The Bulletin - Issue 58 Mar / Apr 2021

Issue 58 March-April 2021

The official newsletter of the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia Ltd

THE

AWARD FRIEND OR FOE? We focus on the new pay award and what it means for the future of our industry

The road less travelled

Two colleagues share their entrepreneurial career journeys

National Symposium 2021

Get ready to celebrate your profession

STATE ROUND-UP Find out what’s happening in your local area

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03 3

Is March too late to say ‘Happy New Year’?

IT’S HARD TO believe that after counting down to the end of 2020 for what seemed so long that we’re one twelfth of the way through 2021 already.

The “New Year, new me/new start” clean slate concept is something that many people prescribe to. Resolutions are made, and often by the end of January they are but a distant memory – just as the summer holiday period comes to an end and life gets back to normality. It is for this reason that I prefer to make my resolutions in February, around the time of the Lunar New Year. This gives me a chance to settle into the year, reflect, and decide what I want to focus on away from the hustle and hype of what is usually a hectic Christmas period.

One thing I will be working on this year is “sweating the small stuff”. Do you ever notice how there is joy in the small moments of your day? The way a child lights up when you compliment their new glasses, the look of relief from the receptionist when you pick up the ringing phone while they’re dealing with a patient, the excited giggle of your niece and nephew when you’re looking for them during a game of hide and seek, the sense of triumph from your 66-year-old, self-proclaimed technologically challenged patient, when they master the app that will be helping guide their treatment, or the gratitude of a member expressed through a quick email or social media comment. While I’m keen to kick some big goals this year, I’m going to work on looking for more of these little nuggets of happiness every day.

February is also the time we hold our first DHAA Board meeting of the year.

At the DHAA this year we are excited to be working on goals both big and small; campaigning for provider numbers, assisting members with changes brought about by the Fair Work Commission’s decision to include us under the Health Services Award, getting back to face-to-face events, hosting our National Symposium in Melbourne, building relationships with other dental professional associations and launching a consumer website – just to name a few.

With the change in calendar comes a change in volunteers. On behalf of the Board, I thank our outgoing volunteers for their wonderful contributions to our Association. To our new volunteers – whether it is your first time with the Association, or you are returning after some time away, whether you are continuing in your role or taking on something new – welcome and thank you for putting up your hand to help build your profession.

As Abraham Lincoln once said: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

I cannot wait to see what we create this year.

Contents 04 DHAA Symposium 2021 We're back on track for the national event in October

06 Respecting the expectant Valuable insight for any dental practitioner planning oral health promotions.

07 Loud and [mouth] proud 20 March is World Oral Health Day so we discuss ways to get involved.

08 Ask DHAA...

The pic of the crop of this quarter's questions answered and knowledge shared.

09 From the top

DHAA CEO Bill Suen updates us on the great work already being done in 2021.

COVER STORY

10 The Award: Friend or Foe

We focus on the new pay award and what it means for the future of our industry.

16 The road less travelled

Two inspiring colleagues share their entrepreneurial career journeys.

22 Positive values

Learn how to evaluate what's important to you and what doesn't matter.

32 State of the Nation

Your quarterly round-up of what's happening near you.

COVER PHOTO BY BOFU SHAW

Cheryl Dey DHAA National President

Key Contacts CEO Bill Suen CONTACT

PRESIDENT Cheryl Day CONTACT

MEMBERSHIP OFFICER Christina Zerk CONTACT

BULLETIN EDITOR Robyn Russell CONTACT

The Bulletin is an official publication of the DHAA Ltd. Contributions to The Bulletin do not necessarily represent the views of the DHAA Ltd. All materials in this publication may be readily used for non-commercial purposes. The Bulletin is designed and published by eroomcreative.com

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Get your 2021 Symposium fix and maybe have a little flutter at the races The DHAA National Symposium 2021 is ready to roll from 28-30 October, and this year it rather neatly coincides with the Melbourne Spring Carnival EVERYONE‘S READY to rock in 2021 and springtime in Melbourne is a perfect setting to mix business with leisure.

The DHAA National Symposium 2021 is ready to roll from 28-30 October, and it rather neatly coincides with the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

Come along to the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park and enjoy the lakeside conference facilities and accommodations. The hotel is prominently located near St Kilda, Chapel Street precincts, the Melbourne CBD and Port Melbourne, all great places for shopping and entertainment at leisure.

The education program has been enhanced and now offers a multi-stream choice that guarantees relevancy to your individual CPD needs with expert presenters for each topic.

Have a taste of the Spring Carnival at the Welcome Reception and catch up with friends and colleagues that we all missed. The social highlight will be located at the Crown Aviary Symposium

Gala Dinner with dining, dancing and entertainment that is not to be missed.

The Op Shop Glam theme will be sure to impress and is for a very good charity cause. At the Crown precinct, world class entertainment, restaurants and a casino are at your fingertips around the clock.

“ The program has been enhanced and now offers a multi-stream choice that guarantees relevancy to your individual CPD needs with expert presenters for each topic”

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From the Big chair Welcome to our first edition of the Bulletin for 2021, says Bulletin Editor Robyn Russell

The Melbourne Cup Spring Carnival will be in full swing and registrants could also integrate this internationally renowned experience into their trip to Melbourne – right time, right place.

Take advantage of the Sunrise registration rate and save, and also secure your accommodation at 2020 conference discount price before the rush starts from other carnival goers.

Act now and book yourself a place for this unforgettable experience of quality continuing education and world class carnival fun. n HANDY LINKS

• DHAA Symposium 2021 • Melbourne Cup

The theme for this edition is “Challenges or Opportunities”. Given the current feelings within our profession after the addition of OHTs and Hygienists to the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027) this seemed an apt topic to uncover.

While for most of us the ruling of the Fair Work Commission is disheartening, it has left many of us deflated about the prospects for our career; but could these challenges actually be opportunities?

Challenge is defined as: ‘An invitation to compete in a fight, contest or competition.’ Whereas opportunity may be defined as: ‘A chance, especially one that offers some kind of advantage.’ An opportunity may be a combination of favourable circumstances or situations.

Changing the frame through which we see this as a challenge may show us all the opportunity that could lie ahead. We must all separate the factors that we as individuals can control, from those that we cannot.

How? You may ask…. “ We must all Re-frame your thinking about the separate the award. Yes, get rid of the fear and get factors that we organised. Re-frame your thinking to: ‘I as individuals am going to be ready to show the value can control, of my clinical and communications from those that skills.’ The introduction of the award we cannot” could be the jolt required to break me out of my current complacency, and work towards the goals I set myself as a newly graduated health practitioner.

Be well equipped for the introduction of the award by reading the detail, proactively talking to your employer, and setting yourself a career goal. Knowing what you currently bring to your workplace, and what you also plan to learn and bring to your workplace is a powerful negotiation tool. What chair-side procedures do you excel at and what clinical skills do you need to work on. Seek out great learning opportunities and face the challenges with confidence and professionalism.

Nothing stays the same, and through your own journey of discovery and lifelong learning, can you forge through any challenge and see the opportunity within…

Re-frame, and intentionally choose a goal driven path.

DHAA Bulletin Editor bulletin@dhaa.info

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RESPECTING THE EXPECTANT Valuable insight for any dental practitioner planning oral health promotion initiatives

CPD

AS WE KNOW, it is important to establish good oral health habits early, and this starts STUDY with the expectant mother. This research ROOM study describes an intervention for first-time expectant parents. The researchers interview expectant parents to identify the enablers and barriers to participating in the program. This paper provides a valuable insight for any dental practitioner planning oral health promotion initiatives.

Reading and reflecting on peer-reviewed journal articles can be an appropriate CPD activity for dental practitioners.

Learning objectives: • To understand the enablers and barriers to expectant parents participating in a dental health counselling initiative •T o reflect on the implications of this knowledge for professional practice.

Independent learning activities: •R ead through the article (it is available as an Open Access article using the link above) •R espond to the following questions: – What did the expectant parents identify as the facilitators for participation in the program? What impact will this have on your future delivery of dental health counselling for expectant parents?

– What did the expectant parents identify as the barriers for participation in the program? How could these barriers be overcome?

– Reflecting on your previous answer, and the authors recommendations for increasing participation, how might this influence your design of health promotion initiatives or delivery of health promotion advice to expectant parents in your professional practice?

• You may decide to do some additional research to further your understanding of this topic.

Outcomes: • At the conclusion of the activity, dental practitioners will be able to explain the enablers and barriers of expectant parents in accessing dental health counselling and incorporate this knowledge into their professional practice.

Remember to keep a record of your activities to meet the requirements of the Dental Board standards. This includes the name of the activity, journal article citation, date, time, location of CPD activity, number and type of CPD hours. Include your critical reflection to demonstrate you have understood the information and have considered the implications for your professional practice. n

Lindvall K, Koistinen S, Ivarsson A, van Dijken J, Eurenius E. Health counselling in dental care for expectant parents: A qualitative study.

International Journal of Dental Hygiene. 2020 Nov;18(4):384-95. https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.12461

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BE PROUD

OF YOUR MOUTH

Loud and [mouth] proud THIS YEAR'S WORLD Oral Health Day (WOHD) campaign carries a simple and powerful message: “Be Proud of Your Mouth”.

The theme has been chosen to run for the next three years, in an effort to focus on the importance of oral health’s contribution to better overall health and quality of life. The hope is to inspire relevant actions and foster change.

The DHAA has been advocating for better availability of preventive care to reduce instances of oral diseases and improve general public health. A focus on preventive care, and a minimal intervention approach, will reduce the burden on the clinical paradigm that has been shown to be ineffective. It is based on these key principles with strong evidence that the DHAA advocacy activities have been designed and executed in recent times. By restoring oral health as an integrated element of overall health and general wellbeing, and shifting towards the paradigm of oral disease prevention and health promotion, we have a much better chance of equity to access for oral health services for all Australians. From the consumers’ perspective, it is always preferable to avoid painful, debilitating oral diseases and tooth decays, as well as costly and often unpleasant treatments.

WOHD is a global movement declared and coordinated by the FDI World Dental Federation. The date of March 20 was chosen to signify that; all healthy adults are supposed to have 32 teeth and 0 cavities; there are 20 baby teeth for children; and older people are regarded as healthy if they have 20 natural teeth at the end of life.

The DHAA calls on members to get out there on 20 March, 2021, either

ACTION TOOLKIT FOR GOVERNMENTS AND POLI CYMAKERS

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Global Supporters

#MouthProud #WOHD21

physically visiting community groups, hosting public awareness events, or using social media channels to distribute the key messages to as many people and organisations as possible.

To facilitate this, the DHAA hosted an online webinar to provide participants with an update of the WOHD 2021 key messages and resources. The three target areas chosen were; the aged care sector, early childhood groups, and the rural and remote communities.

Experts in each of these areas provided useful tools, resources and shared their experience in relevant health promotion activities. You can listen again here.

All members are encouraged to take part in some way, on or around the date, to reach out to local communities through your own channels, real and virtual, to deliver a strong and focused message on ‘Be Proud of your Mouth’ to raise awareness.

There are plenty of resources available from the WOHD website that may be downloaded and distributed free of charge, as well as those resources made available via the DHAA webinar.

You are also invited to take part in a competition to win a free registration to the DHAA Symposium 2021. To enter is easy, you just simply use the DHAA WOHD checklist to plan and record your WOHD activity.

Whatever you decide to do, however big or small, everyone can contribute to improving the oral health of the public in our own ways; and together, we will make a big difference. n

Congratulations to DHAA Vice President Dr Carol Tran, who has commenced her new role as Associate Professor and Head of Course, Oral Health Therapy at the Central Queensland University.

Carol has been a member of the DHAA Board since 2016, and currently holds the advocacy portfolio that drives significant campaigns in provider numbers and aged care. Besides lecturing and conducting research, she has been practising dental hygiene and oral health therapy in periodontics and implants, and is a frequent contributor to the DHAA Bulletin.

Highly-respected DHAA member Dr Roisin McGrath has been appointed Director Bachelor of Oral Health Program at the University of Melbourne.

Roisin is no stranger to the profession, both in Australia and internationally. She chaired the successful 2019 International Symposium of Dental Hygiene held in Brisbane; as a certified mental health first-aider and instructor, she has been a leading advocate for the mental wellbeing of dental practitioners and the community – and has been instrumental in the establishment of the Peer Support Services at DHAA in 2020; she implemented the lead value based health care at the Dental Health Service Victoria; and Roisin is one of our regular presenters for DHAA CPD programs.

Congratulations both!

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AskDHAA...

Your opportunity to ask the questions, check the rules and share your knowledge It is most-likely that you did not renew your DHAA membership and PI insurance by the extended due date.

Please contact our office to make arrangements to reinstate your membership and insurance.

Dear DHAA... I’m a hygienist working for a periodontist on a casual basis. I did sign an engagement contract with details of my hourly rate which hasn’t changed for over three years. My employer has just asked me to go in for a review of my contract, as she has just heard about the new hygienist award rate. Can I get a copy of the Award before our meeting?

Charlotte, Vic

The Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (latest update 20 Nov 2020) can be accessed here.

This Award will come into force for dental hygienists and oral health therapists from 1 July 2021. All existing contracts in relation to employment will continue to be valid, provided that the overall terms and conditions are above the award’s minimum standards.

Existing contracts can be altered, either in accordance to the contract provisions, or by mutual agreement of all parties concerned. If in doubt, please contact the DHAA industrial relations advice line, upload a copy of your contract, and our employment expert will be able to review and advise you.

Dear DHAA... I will be taking six-months maternity leave.

Can I suspend my DHAA membership and PI insurance over this period as I won’t be working?

Tina, Qld

Dear DHAA... I am having problems accessing the DHAA members portal and registering for member events. I sent an email and was informed that my membership and PI insurance had expired. I had renewed my membership and insurance together in June last year but I can’t find any paperwork, except for a copy of my PI insurance certificate issued in July 2020 with an expiry date of 30 June 2021.

Becca, NSW

Due to COVID-19, the DHAA offered all members an extension to pay their insurance and membership dues – from 30 June to 30 November, 2020. To ensure members had no time gaps for the insurance and membership, the DHAA issued certificates to all insurance subscribers in July, regardless of them having paid their dues. These insurance certificates are void if the subscriber fails to renew by the extended due date on 30 November 2020.

It is important to note that there are four mandatory registration standards that you need to comply to maintain your AHPRA registration, regardless of whether you are working or not. These include CPD requirements and Professional Indemnity Insurance. You must therefore not suspend your PI Insurance and DHAA membership unless you move your AHPRA from general to non-practicing/inactive.

For extended maternity leave, DHAA may provide a ‘run-off’ PI insurance cover which requires significant administrative work.

Please contact the DHAA office to discuss the process and cost.

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FROM THE TOP

Dear DHAA... Thank you for allowing me to defer my membership renewal due to COVID-19, with the 30% discount. It helped me a lot as I had reduced work for three months, but I went back full time in October and was able to pay by the renewal deadline in November 2020. Will I get the next renewal notice in November this year?

Siobhan, ACT

All annual renewals are due on 30 June each year for the following financial year.

Due to COVID, the 30 June, 2020 renewal deadline was deferred by five months for the period 1 July, 2020 - 30 June, 2021.

It is envisaged that normal renewal processes will resume in 2021, with the deadline back to 30 June.

Stepping up our advocacy effort for our profession in 2021 The year is still young, but there are already a whole host of activities and initiatives being worked on by the DHAA team.

Bill Suen DHAA CEO SINCE RETURNING AFTER the holiday

ongoing collaboration to improve

break, the DHAA have stepped up

oral health and dental care for the

efforts on advocacy matters. Last

defence workforce and the ex-service

year's campaign – “Bad Mouth - the

community.

neglected reality” – did an amazing job

We further sought support from the

of presenting our case, and put provider

Council of the Ageing (COTA) Australia

numbers on the public radar. We will

and met with their executives during

continue to reinforce our key messages

which discussion was held on the

to the government and key stakeholders.

importance of provider number access

The several advocacy fronts that

for our members to the older populations.

we had been working on seem to be

They have also provided valuable expert

merging, as they are all inter-related.

advice to assist our advocacy campaign

Our call for a paradigm shift towards

on the aged care front.

prevention and oral health promotion,

Work is progressing with our 2021-

the issuing of provider numbers to our

2022 Federal Budget submission in

Dear DHAA... Does the DHAA BMS PI insurance cover me if I wish to provide an outreach onsite service to residents of an aged care facility (nursing home)?

Simon, NSW

profession so that we can reach out

support of our advocacy targets for

and enhance care access to the public,

oral health promotion and aged care.

together with our submission to the

We are very blessed to have opinion

Aged Care Royal Commission calling for

leaders, Professor Janet Wallace and Dr

funding and mandating accreditation

Mark Wotherspoon, both offering their

requirements for onsite oral health

expertise to advise us on our project to

services, all pointing towards enormous

develop a new aged care service model.

The DHAA BMS Professional Indemnity Insurance covers all professional practice of the subscriber as a registered dental hygienist, oral health therapist or dental therapist, provided that you practice within your scope and in accordance to relevant standards, guidelines within the established legal boundary.

Please email BMS directly, if there any changes in your practice arrangements. n

opportunities for our profession in 2021.

This will be launched in coming months

We have now put in a formal submission to the Department of

for our members.

It may only be late-February, but

Veterans Affairs (DVA) review of their

the DHAA team and our special

dental benefit scheme for entitled

interest groups are already in full

veterans, calling for dental hygienists,

gear. Collectively we are continuing

dental therapists and oral health

to build momentum for change and

therapists’ access to the scheme to

your support is most critical. I will be

provide an extended range of services

reporting on other projects, that many

to the Department. To build up the

of us are working on behind the scenes,

momentum we met with the executives

when it is appropriate to do so. If you

of the Australian Defence Force

are interested in getting involved, or for

Welfare Association to discuss our

further information on our advocacy

DVA and Aged Care Royal Commission

work, please email me – bill.suen@dhaa.

submissions, and explored possible

info – or call 0412 831 669. n

10

THE

AWARD

FRIEND OR FOE? The Award - friend or foe?

Making the most

11

We focus on the new pay award and what it means for the future of our industry Spoiler alert: It's not all doom and gloom!

t of the AWARD

By Carol Tran & Bill Suen

AFTER MANY YEARS of review and deliberation, the Fair Work Commission finally handed down its determination of the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 [MA000027](the Award) on 24 November, 2020, with an effective date of 1 July, 2021.

The determination confirmed the inclusion of Dental Hygienists and Oral Health Therapists to join Dental Therapists by being covered by the Award.

While this is extremely disappointing to be included in the Award, it is not all doom and gloom.

With every threat there is opportunity. The Award system is the result of a desire to balance uneven ‘power’ distribution of parties involved in employment arrangements in the workplace.

It is designed to protect individual employees from unfair employment arrangements; and is intended to set minimal wages and working conditions for the workforce, the actual wages and conditions should be based on market supply and demand conditions. The Award itself may actually be a good idea for the workforce.

12

The Award defines categories of employment and periods of ordinary hours with mandatory casual loading (25%), annual leave loading (17.5%), overtime and penalty rates (150-250%). It also sets conditions for mandatory pay points progression, termination, redundancy, classification definitions, paid tea breaks, unpaid meal breaks, rostering arrangements, higher duties arrangements, and uniform/clothing and a comprehensive range of work-related allowances. It is important to read the HPSS Award 2020 and understand your rights and applications.

It also cross references the National Employment Standards in confirming various leave entitlements, redundancy, termination and superannuation obligations.

The main issue with our profession, is that the Award we have been asked to join is a general one that covers a large range of health professionals and support staff. The wage classifications are well below the market as well as the historical range that our profession has been receiving. Please note that all existing employment contracts (above award) are protected, but there is a real possibility that employers will use the (low) award wage as a reference when employing new staff, leading to a gradual decline in wage level over time.

While individual employees may not need to accept unreasonable wages and conditions, it will be difficult if the offer on the table is still at, or above Award. Individual employees are often in a inferior ‘power’ position to negotiate. It is therefore important to make sure employees are aware of the market rates and not coerced into accepting sub-optimal offers.

As a profession, we need to stick together to maximise our ‘collective power’ to protect our market position. At the same time we need to make use of the additional benefits (other than the minimum wage) that the Award brings, from 1 July this year.

To achieve this as a profession we need strong leadership, and widespread cooperation and information flow from the front line.

The DHAA has been working with ADOHTA in preparing a workforce report, with the aim of publishing a reliable market wage, along with other relevant information, to be used as a benchmark by all parties involved in the recruitment process. A series of webinars have been scheduled to provide information to members, as well as updating all relevant resources such as employment contract templates. DHAA members have ongoing access to individualised advice through the Industrial Relations advice line on the DHAA website.

Individuals need not feel alone when practicing in our profession, and the next few years are going to be crucial. Any dental hygienist or oral health therapist who is currently not a member of a professional association should join one so that we can act together collectively in dealing with this threat.

Together we could make the best of both worlds.

How will the Award affect you?

By Robyn Russell

Many DHAA members are confused as to how the Award will actually affect their day to day working lives.

Below are a few real-life discussions that have been had with members of our dental community.

CASE ONE

Contract offered, low casual hourly rate Dental hygienist interviewed for a position and really had a great vibe about the workplace and was very keen to work at the practice.

During the interview process the hygienist did not ask about the rate of pay. After the completion of the interview the practice owner informed the hygienist that she had been successful and a contract would be emailed for her to sign, the position would commence the following week.

The rate of pay offered, as a casual employee, was $29/hour. The contract also referred to the Award on several occasions, stating that the hourly rate was actually higher than the wage classification for this employee.

Overtime would be applied at the award rate; and a laundry allowance had been included as it was above the Award rate for her classification.

Questions that one may both ask of themselves and a prospective employer, when seeking to understand the thinking behind these conditions: 1. Contract is dated January 2021, and MA000027 is in effect from 1st July, 2021. Ask which award this contract is actually referring to.

13

2. How did the employer determine the level of classification and the casual nature of employment arrangement for the hygienist?

3. Ask what the actual hourly rate for this classification is as a permanent classification, and how the 25% casual loading was applied to this rate.

4. Ask for the breakdown of the award rate and how the laundry allowance was applied to this rate.

Yes, there may also be a few other questions to ask in this scenario.

While it may be easy to get angry and frustrated when you see such a contract, it is also worth considering a few other factors. The employer who offered this contract had never employed a dental hygienist before – hopefully this was an error on their part in not knowing when the award for a dental hygienist commences, and how to classify dental hygienists. It is also important to note that the award rate is the minimum safeguard for employees, and that the market going rate should be considered as the benchmark. Their naivety could have also extended to not knowing the difference between dental assistants and dental hygienists. There is also a great deal of incorrect information offered via platforms such as Facebook groups. Just like we are all trying to wade our way through the information, possibly the rest of the dental community are too.

It is important not to sign a contract when you are unsure – seek clarification from the prospective employer. There is never any harm in asking questions in order to clarify your understanding. Seek professional advice from the correct sources.

CASE TWO

CASE THREE

Current SEA is about to expire, so renegotiation is required

AHPRA Restrictions on practice, low hourly rate offered

A large private group dental practice employ five OHTs and a team of 15 support staff. Given that it is such a large organisation, the group relies on a Single Enterprise Agreement (SEA).

This SEA is about to expire and the group need to vote and agree on the conditions. The five OHTs are very nervous about this as the stated hourly rates in their current agreement seem somewhat higher than those listed in MA000027.

“ It is also important to note that the award rate is the minimum safeguard for employees, and that the market going rate should be considered as the benchmark.”

The question here, is whether to forge ahead and proactively engage in negotiations with the employer or to wait until 1 July, 2021. From my understanding of most problems it is usually best to approach issues such as this head-on and this would seem to be the case here.

The anxiety felt by the OHTs may not be necessary as the BOOT (Better Off Overall Test) could well come into play here.

It is still always best to seek more information and have a representative assist you when negotiating wage conditions.

An OHT with restrictions placed on his clinical practice by AHPRA was offered a very low rate of pay with a new employer. This clinician thought that the prospective employer assumed that this was kosher as they were offering the OHT an opportunity to practice.

My questions for this OHT included: 1. Would this be a genuine mentorship role?

2. How long would this low rate of pay continue for?

3. Would the employer further reduce the scope of clinical practice for the OHT? 4. Are you comfortable accepting this offer?

My questions to the IR advice line would be: 1. Is this lawful?

2. After 1 July, 2021, could an employer offer a OHT/HYG a lower rate than that stated in MA000027?

Of course, there may be many other questions asked in a scenario such as this. Although, starting with asking your “gut” and the DHAA IR advice line could be the best initial place to begin.

Still need to talk?

The DHAA has a range of private and confidential services available to help members through uncertain or tough and challenging times.

Click here for information on the variety of support available, or to submit a request for support.

14

Introducing the Oral-B iO An electric toothbrush featuring an all-new linear magnetic drive system

O

ral health care professionals play an important role in empowering their patients to make decisions that fit their individual needs. Patient empowerment is defined by The World Health Organisation 'a process through which people gain greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health' (WHO, 1998). With more health knowledge, patients are better equipped to participate in managing their own health (Jørgensen CR et al. 2017). This is particularly true of oral health. Oral health care professionals have a pivotal role to support their patients in understanding the information that is out there. Especially in relation to home care products, oral health care professionals have a responsibility to trial and embrace new technologies, supporting patients in improving their oral health and enabling patients to track their progress of health improvement.

Acknowledging the patient’s preferences, adapting information and advice

to the patient’s style is essential for compliance and sustainable behavioural change. In addition to respectful communication and patient empowerment, technology is another tool to achieve behavioural change.

Electric toothbrushes: oscillatingrotating or sonic, with or without smart sensors, continue to grow in popularity.

Clinically it has been shown that they effectively disrupt the dental biofilm. The Cochrane collaboration states that rotation oscillation brushes demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis at both time points (Yaacob M et al. 2014). Electric toothbrushes also reduce gingival bleeding when compared to manual toothbrushes.

In comparison to manual toothbrushes, powered toothbrushes are more effective than manual brushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis in the long and short term (Yaacob M et al. 2014).

Technology embedded in electric toothbrushes has already been used

to motivate people to brush longer and to become more effective. Smart phone applications allow users to track their technique, frequency and duration, increasing brushing effectiveness. Apps can also motivate children to brush their teeth longer through music and games.

In 2021, Oral-B introduces a new electric toothbrush, the Oral-B iO. The Oral-B iO combines the clinically proven oscillating-rotating technique, unique to Oral-B, with a new linear magnetic drive system. This revolutionary technology is frictionless and quiet, leading to a brush that is preferred by many patients (or their partners). With the gears of the older brush technology replaced with a magnetic mechanism, energy is directed straight from the drive to the bristles to remove the dental biofilm. The focussed power also creates additional microvibrations in the bristles.

The intelligent oscillating-rotating iO brush has a novel smart pressure-sensor that indicates the correct brushing

15

pressure. A green light indicates correct, effective, and safe pressure, measured as between 0.8 and 2.5 Newtons. A red light indicates excess pressure on the brushing head, and a white light indicates not enough pressure. This visual feedback is integrated in the handle of the brush and emphasised in the new Oral-B smart phone application.

This positive reinforcement mechanism guides patients to apply safe and effective pressure to the brush head, improving dental biofilm removal, helping patients to brush effectively without harming the gingiva. This is a major benefit for patients who are reluctant to brush along their gums, apply insufficient pressure, or brush too hard.

The brush grabs attention via the personalised display, which provides traditional feedback about completing the required brushing time (2 minutes) and offers visual incentives such as smileys or stars.

The improved Oral-B app and the

tracker technology in the Bluetooth enabled brush, allows patients to track more accurately where the brush is.

In addition to the smart sensor, using the app provides additional immediate brushing guidance, leading the user around the mouth, reinforcing a surface by surface, sextant by sextant approach, leading to an increase in a patient’s awareness about brushing efficacy. The history tracking in the app can easily be integrated in the planning and tracking of the oral hygiene care. The iO toothbrush, in combination with the tracker application, is another opportunity to achieve improved oral health outcomes.

Oral health care professionals continue to embrace new technologies, including phone applications, to support behavioural changes in their patient.

People are getting more familiar to track steps, workouts, diet, water intake etc.

It is time we consider using tracking applications or gamification to support patients in achieving better oral health.

References WHO Health promotion glossary. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1998 Jørgensen CR, Thomsen TG, Ross L, et al. What facilitates “patient empowerment” in cancer patients during follow-up: a qualitative systematic review of the literature. Qual Health Res. 2017;28:292-304 Yaacob M, Worthington HV, Deacon SA, Deery C, Walmsley AD, Robinson PG, Glenny AM. Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014(6).

16 CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The road less travelled Two inspiring colleagues share their entrepreneurial career journeys

By Melanie Hayes

I THINK IT is fair to say, that when most of us embark on our careers as dental hygienists, dental therapists or oral health therapists, we don’t think about becoming entrepreneurs! However, this is a legitimate career path for our profession, as our two interviewees in this edition will attest to.

So, what is an entrepreneur? They are someone who sees an opportunity, and devotes time and resources to pursuing the opportunity, to create a new and profitable business1.

There is an element of uncertainty to entrepreneurship. It often requires people to step outside of their comfort zone and be challenged by risks, such as financial and job security. Entrepreneurs often require determination, self-motivation, self-confidence, high-energy, and a desire for responsibility and accomplishment1. In addition to these attributes and traits, entrepreneurs require knowledge and skills to manage a business (including business plans and forecasts), access to financial support, be able to comply with regulatory requirements, manage marketing and licencing, and protection of intellectual property 2.

Given that healthcare is constantly changing, university programs and continuing professional development providers should consider developing, and pilot-testing, educational modules to prepare dental professionals for entrepreneurial opportunities. Mentoring, business courses, and diverse work experiences can also help develop the skill-set required for success.

The possibilities are endless for those able to recognise a gap in the market, are creative and inventive, and want to pursue their ideas.

I caught up with Jo Stanbury, the CEO and founder of One Dental, and Amanda Trennery, Managing Director of Neomorph Mouthguards.

Both ladies provide valuable insights into their entrepreneurial pursuits, including tips and advice for anyone thinking about turning their ideas into reality.

Jo Stanbury

CEO and Founder One Dental Tell us about your current role I am the CEO and founder of One Dental, which is an Australian-owned family business supplying dental simulation materials, instruments and an array of dental products through traditional channels; and also through our dental vending program which was the first in Australia.

I manage the business, work within the business and meet with our clients to develop new products and advance our product range to suit our market needs.

What education or experience did you need for this role?

I have a Diploma in Applied Science (Dental Therapy) and then worked at a range of dental companies to gain knowledge in marketing, sales, logistics, finance, business acumen and customer and supplier relations.

I bought into another dental company with two other partners before embarking

17 on our own business. Whilst working I undertook various marketing courses and then completed a MBA. What are the day-to-day activities in your role?

My role is extremely varied, and I play a hands-on role within the business. It can include answering phones, emails, chatting to clients on the web chat.

Along with the quality controlling of orders and assembled kits/models, I enjoy being involved and helping out our customer service and warehousing team. It allows me to see how things are progressing and where improvements can be made. I am also involved in attaining government grants, such as the “entrepreneurial program” and the recent one being made available to 12 businesses within NSW which is the “NSW Going Global Health Program”.

This has been a steep learning curve, but thanks to the government we are very grateful to have the opportunity of support and guidance in this arena.

What was the scariest/most challenging part of choosing an alternate career path?

When I first decided to move into the industry side of dental, and away from the clinical side, I was met with many challenges. One of these being the fact that dental therapy was not well known as a profession with many companies; added to a lack of understanding of my capabilities as a clinician.

To get my foot in the door I took a drop in pay, travelled further to my workplace, and worked longer hours. I also noticed that I was missing my patient base; but with the support of my partner – who is now my husband – I took the leap and created a path.

Were there people along the way who helped you get the career you wanted?

My number one supporter was, and still is, my husband. He encouraged me all the way with my career development and enabled me to mix business with

family due to his support. Many of the staff I worked with at the various companies helped me learn their skills and understand their roles and my current staff are amazing and teach me new things each day but it is our clients who work closely with us to develop our bespoke range and support us with advice and essential feedback that really allow us to innovate and expand.

Do you have any advice for DH or OHT who are looking for a change from clinical practice?

Once you have the itch, you need to act on it. However, I would suggest keeping your hand initially in your clinical duties even if casual or part-time if you are moving away from a practical role.

Once you have your idea, devise a plan and a timeline and circle yourself with encouraging, positive and supportive people to assist you with your ideas.

We are very fortunate to have amazing resources from our government through their portal which assist business owners in their endeavours.

Amanda Trennery

Managing Director Neomorph Mouthguards Tell us about your current role, and some of your day-to-day activities: I am a clinical dental hygienist at Townsend Orthodontics (South Australia) and the Managing Director of Neomorph Mouthguards.

My role as a dental hygienist is very part-time now (only three days a fortnight), enabling me to remain handson and connected to my profession and patients while allowing me time to follow my other passions.

As Managing Director of Neomorph Mouthguards (a startup with a modest budget), I have worn every hat that was practically possible and been very hands-on.

My roles have included product design, polymer and prototyping (in my oven), manufacturing, grant applications, regulations and legislation, legal aspects of warranties and disclaimers, e-commerce website development, packaging (graphic design, legal requirements, barcodes, postage), researching testing structure and criteria, accounting, sales and marketing and recruitment of specialist contractors.

With almost all of these activities, I eventually sourced a professional to complete the final stages, but I did as much of the leg work as I could to learn the process and save money.

What education or experience did you need for this role?

I received a Diploma in Dental Hygiene over 25 years ago. Since then, I have been a clinical hygienist in the High Caries Risk Clinic (Adelaide Dental Hospital), general practice, prosthodontics, orthodontics, orthodontic lecturer, and clinical tutor for both BOH & Dental Hygiene.

The combination of these experiences increased my knowledge base and confidence, but my passion for orthodontics enlightened me to the inadequacies of current mouldable mouthguards for our patients with and without orthodontics.

I started searching globally for customfitting mouthguards and found a product that I thought might be beneficial. For approximately three years I distributed this product to orthodontic practices around Australia until a dental company claimed exclusive rights to it.

As disappointing as it was to have that product taken away from me, the business knowledge and market research I gained during that three-year timeframe was priceless. It not only reinforced to me that I wasn’t the only one that thought we needed something better, but ultimately gave me the intel to create a mouthguard that could address our concerns.

I also completed the dental technicians course for laboratory mouthguards

18 which gave me practical knowledge; although I feel that most of what I know was through personal experience, personal interest, talking to clinicians, reading many research papers, dedication and perseverance.

What was the scariest/most challenging part of choosing an alternate career path?

For me the unknown is the scariest as my background has been forged in the need for security. I knew I had a great idea; I knew the demand was there and yet getting it from an idea to a product is a big leap that would require using personal finances and going public. I could find a myriad of reasons why I shouldn’t step out of my comfort zone, but these were also the reasons that I was so excited and invested to do it properly.

For me the most challenging part is setting aside the subconscious thoughts of “failure” and “who do you think you are?” that try to keep you safe.

Were there people along the way who helped you get the career you wanted?

Absolutely. I had spent many months researching where in the physical world (location) I might find a person that could help me, yet our product development was all set-in motion after a freak discussion at a funeral with a friend who is a scientist at Flinders University. The question I causally threw out was “You wouldn’t happen to know a nanoparticle polymer specialist, would you?”. As it turned out she did, and introduced me to that Professor at Flinders University, who then introduced me to the MDPP and the momentum began.

The business and entrepreneur sector is extremely supportive and I have been very fortunate to have had talented mentors that are keen to help me succeed. After achieving a few of the mandatory requirements, I received the MDPP Grant (Medical Device Partnering Program) which gave me 250 university hours to help me with technical expertise, a proof of concept prototype and a

Market Research report. (All of this in South Australia and 20 minutes from my house). This program is specifically designed to help determine whether a product or idea has merit. If it does, it will help you gain viable knowledge/ contacts to progress through various stages. If it doesn’t, this program is designed to find this out in the quickest and least expensive way possible. While MDPP originated in South Australia it has recently expanded to other states and I would highly recommend this program to anyone that has a medical/dental innovative idea.

My initial reports though this program encouraged me to push forward, and the connections I made helped me receive a Federal Grant (the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant) which ultimately gave me equal co-contributor financial assistance and a mentor to help me navigate the process. The relationships I had built over the time through the university were ultimately my savior. My mentors included polymer specialists, researchers, scientists, lawyers and business advisors, who have now become my “go to” people for specific issues.

Do you have any advice for DH or OHT who are looking for a change from clinical practice?

If you have a passion for something, follow it and see where it takes you. It doesn’t always mean that you need to invest heavily, but sometimes it does. If it does, then look into what options are available to help you (there are a lot of grants available for a variety of things).

Speak to people that have inspired you as most of them will be as passionate as you are and keen to help.

What I know about our profession is that we generally have a passion and a “fire in our belly” to do good things and the camaraderie that is forged from that can help you in amazing ways. We all have a background of baggage that we carry which can hold us back.

Just know that:

– You will never have all the answers but there are people that can help you with that – There is no such thing as a stupid question, you just don’t know what you don’t know…. so ask away. (I asked what I thought was a stupid question and that put the wheels in motion for me to develop Neomorph).

– are only alone if you choose to be, there is often a mentor closer than you think – Your family loves you and, in most cases, will have good intentions, but they will want to protect you and keep you safe, so they often won’t be your most supportive network – When you feel like you have too much going on, everything is piling up and you are overwhelmed, remember this phrase “How do you eat an elephant……one bite at a time!” (PS also remember it’s just a saying. It’s actually not OK to eat elephants!)

– There will always be “naysayers” (this is a hard pill for me to swallow and takes work). If you believe that what you’re doing has merit and you’re doing it for the right reasons, then just accept that anything that has magnitude may attract naysayers.

Listen, use whatever may be valuable to you, then file it wherever it belongs.

This could be in a drawer or the bin, don’t let it consume you and drain your energy – you have too much stuff to get done! n References: 1. Ng K, Ahmad AR, Ibrahim NN (2016), Theory of Planned Behavior: Undergraduates’ Entrepreneurial Motivation and Entrepreneurship Career Intention at a Public University. Journal of Entrepreneurship: Research & Practice, Article ID 615602, DOI: 10.5171/2016.792385 2. Singh A, Puriot, B. (2011) Dental Entrepreneurship – A Transitional Phase to Generation Next. Advances in Life Science and Technology, 2(25), 26-30.

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DESIGNED WITH KNOWLEDGE CREATED FOR IMPACT™ PROTECTION to safeguard teeth

SECURE CUSTOM FIT moulds firmly to stay in place

CONVENIENT 3-minute fit & no impression required

COMFORT to encourage wear

ABILITY TO REMOULD with or without orthodontics

UNRIVALLED TECHNOLOGY – IMPROVED PROTECTION Neomorph’s protection, secure custom fit and comfort is attributed to the design, material choice and unique triple-layered combination.

Our design interlinks specialised polymers to increase moulding and protective characteristics.

THE NEW BENCHMARK IN MOULDABLE MOUTHGUARDS FOR ATHLETES WITH OR WITHOUT ORTHODONTICS Designed by a Dental Hygienist to combine the best qualities of the professionally made mouthguard and the convenience of a “boil & bite”.

Neomorph is the ULTIMATE mouldable mouthguard for athletes WITH OR WITHOUT orthodontic appliances.

Neomorphs triple-layered system offers a secure, comfortable and protective mouthguard that can be moulded to suit teeth without orthodontic appliances or re-moulded as required to adjust for moving teeth……No more bulky, ill-fitting mouthguards that dislodge on impact!

The inner layer (NCore®) is made from a next-generation thermoplastic and designed to mould securely around teeth while also spreading the impact load. The outer layer is made from the same thermoplastic material as the laboratory-made mouthguard. It offers impact absorption for further protection and comfortable cushioning for lips, teeth and tooth on tooth impacts.

The “over the counter” mouthguard is the most widely used guard available, yet past protection and fit have rarely met our needs.

Neomorphs triple-layered system has re-engineered the “boil & bite” to provide a level of custom fit, comfort and protection previously unexpected in an “over the counter” mouthguard. cushioning to absorb impact energy comfortable reformable liner for teeth and soft tissues barrier to prevent attachment to orthodontics cushioning to absorb impact energy NCore® inlay moulds close to teeth for a secure custom fit, then sets semi-rigid to disperse impact energy

comfortable reformable liner for teeth and lips occlusal bite pad aids in protection for tooth on tooth impacts

Whether you’re a parent trying to protect your child, an athlete trying to protect yourself or a clinician trying to protect your patient, the end goal is the same…..and Neomorph ticks all the boxes.

Dental and Orthodontic practices are eligible for wholesale pricing (45% off RRP - minimum 12 units apply)

www.neomorphmouthguards.com | amanda@neomorphmouthguards.com

Made in Australia

The role of interdental cleaning for oral health, general health and quality of life

by Anna Nilvéus Olofsson DDS, Manager Odontology and Scientific Affairs, TePe Recent research shows that oral health is an essential prerequisite for people’s well-being and quality of life. In order to reach the global goals for oral health, the dental profession has a great responsibility to work with a preventive and healthpromoting approach.

Oral health is multi-faceted and includes the ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow and convey a range of emotions through facial expressions with confidence and without pain, discomfort and disease of the craniofacial complex, according to the definition from the World Dental Federation, FDI (Glick et al. 2016). With this definition in mind, oral health is an undeniable part of general health and well-being.

The broad consequences of oral disease Periodontal disease is common worldwide. It affects approximately 50 % of the adult population, and severe periodontitis prevalence varies from 10 to 15 %; prevalence figures are positively associated with increasing age (Chapple et al. 2015, Petersen and Ogawa 2012, Eke et al. 2015). Given the massive effects of the disease, it becomes clear that it should be a matter of global concern.

First, there is growing scientific support for a link between periodontal disease and several general diseases, e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Thus, oral diseases are no longer considered as local problems affecting the oral cavity but rather diseases with consequences for overall health (Holmstrup et al. 2017).

Research has also shown a significant association between periodontal disease and oral health-related quality of life – independent of factors like age, gender and other dental problems (Masood et al. 2019). The disease can contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of shame and vulnerability (Herrera et al.).

Oral diseases also have a vast impact from a financial perspective. In 2015, on a global basis, the total cost was shown to be $ 544.41 billion, where direct costs, measured as dental expenditures costs, accounted for $ 356.80 billion, and indirect

costs, measured as productivity losses, were $ 187.61 billion.

Among oral diseases, periodontitis was the second biggest cause for global productivity costs (Righolt et al. 2018). Severe periodontitis accounts for $ 54 billion yearly due to indirect costs (Listl et al. 2015).

Causes and prevention Dental professionals have a central role in preventing disease through a health-promoting approach based on science and proven clinical experience. Evaluating individual needs and conditions and weighing them together with scientific support should form the basis for instructions and recommendations, thus creating the best possible foundation for patient compliance and long-lasting oral health.

There are several risk factors for the development of periodontitis. Most important is the accumulation of a plaque biofilm along and below the gingival margin. Control and removal of this biofilm are of utmost importance to maintain oral health. The significance of good oral hygiene in order to prevent oral disease is, therefore, indisputable.

Toothbrushing and interdental cleaning are cornerstones to achieve high-quality oral hygiene. Interdental cleaning is associated with lower levels of periodontal disease, and periodontal health increases with a higher frequency of use of interdental cleaning devices (Marchesan et al. 2018). The recommendation of an interdental cleaning device needs to be tailored, but for the majority of the grown-up population, an interdental brush is to prefer.

A meta-review concluded that there is consistent evidence for interdental brushes being the most effective devices for interdental plaque removal (Sälzer et al. 2015). This is also stated in the report of the 11th European Workshop in Periodontology on primary prevention of periodontitis (Chapple et al. 2015). According to the working group, interdental brushes are the preferred choice for interdental cleaning, while floss is an alternative only when sites are too narrow for the interdental brush and show gingival and periodontal health.

These results were confirmed in a network meta-analysis where interdental brushes displayed the best result regarding gingival inflammation, plaque reduction and pocket reduction (Kotsakis et al. 2018).

From the presented articles, it appears that interdental brushes, when compared with other manual cleaning devices, have the highest efficacy in terms of plaque removal and periodontal parameters. Every recommendation regarding interdental cleaning devices must be tailored; the sizes and shapes of the interdental spaces must be considered. In addition, an individual who is recommended to use interdental brushes needs to be instructed regarding the appropriate size or sizes, and on an appropriate technique (Claydon 2008).

Conclusion Current research emphasises the importance of good oral hygiene in maintaining oral health and its consequences for general health and quality of life. Because the most common oral diseases are predominantly interdental diseases, preventive efforts must include interdental cleaning as an adjunct to toothbrushing in daily home care. In achieving optimal plaque control, the interdental brush is the preferred device for most of the adult population globally.

A preventive approach is well in line with the global goals for oral health 2020 from FDI, where one of the targets is to increase the population of people in all ages with healthy periodontium (Hobdell et al. 2003). FDI also has a vision for 2020 of ensuring that oral health is recognised and accepted as a core element of general health and well-being (Glick et al.

2012). In light of the financial reports, a preventive approach is most likely beneficial also from an economic perspective, since it will limit the need for other dental treatments.

Diseases in 2015. Righolt AJ, Jevdjevic M, Marcenes W, Listl S. J Dent Res. 2018 May;97(5):501-507.

Global Economic Impact of Dental Diseases. Listl S, Galloway J, Mossey PA, Marcenes W. J Dent Res. 2015 Oct;94(10):1355-61.

Interdental Cleaning Is Associated with Decreased Oral Disease Prevalence.

Marchesan JT, Morelli T, Moss K, Preisser JS, Zandona AF, Offenbacher S, Beck J. J Dent Res. 2018 Jul;97(7):773-778.

Efficacy of inter-dental mechanical plaque control in managing gingivitis - a meta-review.

Sälzer S, Slot DE, Van der Weijden FA, Dörfer CE. J Clin Periodontol. 2015 Apr;42 Suppl 16:S92-105.

Primary prevention of periodontitis: managing gingivitis.

Chapple IL, Van der Weijden F, Doerfer C, Herrera D, Shapira L, Polak D, Madianos P, Louropoulou A, Machtei E, Donos N, Greenwell H, Van Winkelhoff AJ, Eren Kuru B, Arweiler N, Teughels W, Aimetti M, Molina A, Montero E, Graziani F. J Clin Periodontol. 2015 Apr;42 Suppl 16:S71-6.

References

A network meta-analysis of interproximal oral hygiene methods in the

A new definition for oral health developed by the FDI World Dental

reduction of clinical indices of inflammation.

Federation opens the door to a universal definition of oral health.

Kotsakis GA, Lian Q, Ioannou AL, Michalowicz BS, John MT, Chu H.

Glick M, Williams DM, Kleinman DV, Vujicic M, Watt RG, Weyant RJ.

J Periodontol. 2018 May;89(5):558-570.

Int Dent J. 2016 Dec;66(6):322-324.

Current concepts in toothbrushing and interdental cleaning.

Primary prevention of periodontitis: managing gingivitis.

Claydon NC.

Chapple IL, Van der Weijden F, Doerfer C, Herrera D, Shapira L, Polak

Periodontol 2000. 2008;48:10-22.

D, Madianos P, Louropoulou A, Machtei E, Donos N, Greenwell H, Van

Global goals for oral health 2020.

Winkelhoff AJ, Eren Kuru B, Arweiler N, Teughels W, Aimetti M, Molina A,

Hobdell M, Petersen PE, Clarkson J, Johnson N.

Montero E, Graziani F.

Int Dent J. 2003 Oct;53(5):285-8.

J Clin Periodontol. 2015 Apr;42 Suppl 16:S71-6.

The global burden of periodontal disease: towards integration with chronic disease prevention and control. Petersen PE, Ogawa H. Periodontol 2000. 2012 Oct;60(1):15-39.

Update on Prevalence of Periodontitis in Adults in the United States: NHANES 2009 to 2012.

Eke PI, Dye BA, Wei L, Slade GD, Thornton-Evans GO, Borgnakke WS, Taylor GW, Page RC, Beck JD, Genco RJ. J Periodontol. 2015 May;86(5):611-22.

Comorbidity of periodontal disease: two sides of the same coin? An introduction for the clinician. Holmstrup P, Damgaard C, Olsen I, Klinge B, Flyvbjerg A, Nielsen CH, Hansen PR. J Oral Microbiol. 2017 Jun 14;9(1):1332710.

Relationship of periodontal disease and domains of Oral Health-related quality of life.

Masood M, Younis LT, Masood Y, Bakri NN, Christian B. J Clin Periodontol. 2019 Jan 18. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13072.

White Paper on Prevention and Management of Periodontal Diseases for Oral Health and General Health. Herrera D, Meyle J, Renvert S, Jin L. https://www.fdiworlddental.org/sites/default/files/media/resources/ gphp-2018-white_paper-en.pdf Global-, Regional-, and Country-Level Economic Impacts of Dental

POSITIVE VALUES by Lyn Carman

“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behaviour. Keep your behaviour positive because your behaviour becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” Mahatma Gandhi THANK YOU GANDHI! You have given us many a saying worthy of reflecting upon, I believe. And I begin this piece with this quote, as upon reflection, understanding how much values plays out in our lives is of vital importance.

I was once asked to write down my top five values in life. I stumbled and wondered, what are my values? What is a value? What are values I wish to live by?

What do you value? What are your values? Are your work values a match for you? Are you living your values? Do you have shared values in your relationships - personal, work, business, family, life?

Definition of values - principles or standards of behaviour; one’s judgement of what is important in life. The regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.

Principles. Moral principles.

Your values are what you believe are important for the way you live and work. When what you do, and the way you behave, match your values, then life is generally good – you are satisfied and content.

And so, the opposite is also true. When what you do and the way you behave DON’T match your values, life is generally not good, there is conflict within, a dissatisfaction and discontent.

There are two kinds of values generally – authentic and aspirational core values, and sadly many of the lists of values floating around are aspirational , values that an individual desperately wants to be true and yet are elusive and not lived.

In the below examples of individual and company values, we can begin to understand how, when an individual or a company is aligned and behaving in accordance with their stated values there is

23

congruence and authenticity. When the values appear aspirational and they may not be living or behaving in alignment with the stated values there is an incongruence, disconnection and a maybe even a level of distrust.

Gandhi Truth, Non-violence, Harmony, Morality and Simplicity Oprah Winfrey Courage, Perseverance, Generosity, Progress, Sincerity Stephen Hawking Perseverance, Gratitude, Generosity, Goodness Lego Imagination, Creativity, Fun, Learning, Caring, Quality Rio Tinto Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Accountability

How many of us know, and live by our values I wonder? Or do we simply borrow someone else’s values and wander through each day, wishing, hoping, and praying things would be better, different, or for us to feel more connected to self and others.

What are your current values, based on what you are experiencing in life right now? This can begin to elicit the authentic values you are living, whether you like it or not.

If you say that one of your values is ‘growth’, yet you are living life doing the same thing each day, eating the same food, saying the same words, doing the same job, watching the same TV programs, listening to the same opinions then ‘growth’ is an aspirational value that you would like to live, yet you are not. Your current authentic value, based on what you are experiencing, may be ‘stagnation’.

If you value adventure, for example, and your parents or others allow you to feel pressured into making ‘safe’ choices like a secure office career and a settled home life you will probably feel stifled. Perhaps a career that takes you travelling, owning your own business, or other opportunities for risk and adventure may be have you feeling stimulated and excited.

On the other hand, if you value security, the opposite applies. What some people would view as a “dream” opportunity to travel the world and be your own boss may leave you feeling insecure and craving something settled.

Eliciting and defining your personal values and then living by them can help you feel more fulfilled, and make choices that make you happy, even if they do not make sense to other people.

Values for different areas of life can vary greatly and overlap. For example, my business/work values are self-trust, grit and determination, leadership, success/ benchmarks, growth, and connection. Growth and connection are also personal values for me, yet grit and determination, and success/benchmarks are not.

I have my values written up and often remind myself to reflect and consider if I am consistently living them. When I feel discontent I usually find I am not. If I‘m procrastinating in an area I know will bring growth I can quite often reflect on not living, what is important to me - self-trust. I can then take action, to be coached or find a resource within to support me to live my value of self-trust.

The impact of not living our values can have a ripple effect through how we are experiencing life and, as Gandhi says: “Your values become your destiny.”

Below is a list of just 50 values, begin to distil what is non-negotiable for you and what is most important in life for the behaviours that motivate us and guide our decisions. Values elicitations and installations are a process that can have a powerful impact on your life and with the guidance of a coach can discuss the results you DO wish to have in your life, set clear and specific goals and then elicit the values that you will need to focus your energies on to obtain those outcomes/goals, for personal, family, business and/or career.

Share them with the people you spend time with and most importantly live them. n

Authenticity

Knowledge

Achievement

Leadership

Adventure

Learning

Authority

Love

Autonomy

Meaningful

Balance

Work

Beauty

Openness

Boldness

Optimism

Calm

Organisation

Certainty

Persistence

Compassion

Playfulness

Challenge

Pleasure

Collaboration

Poise

Community

Recognition

Competency

Religion

Contribution

Reputation

Creativity

Respect

Curiosity

Responsibility

Determination Security Fairness

Self-Respect

Faith

Service

Friendships

Spirituality

Fun

Stability

Growth

Strategic

Happiness

Thinking

Humor

Success

Influence

Tenacity

Inner Harmony Wealth Justice Kindness

Wisdom

A full state-by-state run-down of Association happenings around the country

STATE NATION NSW NSW contacts: Director Warrick Edwards directornsw@dhaa.info Chair Steven Chu chairnsw@dhaa.info Deputy Chair Jody Inouye contactnsw@dhaa.info

Enjoy two half-day GC Workshops at the National Canberra Arboretum

ACT ACT contacts: Director Amy McDermott. directoract@dhaa.info Bill Suen bill.suen@dhaa.info

n As the ACT Committee farewell ACT Chair Susie Melrose and Deputy Chair Michelle Bonney after many years of service, we are calling for members to join us to help planning local events and connecting with important stakeholders.

2021 will be a year full of opportunities and local support and coordination with the National office is crucial to ensure success in

ACT. If you are interested to join the committee or find out more, please contact DHAA CEO Bill Suen The next ACT event will be two half-day GC workshops on surface protection and fibre reinforced composite.

These will be held on Saturday 22 May at the beautiful National Canberra Arboretum, Molonglo Valley.

After a year of restrictions and uncertainties, the Terrace Room and Discovery Garden is the perfect day to mix business with pleasure for a day of great education, relaxation and mingling with friends.

Places are limited for workshops, so please register early to avoid missing out.

n DHAA NSW is entering 2021 with a big fanfare at the Hunter Valley. NSW Chair Steven Chu said: ”This event will give our NSW members a great start to the year’s CPD activities.”

The day will be loaded with fascinating and diverse topics, such as; Airflow for Join DHAA NSW for a great getaway weekend of CPD in the Hunter Valley

preparation of restorative treatments; motivational interview skills; career development; independent practice and social media marketing for the dental practice.”

The line-up of presenters could not be more impressive, with Professors Ian Myers and Deborah Cockrell, Dr Alexander Holden and Tabitha Acret.

The Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is where all these exciting programs will be delivered.

A great weekend getaway with family and start accumulating over five hours of scientific CPD with the experts.

25 For all the latest info on DHAA events please visit www.dhaa.info/events

NT

Qld

NT Contact: Staff Bill Suen bill.suen@dhaa.info

Qld Contacts: Director Carol Tran. directorqld@dhaa.info

n With NT Director Tabitha Acret and State Chair Meghan Argentino both exiting their positions last year, we are seeking NT members’ assistance to advise our Board and the CEO on important issues that affects the territory.

From local events to NTspecific issues, the input of local members is invaluable.

For details email Bill Suen or call 0412 831 669.

Chair Jen Turnbull chairqld@dhaa.info Deputy Chair Lizzy Horsfall contactqld@dhaa.info

n The Queensland committee hosted a workshop on the role of oral health in domestic and family violence prevention.

Presenter Catherine Walsh pointed out that the dental appointment is often an occasion that a domestic violence victim may be able

Catherine Walsh presenting the Queensland workshop

“ The dental appointment is often an occasion that a domestic violence victim may be able to go to alone” to go to alone, and regularly.

It is up to members of our profession to look out for the subtle signs and if we are ever in the position to help, know where we can 'Recognise, Respond, Refer and Record’.

One attendee found the interactive activity really insightful, and she would love to explore this topic in more detail, saying: ”All members of the dental community should have this sort of training.”

The Queensland committee is already planning their next event so please look out for details to be released shortly.

SA SA Contacts Director: Cheryl Dey president@dhaa.info Chair: Sue Tosh chairsa@dhaa.info Chair Sally Hinora contactsa@ dhaa.info

n It has been relatively quiet for DHAA in South Australia through January, but we join the rest of the dental community to recognise some local dentistry awards.

SA dentist Dr Mark Hutton has been elected to the federal presidency of the ADA. Dr Susan Gaffney and Emeritus Professor Wayne Sampson were both appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on Australia Day, 2021.

This is certainly a great start of the year for SA.

26 Tas Tas Contact Director: Alyson McKinlay directortas@dhaa.info Chair: Michael Charlton-Fitzgerald chairtas@dhaa.info

n A Tasmanian membersonly meeting was held online via Zoom in January.

It was great to have an opportunity for members to catch up after the long break even if it was only virtually.

Director Alyson McKinlay and State Chair Michael Charlton were both on hand to seek members’ input in planning the year.

A face-to-face event is on the drawing board, plus suggestions for a local small group study club and other modes of social CPD events were raised and well received.

It's great to see that Tasmanian members are keen to try innovative ways to deliver CPD this year.

Vic Vic Contacts Director Ron Knevel. directorvic@dhaa.info Chair Desiree Bolado chairvic@dhaa.info Deputy Chair Aimee Mills contactvic@dhaa.info

n We thank,and farewell, outgoing Victorian State Chair Sarah Laing for her leadership. She has just

Some of the speakers that presented at the 'Back to Business' brunch

handed over the baton to Desiree Bolado. Committee member Aimee Mills also steps up to take the Deputy Chair role.

The Victorian team has been active in reaching out to universities. A joint ADOHTA/DHAA webinar was held to introduce both of our Associations to oral health students from Melbourne University, La Trobe University and Holmesglen (Charles Sturt University).

A second webinar was organised for students graduating from Melbourne University. The broadcast was targeted at supporting them on career planning and job search. The ‘Get That Job’ workshop provided important practical tips to support the new graduates as they navigate through the waters of the job searching process, and to ensure plain sailing as they head-off on their professional journey.

WA WA Contacts Director: Aileen Lewis. directorwa@dhaa.info Chair: Carmen Jones chairwa@dhaa.info Deputy Chair: Rhonda Kremmer contactwa@dhaa.info

n The joint DHAA/ADOHTA WA ‘Back to Business’ brunch, was held on Sunday 31 January.

The sell-out event focused on women's health, mental health and supporting women who have suffered domestic abuse in the community. Discussions were held on a number of orthodontic case studies and the event concluded with a financial advisor presenting a number of practical tips for the working woman on how to manage finances effectively.

All of those in attendance

were well-aware of the stringent COVID-safe measures that had been put in place. The effort was no doubt appreciated when, during the session, the news broke that an urgent total lockdown of Perth Metropolitan and other regions had been called due to a possible breach at a WA Hotel quarantine site – with a possible link to the UK mutant virus. With the COVID-safe plan in action, attendees could feel safe that all appropriate measures were in place to minimise the risk of community transmission at the event.

The next DHAA event in WA will be a special celebration of the World Oral Health Day dinner on Wednesday 17 March, at The Pagoda, with Laura Drummond presenting the latest technology on remineralisation, material screening, pH testing and saliva quality. n

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