Items of Interest

Health Committee Reports on Adult Public Dental Services .
The House of Representatives Health Committee today tabled a report in Parliament looking at how access to public dental services can be improved for adult Australians most in need.

Review of Dental Workforce Supply 2020 .
Over recent concerns the ADA has commissioned Insight Economics to undertake a series of projects looking at workforce supply projections, future demand and workforce productivity.

Advertising Guidelines - Testimonials .
Members may have recently received invitations to support a petition against the current restrictions on the use of patient testimonials to advertise one's practice.

Request for ACCC Confirmation Regarding Take Home Teeth Whitening Kits .
The ADA sought confirmation from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s view in light of the recent decision by the Department of Health and Ageing about take home teeth whitening products.

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.

Co-located Dental Practitioners to Reach Agreements on Fees Charged .
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has announced that it proposes to allow dental practitioners who operate in shared practices to reach agreements on the fees they charge their patients.

Private Health Insurance Shortchanges Consumers: Another Premium Increase with Minimal Rise in Rebates .
The ADA doubts that the announced increase in premiums for private health insurance will flow onto provide consumers with adequate assistance for the costs of their general treatment services.

Chemical Scheduling Regarding Teeth Whitening .
The ADA has made a further submission to the Advisory Committee on Chemical Scheduling in response to the interim decision on teeth whitening.

Have You Renewed Your Registration with AHPRA? .
The deadline for registration renewal has been extended to 31 January 2013. Dental practitioners which have not renewed their registration are urged to do so before the due date. To remain on the national Register of Dental Practitioners and continue practise in Australia, dental practitioners must contact AHPRA before the close of business on 31 January 2013.

Dental Benefits Amendments Bill 2012 - Passed .
The Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012 passed both Houses of the Australian Parliament on Monday 26 November 2012. This Bill introduces the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

Feedback to Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Scheme Meeting .
The ADA has provided feedback to the Department of Health and Ageing on addressing the anomalies and shortcomings in the Medicare Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Scheme.

ADA Appoints New Federal President .
ADA Inc. has been appointed a new President at the November meeting of Federal Council – Dr Karin Alexander, has become the first female Federal President for the Australian Dental Association.

More Can Be Done By Private Health Insurers and Government .
The report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) confirms private health insurers and government can still do more to improve the out-of-pocket expenses for dental care for insured patients.

Australian Government Senate: Community Affairs Legislation Committee Report on the Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012 .
One of the major issues the ADA raised with the Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs report on Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012 was the need for the new Scheme to provide scope for the treatment of exceptional cases in appropriate circumstances; which was accepted by the Committee. The ADA also accepted the new Scheme permitting dental services under the Scheme being provided by dental therapists, dental hygienists, and oral health therapists in accordance with DBA's Scope of practice requirements.

Workforce - Report to Federal Council .
The Special Purpose Committee on Dental Workforce has submitted a report to Federal Council on the National Oral Health Plan 2004-2013.

ADA makes further Submission on Teeth Whitening Products .
The ADA has made a further submission to the Department of Health and Ageing seeking to have teeth whitening products classified appropriately.

Closure of the CDDS and Dental Health Reform Package .
Although the ADA is pleased that the reform package aligns relatively closely with the ADA's DentalAccess proposal advocating a targeted scheme, it nonetheless has some concerns as to elements of both the closure of the CDDS and the changes to the Dental Benefits Act 2008.

Australian Government Must Assist CDDS Patients .
The ADA Calls on the Australian Government to assist the CDDS patients which are unable to complete their course of treatment before 30 November 2012.

Closure of Medicare Dental Scheme .
The Australian Government has announced that the CDDS has closed to all new patients from the 8th September 2012. Patients who have been referred by a GP for care or are already undergoing dental treatment will need to have all care completed by the 30th November to attract a Medicare rebate. Patients are encouraged to contact their dentist as soon as possible to discuss how this announcement will affect your care. Further details regarding the closure are available at the Department of Health and Ageing website.

National Volunteer Awards NOW OPEN .
Nominations for the 2012 National Volunteer Awards are now open and call on Australians to nominate exceptional volunteers in their community who donate their time to assist not-for-profit organisations.

Dental Package - As Always, The Devil is in the Detail .
The ADA has expressed its concern for the period given between now and the closure of the CDDS. Many patients already receiving treatment under the CDDS will be unable to complete their course of treatment by the closure date of 30 November 2012.

Australia’s Dentists Welcome Targeted Dental Reform .
The Federal Minister for Health, Hon Tanya Plibersek has announced the closure of the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS) and the Teen Dental Plan, replacing both with a targeted dental scheme focusing on Australia’s youth and disadvantaged Australians.

ADA continues to fight Tooth Decay .
Dental Health Week may be over, but the ADA strongly urges professionals, teachers, aid workers, or anyone seeking oral health information to browse the useful information on the Dental Health Week Website.

Australian Dental Association Foundation & Wrigley award US$60,000 in Community Service Grants .
To commemorate Dental Health Week 2012 (August 6 - 12), the Australian Dental Association Foundation, in partnership with the Wrigley Company Foundation, has awarded US$60,000 in grants to 10 volunteer organisations across Australia.

Queen's Birthday Honours List 2012 .
The ADA would like to recognise those honoured in the 2012 Queen's Birthday honours

Five People who won the Federal Budget Lobbying Game .
The Power Index in its post Federal Budget report asked the question, "So whose lobbying power really struck this year's Federal Budget?" Among the five chosen was Dr Shane Fyer, President of the Australian Dental Association.

Dental Health Investment on the Right Path .
The ADA welcomes the Australian Government's announcement to provide over $500 million expenditure for dental care over the next four years.

Provision of services to veteran patients by dental hygienists .
It has come to light recently, that services provided by dental hygienists on behalf of dentists to eligible persons, as determined by the Veterans Entitlement Act 1986, do not attract a rebate under the Fee Schedule of Dental Services for Dentists and Dental Specialists.

Important Notice: Department of Veterans Affairs Notification .
Earlier advice from the ADA notes that dentists were not able to claim under the DVA Dental Schedule for services provided by hygienists to persons eligible under the DVA Scheme. The ADA has met with departmental officers and the Minister for Veterans Affairs to seek to remedy this situation.

Dentists find ‘black hole’ in Abbott plan .
ADA President Dr Shane Fryer says Tony Abbott's costings for a Medicare-funded oral health scheme are "way off target".

Compulsory Recall of DIY Teeth Whitening Products .
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, signed a Consumer Protection Notice ordering a company to recall DIY teeth whitening kits to protect consumers from high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide that may cause chemical burns to a user’s mouth and gums.

ADA Pre Budget Submission .
Equity & Timely Access of Dental Care for Vulnerable & Underserviced Populations

Dental Benefits Amendment Rules 2011-change of rate .
The Dental Benefits Amendment Rules 2011 (the Rules) have been amended to index the benefit for the preventative dental check (item 88000) from $159.85 to $163.05.

ABC News: Australian Dental Care .
ADA President Dr Shane Fryer explains the need for a targeted dental scheme as opposed to a universal dental scheme.

AIHW release report on Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia .
A summary of the most up-to-date information available on the oral health and dental visiting of the Australian population.

NSW Regional Dentistry Scholarship .
Applications are now open for the 2012 NSW Regional Dentistry Scholarship which is sponsored by the Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams.

CDDS continuing at least until 31 March 2012 .
Treasurer Wayne Swan has confirmed the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS) will continue until at least 31 March 2012.

Leave healthcare delivery to the health professionals .
Leave healthcare delivery to the health professionals and focus on your health insurance activities, is the ADA’s advice to health funds.

Senate Supports ADA in calls for Medicare Australia to stop hounding Dentists .
The Australian Dental Association Inc. (ADA) applauds the move by the Senate yesterday calling on the Australian Government to come clean about the unrelenting witch-hunt against dentists.

Dental funding must target those in genuine need .
The Greens’ announcement calling for the introduction of their universal dental health scheme, Denticare, is an idea which will not effectively or efficiently provide for those Australians that are in genuine need of quality dental care.

URGENT Medical Recall on Savacol Antiseptic Mouth & Throat Rinse .
Colgate–Palmolive Pty Ltd, after consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, is recalling all batches of 300mL white bottle Savacol Antiseptic Mouth & Throat Rinse - Alcohol Free.

Warning to parents – Amber Teething Necklace could be dangerous to your child .
Testing by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has revealed individual amber beads designed as a teething aid are a potential choking hazard for infants.

ADA Federal Councillor appointed to the newly established National Lead Clinicians Group .
In May 2010 the Federal Government announced funding over four years to improve clinical engagement in Australia. Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon has this week announced Dr Mark Bowman will represent oral health professionals in the prioritisation and improvement of clinical standards.

International Role for Past President of the Australian Dental Association .
Associate Professor Neil Hewson, Immediate Past President of ADA Inc. has been elected as Speaker of the General Assembly of the FDI World Dental Federation at its annual World Dental Parliament in Mexico City last week.

World Oral Health Day: Noncommunicable diseases (chronic diseases) .
Monday 12 September is World Oral Health Day, an initiative of FDI World Dental Federation.

ADA supports National Action on Oral Health .
The ADA congratulates Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, and Greens Health Spokesperson, Senator for Victoria, Richard Di Natale on the announcement of a National Advisory Council on Dental Health.

Senate Community Affairs Committee - Review of the Professional Services Review (PSR) Scheme .
The ADA considers it essential that in respect of all Medicare Australia (MA) programs that the Professional Services Review (PSR) adopt a proactive role in the provision of advice to MA on the administrative requirements and ramifications of such schemes.

Dental Health Week NEWS coverage - Channel 10 .
The Australian Dental Association has received national NEWS coverage for Dental Health Week - Oral Cancer and other Oral Diseases.

Headline Indicators for Children's Health, Development and Wellbeing for 2011 .
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a new report on indicators for children's health and wellbeing.

Dental Health Week 2011: Start the Conversation .
Every day, at least three Australians are being diagnosed with oral cancer. Survival rates for oral cancer remain low despite advances in treatment, and this can be attributed to late detection. Recognising the risk factors and signs of oral cancer is vital to better prognosis and outcomes, and the ADA has launched this year's Dental Health Week campaign to raise awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of oral cancer.

Rural and Remote Student Study Grant Announced .
The ADA congratulates Kelsey Barker, recipient of The Wrigley Foundation ADA Study Grant for Students from Rural and Remote Regions.

2011 Wrigley Foundation ADA Community Service Grants Announced .
During the ADA’s Dental Health Week, seven outstanding community service dental projects will receive a grant of US$5,000 each as part of The Wrigley Foundation ADA Community Service Grants program, an initiative designed to help improve access to oral health and oral health education in disadvantaged communities across Australia.

Nominate the best and brightest in your workplace! .
HESTA are searching for the people, projects, and initiatives from Australia's primary health care workforce for recognition and outstanding performance.

ADA questions lack of oral health representation on expert Advisory Council for the Australian National Preventive Health Agency .
The (ADA) today expressed its disappointment over the lack of inclusion of any oral health representation on the newly-announced expert Advisory Council for the Australian National Preventive Health Agency.

Past ADA NSW Branch President recognised for achievement and advancement in dentistry. .
The Australian Dental Association Inc. (ADA) extends its congratulations to Dr Bruce Stewart on being recently presented with the Rotary Award for Vocational Excellence.

Australian Dental Association congratulates winners of 2011 Study Grants .
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has announced the winners of the 2011 Study Grants to Regional and Remote Dental Students and Indigenous Dental Students. Each winner is allocated a grant of $5,000 from the Australian Dental Association to assist with their studies in dentistry.

Draft PCEHR Concept of Operations Consultation .
The ADA has compiled its submission to the Department of Health on the Draft Concept of Operations for the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record. The Submission was formulated with input from ADA Inc. and Branches.

Senate Inquiry into the administration of AHPRA .
The ADA has submitted to the federal Senate Inquiry into the administration of AHPRA. The ADA sought feedback from members and Branches in developing the submission.

Submission to HWA Draft Framework for Innovation and Reform .
The ADA reinforces the uniqueness of dental practice in its submission to Health Workforce Australia’s National Innovation and Reform Strategic Framework.

Federal Budget indicates a commitment to fill dental gaps .
The Australian Dental Association Inc. (ADA) is pleased that the Federal Government has listened to its concerns and has begun to address the workforce numbers and infrastructure problems that exist in the public sector.

NOHA Media Release .
National Oral Health Alliance - Oral health: planning for next year’s Budget must start now

Health groups release landmark blueprint to tackle key driver of childhood obesity .
New research: 84% of consumers believe children should be protected from unhealthy food advertising

Dental relief for flood victims .
An open letter to Queensland and Victorian Dentists

Food advertising influences teenager’s food choices .
New research, by the Cancer Council and the Heart Foundation, reveals one in four high school students are overweight or obese and 85% of students don't engage in sufficient activity to provide a health benefit.

Adopt a Practice: Rebuilding Dental Practices in Haiti .
While donations from around the world have helped ease the initial devastation of the earthquake in Haiti, about 35 dental practices in Port-au-Prince—nearly a third of the city’s dental offices—were damaged or destroyed.

ADA Members Can Access Fair Work Australia Award Modernisation (except for unincorporated employers in Western Australia) .
ADA Members can now access new rates of pay, calculators and instructions available for the transition to the Fair Work Sysetm for unincorporated employers.

Be Medicinewise campaign .
NPS launched a new long-term campaign in late January to enable Australians to become ‘medicinewise’ – to apply quality use of medicines and medical tests in their daily lives.

DENTSPLY Assistance - Flood Relief .
DENTSPLY looking to support those most affected by flooding.

Self-rated oral health of adults .
Summary results from report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare on the Self-rated oral health of adults.

Age and the Costs of Dental Care .
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a new report, Age and Costs of Dental Care.

Socioeconomic variation in periodontitis among Australian adults 2004–06 .
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released a new report, Socioeconomic variation in periodontitis among Australian adults 2004-06.

Advice to dental practitioners in flooded regions .
Implications for dentists regarding the use of water.

34th Australian Dental Congress – ‘Brisbane Flood Crises’ - UPDATE .
Congress Website fully functioning / OzAccom Offices re-open

Department of Veterans' Affairs: Christmas Shutdown .
The Department of Veterans' Affairs will be closed between COB 24 December 2010 until 4 January 2011

Dental Board of Australia - Botox and Bleaching .
The Dental Board of Australia has issued two new interim policies.

FDI World Dental Federation: Communiqué .
Communiqué and update of progess of the FDI since the Annual World Dental Congress in 2010.

PANDEMIC WARNING DECREASED TO ALERT PHASE .
Australia's Pandemic Phase moves from PROTECT to ALERT signifying the end of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) pandemic in Australia.

THE NEW AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW .
From 1 January 2011, Australia will have a single, national consumer law: the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). At the same time, the name of the Trade Practices Act 1974 will change to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.

Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Fee Schedule of Dental Services for Dentists and Dental Specialists .
The DVA have now advised of the annual indexation applied to the fee schedule. Details of the new fee schedule can now be viewed

Australian Dental Council Exams .
It has come to the attention of the Australian Dental Association that an organisation called Doctor’s Pulse is advertising the ability to provide assistance and study courses.

Dentistry and Oral Health Scholarship Applications Now Open .
Applications have opened for the 2011 Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support (NAHSSS) Allied Health Undergraduate Scholarship formerly known as Rural Allied Health Undergraduate Scholarship (RAHUS) scheme.

NOBLEDENTIST - Australasian Dentist .
Readers of a recent edition of the Australasian Dentist (July/August 2010) may have noticed an advertorial piece promoting NobleDentist.

Guideline Summary of Bisphosphonates and ONJ .
Osteoporosis Australia and the Australian Dental Association (through the Dental Therapeutics Committee) have prepared a joint Information Sheet that provides advice to practitioners on the use of Bisphosphonates.

ADA’S ‘DENTAL CHECK-UP’ ON POLITICAL PARTIES .
The major political parties have finally provided some clarity on their proposed dental health policies. The deafening silence has ceased. The Australian Dental Association Inc. (ADA) requested parties respond to the Association’s 10 questions on dental health policy to be collated into an Election Report Card.

Dental Health Week 2010: Tooth Erosion .
The Australian Dental Association is pleased to announce the official launch of Dental Health Week for 2010. In the interest of community development and oral health care awareness, the Australian Dental Association has introduced ‘Tooth Erosion’ as the primary focus of Dental Health Week for 2010.

Stop the Rot: Launch of New Oral Health Campaign .
National community, dental and health organisations have today launched a national campaign, Stop the Rot, calling on political leaders to make an election commitment for urgent action to address the decaying state of Australia’s dental care system.

2010 Queen's Birthday Honours .
Congratulations to the following members of the Dental Profession for their service to the community.

National Healthcare Agreement: Report on Performance 2008–09 Released .
The COAG Reform Council (CRC) has released the National Healthcare Agreement: Report on Performance 2008–09. The report highlights the significant scope for improvement needed in health care delivery in Australia, especially for Indigenous Australians, those from socio-economically disadvantaged areas and those who live in rural and remote Australia.

Update: Continuing Professional Development .
The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 (National Law) comes into effect on 1 July 2010. Under the National Law, the Board has the power to set registration standards and there is now a mandatory requirement for registrants to participate in continuing professional development (CPD).

Dental Care Needs the Right Treatment - ADA’s ‘DentalAccess’ is the Best Solution to Improve Australia’s Oral Health .
The Australian Dental Association (ADA Inc) has responded to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission’s Denticare Australia with a counter proposal and a better solution - DentalAccess.

Risk perception and water fluoridation in Australia .
The Australian Dental Association Inc and ADA Branches have been advocating for the adoption of fluoridation to water supplies for many years. Over that time there have been a large number of victories.

Dental Board of Australia - What will it mean to me? .
In March 2008 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) decided to establish a single national registration and accreditation system for 10 health professions, for introduction on 1 July 2010. The Dental Board of Australia has now been established under the Health Practitioner Regulation (Administrative Arrangements) National Law Act 2008.

New House Employment Committee Inquiry into Regional Skills Relocation .
The ADA writes with reference to New House Employment Committee Inquiry into Regional Skills Relocation.

The Next Generation of Dental Students .
Japanese students at Showa University have been practicing their dental procedures on a life-like robot. The robot named Hanako is the world's first highly developed robot to be used to evaluate the skills of dental students on a large scale, according to Showa University.

Review of the Dental Benefits Act 2008 .
The Department of Health and Ageing has released its Report on the Dental Benefits Act 200. The Act required an independent review of the legislation following the one year anniversary of its commencement.

Dentists Sought For Kokoda Villages .
Prior to 2007, four annual visits to the villages of Menari, Kagi, Abouari, Kokoda, Kebarra, Waju, Sairopi, Gona and Buna were carried out under the auspices of Rotary by Gunnedah dentist, Dr Gerry Bartlett, assisted by volunteers from many walks of life. A major aspect was to meet incumbent Health Workers and provide instruction in preventive care as well as equipping them to apply preventive restorations using A.R.T. with hand instruments.

Australian Dental Association Inc. HR Manual available for members .
ADA Members are now able to download The Australian Dental Association Inc. Human Resource and Industrial Relations Reference Manual from the members area.

Dental Resource Collection 'Name this site' Competition .
ADA Inc. has commenced its Dental Resource Collection (DRC), replacing the former Online Dental Showcase (ODS). The DRC site is being launched with a ‘Name this site’ competition facilitated only through its associated ‘Twitter’ page and open to ADA members. The competition has been extended and now closes COB on Tuesday 6th April 2010.

Genes for Deciduous Tooth Development Discovered .
Scientists at the Imperial College London, the University of Bristol, and the University of Oulu in Finland have identified the genes that are responsible for early tooth development. Researchers examined data from the genetic code of 6,000 people from Finland and the UK who participated in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort (NFBC1966) and the Avon Longitudinal Study on Parents and Children (ALSPAC), UK.

GlaxoSmithKline Advisory .
Please be advised that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has issued a consumer advisory warning consumers of the potential health risk from long-term excessive use of the GSK zinc containing denture adhesive.

Proposal to the Australian Government on the Regulation Impact Statement on TGA and NICNAS Proposed Regulation of Disinfectants .
In response to recommendation 4.61 contained in the Report of the Commonwealth Government's Taskforce on Reducing the Regulatory Burden on Business (the Banks Report), released in April 2006, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) have released a consultation regulatory impact statement, for public comment.

Dental Health of Australia's Teenagers and Pre-teen Children: The Child Dental Health Survey, Australia 2003-04 .
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a new report, Dental health of Australia's teenagers and pre-teen children: The Child Dental Health Survey, Australia 2003-04. The Child Dental Health Survey provides national information on the dental health of children attending school dental services in Australia.

The Australian Newspaper Opinion Piece - 16 January 2010 .
As part of the ADA’s education campaign as to how the ADA believes the Commonwealth Government should improve the delivery of dental care to the community, the following article at was published in The Australian on Saturday.

Teen Dental Plan Benefits Increased .
The Federal Government has indexed the benefit for the Medicare Teen Dental Plan by revoking the Dental Benefits Rules 2008. The new rules - Dental Benefits Rules 2009 -indexes the benefit for the preventative check (item 88000) from $153.45 to $157.00. The new rules start on 1 January 2010.

Keep Mind Full, By Gum .
Researchers from Columbia University in New York are saying that cleaning your teeth could help your mind stay sharp into old age.

New Consultation Paper on Registration Standards and Related Matters .
The Dental Board of Australia, under the authority of Dr John Lockwood, Chair, has released a consultation paper on registration standards and related matters.

Have you Relocated from Overseas into Australia for Work? .
Griffith University researchers are trying to understand what helps relocating couples adjust to life and work after arriving in Australia. If you are interested in participating in the Couples Coping with International Job Relocations research project click to read more.

Swine Flu .
Important Notice to all Patients. Please tell staff immediately if you have flu symptoms.

Health Groups Slam Coca-Cola for Misleading Consumers .
Soft-drink giant Coca-Cola will be required to set the record straight and correct any potentially misleading impressions given by their “Myth Busting” campaign.

FDI joins global campaign to make the United Nations a smokefree place .
The FDI World Dental Federation announced today that it has joined a campaign to make the United Nations (UN) a smokefree place.

Psychological Factors Affect Mouth Concludes Review .
According to a literature review, stress may play a role in the development of periodontal diseases.

Research Summary - Comment .
As in other procedural specialities in health, good eyesight is essential in the practise of dentistry. As part of maintaining eyesight, dentists should ensure that they present for periodic eye examination to screen for any abnormality in visual acuity, accommodation, yellow hue discrimination, or intraocular eye pressure.

Banning amalgam could increase US dental costs by $8 billion a year .
A study in the current issue of the journal Public Health Reports examines the potential economic impact in the US of a ban or restriction on the use of dental amalgam, a material commonly used to fill cavities.

Consumer Price Index – June Quarter 2007 and Dental Services .
The Australian Dental Association notes the latest Consumer Price Index data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

New UK study - Early tooth loss linked to heart disease .
A new study in the UK suggests that young adults who lose their teeth to cavities or gum disease may have an increased risk of dying from heart disease later in life.

New study reveals keeping your teeth clean could help prevent a heart attack .
A team of doctors in Marseille have released new study findings that reveal brushing and flossing your teeth could save you from a heart attack.

Submission to the Australian Communications and Media Authority on the Children’s Television Standards Review .
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has a commitment to the delivery of oral health care for children. The focus of this submission will be on the impact to children of television advertising in so far as it will concern children’s dental health.

Dentists in rural areas are too thinly spread .
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) calls on the Federal Government to address the maldistribution of the current dental workforce which is negatively impacting on the delivery of services in areas of need such as in rural, regional and remote parts of Australia.

Graphic ‘ice’ ads are shocking but necessary .
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has put its support behind the Government launch of the graphic ‘ice’ advertisements on TV.

Increase in the EPC Scheme welcomed .
Following Minister Abbott’s announcement today, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) welcomes the Federal Government’s recognition of the role they must play in the improvement of oral health delivery to needy Australians.

Support for piercings bill .
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) supports a plan to come before the Victorian Parliament which would ban people under the age of 18 from having any part of their body pierced without the written consent of their parents or guardian.

Lifestyle: Fitness and Nutrition .
ADA federal president, Dr John Matthews, discusses teeth whitening, electric toothbrushes, and bad breath with Hilary Harper on ABC 774 Melbourne's Lifestyle: Fitness and Nutrition program.

The dangers of not wearing a mouthguard .
After seeing a recent report that an Australian rugby league player’s tooth was found embedded in his opponent’s head, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) stresses the importance of wearing a mouthguard for anyone who participates in a sport that carries a risk of a knock to the face.

Research funding to fight childhood tooth decay .
The Australian Dental Association welcomes the recent announcement by the Queensland Government that Brisbane paediatric dentist, Dr Kerrod Hallett has received research funding to trial a unique test and mouth rinse to prevent childhood dental caries.

Baby boomer retirement and the future of dentistry .
The dental workforce, like the Australian population, is ageing. As the large baby boomer cohort retires dental shortages will likely increase.

Antibacterial Activity of Red and White Wine against Oral Streptococci .
Several studies suggest that moderate wine consumption has beneficial effects on human health.

Proper dental care needed for indigenous children in the NT .
A recent study found that the average number of decayed, missing and filled teeth is higher for Aboriginal compared to non-Aboriginal children.

THERAPEUTIC GUIDELINES: ORAL AND DENTAL .
Reports received have indicated that the publication “Therapeutic Guidelines: Oral and Dental” 2007 Version 1 has been very well received.

TONGUE CANCER - LINK TO PERIODONTITIS .
A report in the archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery adds tongue cancer to list of conditions associated with chronic periodontitis.

Australia Talks - Dr John Matthews .
ADA federal president, Dr John Matthews, discusses the new national survey of oral health care with Paul Barclay on Australia Talks, Radio National's daily talkback program. It's a forum for the discussion of a specific topic with the involvement of expert guests, Radio National specialists and listeners.

ADA Response to "Staight Talk" Segment of 60 Minutes .
In response to the segment, Straight Talk , which was screened on the current affairs program 60 Minutes on Sunday, 3 Aug 2003, the Australian Dental Association issued the following statement: