready for action. ADASA is not convinced that the proposal to allow therapists to treat adults will achieve what the Department of Health expects, namely: dentistry at a lower cost and rectification of workforce shortages in rural areas.
Dr Alldritt stated that the ADASA is alarmed that there has been no proposal for any extra training for dental therapists to prepare them for this proposed increase in scope of practice. ADASA is currently seeking advice from the Australian Dental Council as to its opinion or recommendation regarding such extra education for dental therapists. Dr Alldritt believed that it is clear that the Minister for Health has not been enlightened regarding any alternative models to solve the problem of public dental waiting lists. For example, the Ministre recently appeared unaware of the potential for an internship program for BDS graduates. ADASA is concerned that the Minister has been ill-informed. Given that ADASA represents about 95% of registered dentists, Dr Alldritt expressed surprise that the Department of Health does not see ADA as one of its primary sources of advice about dentistry. Also despite the fact that over 80% of dentistry provided in this State is delivered in private dental practices, the Department of Health rarely sees any further than public dentistry.
Dr Alldritt reported that the draft State Oral Health Plan for oral health care over the next 9 years is being reviewed by the Oral Health Advisory Committee, of which ADASA is a member. A small working group of ADASA Executive (Dr Janet Fuss, Dr Bruce Noble, Mr Rob Wyatt and himself) were tasked with dissecting the document and providing ADA’s response to the plan. This required extra meetings and work above and beyond the usual, and Dr Alldritt acknowledged the work of this dedicated group.
In its response to the State Oral Health Plan, ADASA indicated that the draft was largely a statement by the public sector about matters which affect public dental patients. It fails to consider adequately the private dental sector, where 80 - 85% of dentistry is provided. As such, ADASA will be unable to endorse all components of the plan. Dr Alldritt expressed concern that the new State Oral Health Plan is emerging into a document which is inextricably linked to the proposed changes for dental therapists’ practice. ADASA believes there are two separate issues and that it is unacceptable, unethical and morally wrong to construct an Oral Health Plan which is a vehicle to drive legislative changes.
Dr Alldritt took pleasure in announcing that nominations for the positions of Federal Councillors were received from Dr Karin Alexander and Dr Mark Hutton and they were duly re-elected to their roles. Congratulations were offered to Karin and Mark.
Dr Alldritt spoke briefly about ADASA media activities associated with the Celebrity Smile Award, this year awarded to Kelly Nestor of Channel 9 News and Graham Manou the recently appointed SA Redbacks Cricket Captain. The President also reported that Dental Health Week held from August 4-10 was the ADA’s major public awareness campaign. This year the target audience was 30-50 year olds addressing the topics of gum recession and decay; periodontal disease and dental erosion. In South Australia, no official launch event was held this year. Instead, a media release focussing on dental erosion was distributed resulting in some radio interviews.
Dr Alldritt reiterated his heartfelt plea in the August Issue of ‘Dental Insights’ magazine when he asked members to "consider not what the ADA can do for you but what you can do for the ADA". This is particularly pertinent as the Association is currently without a Junior Vice President and succession is a serious issue.
Dr Alldritt referred to the refurbishments recently completed at ADASA House and invited the Chair of the House Committee to say a few words about the progress of the refurbishment. Dr Mann thanked his committee, the contractors, the General Manager and staff for the part they had played in the successful renovation. Dr Alldritt officially declared the building re-opened and cut ADA blue and white ribbons in celebration.
Dr Richard Daley was ratified as a Country Councillor for the remainder of the 2007/08 year following the resignation of Dr Damian Chung who was thanked for his excellent service over the years.
Dr John Matthews, Federal President, then addressed members on "New Federalism". Dr Matthews spoke briefly on the traits of a professional and the role of the ADA as a professional association. He saw the role of the Federal body as supporting the states and having a focus on national and international issues. He outlined the ADA’s strategy prior to the Federal election and the importance of the participation in the National Oral Health Alliance and the pre-budget submission made to the Government.
Post election initiatives included negotiations on the EPC Scheme, Commonwealth Dental Health programs including the Medicare Teen Dental Plan, new dental schools, fluoridation and reform. ADA Inc has also been heavily involved in the work of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC), the National Health Workforce Taskforce (NHWT) and initiatives arising out of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). With reference to many of these matters, he closed his address by warning members to "be very afraid". Vice President, Dr Janet Fuss moved a vote of thanks to Dr Matthews.
Dr Janet Fuss, Vice-President of ADASA addressed members on the very pertinent issue of "The Proposed Amendments to the Dental Practice (General) Regulations 2007 and their potential impact".
Dr Fuss indicated that the Minister for Health has stated categorically that the age limit will be lifted in relation to the scope of practice for dental therapy. The Minister has been informed by his advisers that this proposal involves no change to the scope of practice and has no educational implications. There has been an undertaking that dental therapists will work under "direct supervision" when providing care to adults but more recent information reveals a push to alter supervision arrangements as well. Dr Fuss urged the ADA to take the position that the Minister should keep his word. Dr Fuss drew attention to the development of yet another State Oral Health Plan which is likely to go to the Minister without agreement on all aspects from all parties. Dr Fuss urged ADASA to engage with: ADA Inc.; the Minister and Health SA; the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition; the Dental Board of SA; other associations; the media and a political lobbyist to influence, limit and manage the changes. Dr Fuss then highlighted each proposal for change and the potential impact they might have on the profession. Dr Alldritt proposed a vote of thanks to Dr Fuss.
Members and guests then stayed on to enjoy each other’s company over nibbles and drinks.
6th August 2008: Dental Health Week
On Wednesday 6th August 2008, Dental Health Week 2008 was launched in South Australia with a media release focused on tooth erosion which was targeted specifically to Generation X to make it more presentable to the media.
In my last report, the national campaign which was based on the theme of “The Caring Generation” was to be focused on the differing attitudes of carers (e.g. grandparents, parents, child care workers) to the dental health of children. Unfortunately, upon review of the National media release, our local Public Relations firm, Hamrahead advised that these did not carry a strong enough story angle for the general media. The Committee in collaboration with the Hygienist Association, decided to tailor the National release to focus on dental erosion and referred to Generation X who are facing new challenges as they retain their teeth for longer.
A media release was organised with Dr Peter Alldritt, ADASA President as the spokesperson and without a strong angle for the metropolitan media, Hamrahead focused its efforts on suburban and regional media.
“Acid drinks such as fruit juices, sports, soft and caffeinated drinks, and excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate the erosion process” said Dr Alldritt. Significant amounts of sugar in soft drinks and fruit juices, and high levels of acid in these and other drinks, play a major role in the development of tooth erosion.
The ADASA, in partnership with the Hygienist Association included in its message the recommendation of limiting the consumption of acidic drinks and advised the following guidelines if consuming such drinks:
- Avoid holding or “swishing” high acid drinks around the mouth as this increases the likelihood of dental decay and enamel erosion.
- Use a straw when drinking soft drink and juices as much as possible to minimise the acid exposure to teeth.
- If you do drink fruit juices, soft or sports drinks, try to consume them chilled, as cooler temperatures have been shown to be less likely to cause tooth erosion.
- Drink fluoridated tap water as much as possible.
- Chewing sugar free gum can stimulate saliva flow and wash these acids away.
- After consuming acidic beverages, don’t brush your teeth right away – brushing can remove the softened tooth layer (resulting from the acidic exposure), increasing the amount of tooth loss. Wait one hour before brushing your teeth.
- Instead of brushing, rinse with water or fluoridated mouth rinse as this will help remove any acids remaining in the mouth.
In addition, the ADA recommends brushing, flossing and rinsing (if indicated by a dentist) and regular dental examinations.
This campaign will benefit with Dental Hygienists who have an important role in conducting talks/ briefings with professional wine tasters about risks and prevention (and this is based on specific research conducted at The University Of Adelaide Dental School by Dr Diane Hunt and Dr John McIntyre). This work is ongoing and briefings are currently being arranged so that Hygienists will provide practical advice, discuss the study findings and provide complimentary Colgate packs to the various groups. Furthermore, ADASA under the coordination of Hamrahead is proposing to generate awareness and some media around the “wine drinking” issue during the Royal Adelaide Wine Show in October.
Media interest for Dental Health Week 2008 was limited to suburban and regional areas and included Radio Adelaide, ABC Radio North and West, Murray Pioneer, Border Watch, WIN TV News, and South East Coastal Leader. Messenger Newspaper is also looking at running a story in their Health Plus section over the next few months.
During Dental Health Week, the Australian Institute Of Health and Wellbeing released the results of a National Oral Health Survey which received significant media attention and the ADASA provided comment on this report.
Although Dental Health Week has passed, the message of tooth erosion and in particular with the drinking of wine/ alcohol will continue in the awareness and education of professional wine tasters in the coming months.
15th July 2008: Celebrity Smile Launch
On Tuesday 15th of July, Adelaide Oval hosted two of Adelaide most popular TV personalities, who won this year’s ADASA Branch ‘Celebrity Smile of the Year Award’.
Channel 9 news presenter Kelly Nestor and Adelaide Redbacks Vice Captain Graham Manou were the recipients of the award for this year. ADASA President Dr Peter Alldritt presented them both with a certificate and Sally Queale from Oral B presented an electric toothbrush gift. Our sincere thanks must go to Sally for continuing to support this event each year.
The awards which have been held since 2001 recognise popular identities that care for their teeth thus raising community awareness about the importance of dental care. This year’s recipients definitely represent “strong healthy teeth, big smiles, healthy gums and a smart, sensible approach to dental care”.
The fact that Kelly and Graham achieved their great smiles without cosmetic dentistry also won the vote, since the pursuit of the “Hollywood Smile” has led people to rely heavily on cosmetic procedures, while ignoring the basics. Our ambassadors send a powerful message that a celebrity like smile can be achieved through basic measures such as regular dental visits, brushing, flossing and a healthy diet. Graham also mentioned that dental awareness is becoming more and more evident in professional cricket, with the use of mouthguards and helmets with mouth shields.
The campaign was well coordinated by Simon Hatcher of Hamrahead PR firm. We thank Simon for his organisation on this event and attracting strong media interest from Channel 9, The Advertiser, Triple M radio and SAFM radio.
Although a formal report outlining the media exposure received on the day is yet to be released at the time of my report, we can confirm that the “smile” campaign received satisfactory media attention.
Overall Celebrity Smile of the Year attracted public and media attention for what is generally a simple, yet important dental health message.