4/4/2013

ACCC Allows Dentists in Shared Practices to Agree on Fees
The ACCC has decided to allow dental practitioners whom operate in shared practices to reach agreements on the fees that they charge their patients, where at least one party to the agreement is a member of the ADA.

Special Arrangements in Place for Easter Holidays
ADA Members are advised that the Department of Human Services has special arrangements in place during the Easter and ANZAC Day holiday periods to ensure people are not inconvenienced by office closures.

The ADA Seeks ACCC Clarification On Take Home Teeth Whitening Kit Obligations
DoHA made a decision about existing classifications of teeth whitening products under the Poisons Standard that may impact on dentists’ obligations under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The ADA advises members to continue to refrain from giving patients take home whitening kits with >6% hydrogen peroxide and/or >18% carbamide peroxide until we receive an update from ACCC.

5/20/2013

Scope of practice within workplace policies and new models of care
The ADA wrote to the Dental Board of Australia stating that the scope of practice defines the construct of any workforce policies and so must define models of care and training. The ADA stated its support for existing DBA scope of practice standard remaining.

Review of the Arrangements for the Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons
The ADA has provided comments on the process for the scheduling of medicines and poisons – which is particularly relevant in light of inappropriate access to teeth whitening products currently being permitted to non-qualified persons.

AHPRA Data Access and Research Policy
The ADA has given feedback on AHPRA’s proposed Data Access and Research Policy.

5/14/2013

Extra Money But No Extra Teeth for Indigenous Australians
While the ADA welcomes the additional $777 million announced by the Australian Government for the renewed National Partnership Agreement to “Closing the Gap” in Indigenous disadvantage, it laments the fact that dental health is forgotten.

Commonwealth Asked to Intervene on Fluoride
The ADA and five other health bodies have come together to promote the benefits of water fluoridation and to oppose the recent decision of Queensland and some other State Governments to permit Local Councils to decide whether or not to add fluoride to their water supplies.

Slap in the Face for Professionals
The ADA has slammed the Treasurer Wayne Swan’s announcement to limit the tax deductibility for participation in self-education, such as continuing professional development.