www.daaqld.com e-Newsletter DENTAL ASSISTANTS ASSOCIATION Qld Inc. Inside this Issue PRESIDENT - Michelle Ricks-McKenzie Ph: 3885 2807 (after 7pm) SECRETARY - Cathy Heenan Ph: 3902 1785 Fax: 3399 3469 Email: [email protected]PO Box 492, Cannon Hill Qld 4170 TREASURER - Anita Greensill Ph: 0432 654 737 EDITOR - Rebecca Ede Email: [email protected]Feb - Mar 2011 President’s Report 1 2011 Qld Public Holidays 2 Diary Dates 3 AGM 4 State Awards Information 5 Compulsary Documents in the Workplace 6 Integrity of Dental Assistant Certificate III 8 Attention Qld Health Members 9 Handpiece Operation & Maintenance Workshop 10 An Accident Waiting to Happen 12 John Arvier - ROMAC Project 13 Sitting Exercises 14 Oral Health Bites 15 President’s Report Greetings as we embark on another very busy year for our Association. I welcome our new and renewed members for 2011 and encourage you all to participate in the planning of future professional development events for dental assistants. 2011 is already providing us with plenty of challenges and our best wishes to all who have suffered in the recent floods and cyclone Yasi. We believe that many dental practices were affected by flood waters and this means a lot of dental assistants will be dealing with uncertainty whilst decisions are being made to reopen or rebuild. On behalf of the DAA Qld Inc. membership, $500 has been donated to the Premier’s Flood Appeal, and it is hoped that Queensland can quickly recover from the devastation of Yasi and the inundation of two-thirds of our state. The future of your Association depends on your involvement in the support of initiatives that enhance the role of dental assistants within the dental industry. We invite you all to participate in your Association, as committee members, learning many new skills and enjoying new friendships whilst planning events for the future which will benefit dental assistants in Queensland. The way we approach life affects our environment and our ability to be heard and understood. Being members of the health care profession, it is critical that our knowledge and skills are kept up to date and the progressive changes are understood and implemented. Practice Accreditation will cover infection control, continuing professional development, occupational health and safety, professional licensing and registration, administration, billing and record keeping, equipment licensing and environmental protection. These standards should improve the safety and quality of dental care in Australia but the responsibility that will inevitably be transferred to some dental assistants will surely require an further review of this expanded role. Professional development for dental assistants is an essential part of your career development and we urge you to review the Events section of the DAA Qld Inc. website and avail yourself of the various workshops and conferences that will maintain and value-add to your currency in the dental industry. I am proud to be part of this industry and the DAA Qld Inc. assisted by a fantastic committee that works tirelessly and supports me in all our industry representative roles, functions, meetings, and workshops and I give my sincere thanks to them all. As a not for profit professional Association, we work closely with other organisations within the Oral Health sphere. On behalf of the DAA Qld Inc. congratulations to ADAQ Training and Southbank TAFE for providing the formal education that creates essential dental assistants and practice managers career pathways. I would also like to thank our sponsoring dental companies, LHMU, and Queensland Health for their support; it is very much appreciated and we look forward to these continued partnerships. Delegates who attended any of our recent continuing professional training and development e.g. the Critical Instrument Tracking and the Handpiece Maintenance workshops will agree they are invaluable educational opportunities and the networking is always a lot of fun! Our Annual Conference Dental Assisting and Beyond will be held on the 13th of August 2011 at the Sofitel Hotel. Mark this in your dairies, as we guarantee another wonderful programme. The high regard for the DAA Qld Inc. Conference is maintained by the high quality of the presenters, sponsors and speakers and we look forward to showcasing the very best again in 2011. We look forward to sharing the exciting and challenging year ahead with you all! Michelle Ricks-McKenzie DAA Qld Inc MEMBERSHIP JOIN | RENEW Now
Transcript
www.daaqld.com
e-NewsletterDental assistants association Qld inc.
President’s Report 12011 Qld Public Holidays 2Diary Dates 3AGM 4State Awards Information 5Compulsary Documents in the Workplace 6Integrity of Dental Assistant Certificate III 8Attention Qld Health Members 9Handpiece Operation & Maintenance Workshop 10An Accident Waiting to Happen 12John Arvier - ROMAC Project 13Sitting Exercises 14Oral Health Bites 15
President’s ReportGreetings as we embark on another very busy year for our Association. I welcome our new and renewed members for 2011 and encourage you all to participate in the planning of future professional development events for dental assistants.
2011 is already providing us with plenty of challenges and our best wishes to all who have suffered in the recent floods and cyclone Yasi. We believe that
many dental practices were affected by flood waters and this means a lot of dental assistants will be dealing with uncertainty whilst decisions are being made to reopen or rebuild. On behalf of the DAA Qld Inc. membership, $500 has been donated to the Premier’s Flood Appeal, and it is hoped that Queensland can quickly recover from the devastation of Yasi and the inundation of two-thirds of our state.
The future of your Association depends on your involvement in the support of initiatives that enhance the role of dental assistants within the dental industry. We invite you all to participate in your Association, as committee members, learning many new skills and enjoying new friendships whilst planning events for the future which will benefit dental assistants in Queensland.
The way we approach life affects our environment and our ability to be heard and understood. Being members of the health care profession, it is critical that our knowledge and skills are kept up to date and the progressive changes are understood and implemented. Practice Accreditation will cover infection control, continuing professional development, occupational health and safety, professional licensing and registration, administration, billing and record keeping, equipment licensing and environmental protection. These standards should improve the safety and quality of dental care in Australia but the responsibility that will inevitably be transferred to some dental assistants will surely require an further review of this expanded role.
Professional development for dental assistants is an essential part of your career development and we urge you to review the Events section of the DAA Qld Inc. website and avail yourself of the various workshops and conferences that will maintain and value-add to your currency in the dental industry. I am proud to be part of this industry and the DAA Qld Inc. assisted by a fantastic committee that works tirelessly and supports me in all our industry representative roles, functions, meetings, and workshops and I give my sincere thanks to them all.
As a not for profit professional Association, we work closely with other organisations within the Oral Health sphere. On behalf of the DAA Qld Inc. congratulations to ADAQ Training and Southbank TAFE for providing the formal education that creates essential dental assistants and practice managers career pathways. I would also like to thank our sponsoring dental companies, LHMU, and Queensland Health for their support; it is very much appreciated and we look forward to these continued partnerships. Delegates who attended any of our recent continuing professional training and development e.g. the Critical Instrument Tracking and the Handpiece Maintenance workshops will agree they are invaluable educational opportunities and the networking is always a lot of fun!
Our Annual Conference Dental Assisting and Beyond will be held on the 13th of August 2011 at the Sofitel Hotel. Mark this in your dairies, as we guarantee another wonderful programme. The high regard for the DAA Qld Inc. Conference is maintained by the high quality of the presenters, sponsors and speakers and we look forward to showcasing the very best again in 2011.
We look forward to sharing the exciting and challenging year ahead with you all!
Information for Members2011 Qld Public Holidays Good Friday - Friday 22 April
Saturday after Good Friday - Saturday 23 April
Anzac Day - Monday 25 April
Easter Monday - Tuesday 26 April **
Labour Day - Monday 2 May
Queen's Birthday - Monday 13 June
Royal Queensland Show - Brisbane Area - Wednesday 17 August
Christmas Day - Monday 26 December
Boxing Day - Tuesday 27 December
* The , as amended by the on 7 October 2010, provides for both days to be observed as public holidays
**The Queensland Government has appointed Tuesday 26 April 2011 as a substitute public holiday for Easter Monday. *** Show holidays and other special holidays are also observed on various dates in other regions.
All financial members of the Dental Assistants Association of Qld Inc. are encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting at 6.30pm on Wed 16th March, 2011 at Dental Depot, 6/43 Sandgate Road, Albion, Brisbane. As several long-serving current Management Committee members will be leaving their leadership roles, critical vacancies must be filled at this year’s AGM. We ask all Dental Assistants who value their DAA Qld Inc, to give serious consideration to becoming part of the management team. No experience necessary - you will be welcomed and offered mentoring and genuine support by other committee members. The challenges that Queenslanders have faced in early 2011 have seen many offer their support in a variety of voluntary roles. DAA Qld Inc. Management Committee involvement can be motivational and instructive - acquiring new skills and knowledge & fully developing your personal potential, creativity and team interaction. A role on the DAA Qld Inc. Management Committee can also become an important part of your resume, build a positive reputation and demonstrates your commitment to the Dental Assistant and broader Oral Health community The DAA Qld Inc. can no longer exist without members who are willing to devote some time to supporting their organisation so come on you versatile, multi-talented Dental Assistants – develop your networks and reap the benefits of being part of the DAA Qld Inc. Management team! ( DAA Qld Inc. Membership is now due!Click HERE to RENEW NOW!
Please contact [email protected] if you areunsure of your membership status
From the first pay period on or after 1 February 2011, most non-constitutional corporation employers in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania will be covered by the conditions in modern awards. This has an impact on the minimum pay and conditions that these employers must provide to their employees. Prior to this date, all of the terms, including pay rates, loadings and penalties contained in a Division 2B State award will continue to apply
The employers affected include sole traders, partnerships, other unincorporated entities and non-trading corporations in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania who are covered by a Division 2B State award. In Victoria, all employers have been a part of the national workplace relations system since 1996 and modern awards have applied from 1 January 2010.
Unfair Dismissal - Important change to the definition of "small business" from 01.01.11 As of 1 January 2011, when an employee makes an “unfair dismissal” claim, only businesses that employ fewer than 15 employees qualify as a small business .The change to the definition is based on a “headcount” of each employee, irrespective of hours worked. Before the adjustment, a small business was one that employed fewer than 15 full-time equivalent employees. This is a very important distinction, especially if your employer has a number of part-time staff, encourages job sharing and provides flexible working arrangements. The number of employees also includes casuals employed on a regular, systematic basis and employees of associated entities.
IndustrialState award employers’ transition to modern awards
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Compulsory documents in your workplaceHealth Professionals and Support Services Award 2010 (Private Sector)Clause 5. Access to the award and the National Employment StandardsThe employer must ensure that copies of this award and the NES are available to all employees to whom they apply either on a noticeboard which is conveniently located at or near the workplace or through electronic means, whichever makes them more accessible.http://www.fwa.gov.au/documents/modern_awards/pdf/MA000027.pdf
National Employment Standards10: Provision of a Fair Work Information StatementEmployers must provide this statement to all new employees. It containsinformation about the NES, modern awards, agreement-making, the right to freedom of association, termination of employment, individual flexibility arrangements, right of entry, transfer of business, and the respective roles of Fair Work Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman.http://www.fairwork.gov.au/factsheets/FWO-Fact-sheet-Fair-Work-Information-Statement-and-the-NES.pdf
Pay slipsEmployers must issue pay slips to each employee within 1 working day of their pay day. It’s best practice for these to be written in plain and simple English. The pay slip must be issued in electronic form or hard copy. The employee’s pay slip must include...http://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/pay-slips/pages/default.aspx
DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICES EMPLOYEES’ AWARD - STATE 2003 (Qld Health)11.4 Posting of AwardA copy of this Award will be displayed in a conspicuous and convenient place on the employer’s premises so as to be easily read by all relevant employees. http://www.qirc.qld.gov.au/resources/pdf/awards/d/d0110.pdf
Dental Board of Australia stipulations contained in Dental Guidelines on Infection Control
1. Documentation
1.1 Every place where dental care is provided must have the following documents in either hard copy or electronic form (the latter includes guaranteed Internet access). Every working dental practitioner and all staff must have access to these documents:
a). a manual setting out the infection control protocols and procedures used in that practice, which is based on the documents listed at sections 1.1(b), (c) and (d) of these guidelines and with reference to the concepts in current practice noted in the documents listed under References in these guidelines
b). the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/ NZS 4815: Office-based health care facilities – Reprocessing of reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of the associated environment (dental practitioners work under AS/NZS 4815 unless they work within an organisation that operates under AS/NZS 4187:[current edition] Cleaning disinfecting and sterilising reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of associated environments in health care facilities)
c). Infection control guidelines for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases in the health care setting endorsed by the Communicable Diseases Network Australia, the National Public Health Partnership and the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council and published by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aging (available from http://www.health.gov.au)
d). The current Australian Dental Association Guidelines for Infection Control is available at: Dental Guidelines on Infection Control
Integrity of Dental Assistant Cert III qualification maintained!
The DAA Qld Inc. is pleased to report that the Cert III in Dental Assisting (HLT31807) draft Version 3.0 has been exempted from new “flexibility” packaging rules which were imposed by the National Quality Council (NQC) Packaging Rule requirements for ‘high use’ qualifications, “emerging from recommendations of the NQC’s 2009 VET Products for the 21st Century report, the NQC has introduced changes to Training Package policy relating to the Packaging rules of qualifications. The new requirements are intended to increase the flexibility of qualifications.”
The NQC packaging rule requirements specify that all Training Package qualifications
“Include a minimum number of electives for each qualification & one third or more of the total number of units required must be electives ….without increasing the size of the qualification”
“Allow a broader choice of electives: importing units to Training package qualification electives to be allowed and encouraged in order to widen choice….and one sixth of the total units must be able to be selected from other qualifications in the same Training Package, other Training package and accredited courses”
These changes affected the many of qualifications across the Training Packages and feedback was sought by Community Services & Health Industry Skills Council www.cshisc.com.au by 10.09.11. Concurrently, The DAA Qld Inc was extremely disappointed to read in another CSHISC communication “Open Minds, Open Mouths” – “Development of Oral Health Competencies for the Community and Health Workforce” (26.08.10), that the Community Health sector was invited to give feedback on Dental Assistant qualifications but the DAA Qld Inc. & other Oral Health organisations were excluded !!!
To all those listed below, this issue affects you!
Come and voice your opinion at one of several Oral Health consultation forums - Open minds on opening mouths.
The CS&H ISC is committed to gathering industry feedback and intelligence on the workforce development needs of the community services and health industries with a view to continuously improve our training packages. This is
DAA Qld Inc. e-Newsletter Feb - Mar 2011 : 9
Members may be interested in page 37 of the CSHISC Oral Health Workforce – Developing Oral Health Care Competencies for the Community Services and Health Industries:
.
More information about the exemption of the Cert III in Dental Assisting ( HLT31807) and other qualifications can be found at this link:
ATTENTION QLD HEALTH MEMBERS – www.daaqld.com IS NOW AN “ALLOWABLE” SITE!!
Qld Health members now have access to their Association’s website after inclusion as an “Allowable Site” on QHEPS. Members do not require full internet access - as long as you have a Qld Health Groupwise email address and can access QHEPS, move the cursor over our website address www.daaqld.com select “control” followed by a left click, you should gain access to the website.
ATTENTION QLD HEALTH MEMBERSwww.daaqld.com IS NOW AN “ALLOWABLE” SITE!!
EducationHandpiece Operation and Maintenance WorkshopReport by Lyn Peauril
The heart of the dental surgery and laboratory are the handpieces and associated components. Without theses advanced tools the dental industry would be back in the dark ages. The micro engineering technology brilliantly derived from turbines of the aerospace industry - expensive, powerful, ergonomic operation, refined for surgery.
This workshop held at Dental Depot on 2nd February covered• Hand piece Operation• II. User Maintenance• III. Trouble Shooting• IV. Preparation for Sterilization
Mr Charles North (from Dental Depot) is not only of a commanding stature but a walking encyclopedia for the fortunate 20 registrants. The most notable show and tell of the evening was the variety of handpieces presented in cross section cut form showing the inside workings, as well as the damage caused by not strictly following manufacturer recommended service maintenance manual. Using different chemicals from the manufacturers’ recommendations can have a devastating corrosive effect on handpieces operating micro heads at 25,000rpm.
The main features learned from the workshop were as follows;
1. A workshop of this first class calibre should be mandatory attendance for anyone working in thedental environment.2. Confusion exists between the correct sterilizing process and handling of the high quality components and dental handpieces.3. An acute need for manufacturers to address a generic chart for all, especially Central Sterilising Departments for handling and the recommended chemicals for each brand.4. An adaptor for the Assistina should be mandatory supplied with the handpiece regardless of the brand in order to be able to appropriately lubricate and sterilize.
Question for Charles:
Q. What happens with slow speed handpieces that still have black debris coming out after being sprayed 3 times?
A. There are several possible causes for this:
1. The handpiece is contaminated inside and the contamination has hardened (largely due to sterilization) and this contamination will continue to leach out. The only solution is to have the handpiece stripped and serviced. This problem is more evident on older style handpieces which do not have anti-retraction incorporated into them.
2. It is also possible that the contamination can come through from the motor, although this usually means that the debris will be present on all handpieces used on that particular motor.
DAA Qld Inc. e-Newsletter Feb - Mar 2011 : 11
3. Black debris can also be caused by the breakdown of bearings. This is usually accompanied by a change in the noise made by the handpiece. It may be a rattling, grinding or squealing noise and will also be accompanied by a change in the performance/feel of the handpiece.
www.ddqld.com.au
The DAA Qld Inc will host the next Handpiece Operation and Maintenance Workshop on Wed 8th June at Dental Depot, Albion.
DAA Qld Inc. e-Newsletter Feb - Mar 2011 : 12
Life is full of unpredictable events some of which can have dreadful life changing results. Please do not complain or think that any advice given by staff members for work place accidents or hazards is a waste of time. It could be very valuable advice that could save a life. The following is about an incident which could have had a very bad outcome.
End of day procedures: running a solution through the aspirator units in each surgery. Dental assistant dressed in a dental smock, protective glasses and industrial standard gloves working over a large sink, was squeezing a bottle of Disinfectant for dental aspirators. She was looking at the solution as it rose up into the clear plastic measure attached to the bottle when the whole inside mechanism shot up out of the bottle hit the cupboards and ceiling coming back down all over her. Because it all happened so quickly and she got such a fright, she screamed but looked up as the solution was dripping back down on to her.
We placed a towel over the top of her head to protect her from any further drips. We then placed her face and head down into the sink and splashed water on to her face, glasses and head. Using a wet towel we wiped the solution off the back of her neck and head.
The water remained running for a number of minutes. She was then wrapped in a large towel and escorted to the showers, keeping her eyes closed at all times. She was instructed to stay in the shower for at least 30 minutes using shampoo and antibacterial gentle wash.
The solution was quite oily and did take some time to wash off the skin. New clothes were supplied, and after checking for any skin reaction it was decided a visit to the doctor was important.
The dental assistant did not want to see a doctor so we took her to the pharmacy with the bottle of disinfectant and the Material Safety Data Sheet. Once the chemist read the list of ingredients which were very clearly labeled, he was able to issue a suitable cream in case the skin started to react.
The company was notified and the incident recorded. The solution was returned to the company so that testing could be done on the packaging. Without the correct PPE, permanent eye damage could have been the outcome. The skin could have been irritated as the solution contains corrosive ingredients which could have caused severe burns. The dental assistant was very lucky to avoid injury but this is a story that needed to be told as the result could have been very different.
If you know of an incident which you would like to share with others please contact us at [email protected] so that other dental assistants can benefit from this information.
National registration is now part of dental practice;
does your practice meet the ADB requirements?
Integrated Infection Control is a company
specializing in all aspects of infection control and instrument sterilization for dental practice – Infection Control Management Plans Infection Control Protocols and SOP’s In-house coaching and training Advice, audits, evaluations and reviews Policy and procedure writing Surgery design
Contact us for a quote www.integratedinfectioncontrol.com
Planning is already underway for the Dental Assisting & Beyond Annual Conference and the Expression of Interest brochure will be forwarded soon. Unfortunately there has been a delay due to the recent floods however everything seems to be back on track now, so information on the Conference and the May workshop will be provided to members directly.
Over the years we have had excellent speakers who have generously given their time for dental assistant education, and you may remember Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr John Arvier and the life-changing work he does for disadvantaged children with the support from Rotary Overseas Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC). Dr Arvier has provided some project feedback to.
members on Rocelyn Higana (pictured before and after surgery), a young girl from the Philippines who was brought to Australia by Rotary/ROMAC in late 2007 for removal of a large mid-facial tumour, and subsequent reconstruction utilising pieces of titanium mesh to replace some of the missing facial bones.
She will require further reparative treatment at Wesley Hospital as a portion of the mesh below her left eye has recently ulcerated through the overlying skin, causing local irritation and infection around the lower eyelid. Rocelyn is now in 1st year high school in Butuan City, and she is a recipient of the school’s scholarship program.
John Arvier - ROMAC project
DAA Qld Inc. e-Newsletter Feb - Mar 2011 : 14
Move your career forward
Upgrade your knowledge of infection control and instrument processing to implement best practise at work. Study part-time:
■ Learn the theory online ■ Attend a 2-day workshop ■ Receive your certificate of attainment.
Build on your extensive knowledge and experience and gain a formal qualification. You can get your skills recognised in as little as 3 months. There are 4 simple steps:
1. Contact our RPL Co-ordinator2. Complete your self assessment and enrol3. Demonstrate your skills4. Obtain your qualification*.
Dental Assisting (Instrument Processing and Infection Control)
Certifi cate III Dental Assisting - Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
CRIC
OS P
rovi
der N
o. 0
3020
E |
HSC
SD10
1010
9
Dental
Enquire today for 2011 start. Contact Karen Jones on 07 3244 6261 or [email protected]
southbank.edu.au*If you need any gap training this will be provided first and then you will receive your qualification
Sitting Exercises By Greg Capitolo
Extended periods of sitting seem to be an occupational hazard in today’s information age. Even if you have good posture habits and the best ergonomic chair, your body will need a break to release muscle tension, stress, and stagnation in the joints.
Fortunately, it’s easy to adapt some yoga postures for the office, allowing you to reap the benefits of hatha yoga without ever leaving your chair. Treat yourself to a five-minute break with this revitalizing sequence. Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/sitting-exercises-for-the-office.html#ixzz1DV7IPaGj
Smokers now face another risk from their habit: it could cost them a shot at a job. More hospitals and medical businesses in many USA states are adopting strict policies that make smoking a reason to turn away job applicants, saying they want to increase worker productivity, reduce health care costs and encourage healthier living.
Evidence shows keeping wisdom teeth may be more harmful than previously thought
Having wisdom teeth removed during young adulthood not only improves dental and oral health, but may also reduce the chance of illness later in life, according to research from American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), surgeons and academics. The evidence-based data confirmed what dentists and health professionals have been telling patients for years: having your wisdom teeth removed while you are young helps you stay healthy.
New mask study supports CDC's updated guidance for seasonal flu prevention strategies
Crosstex International, a subsidiary of Cantel Medical Corp. (NYSE: CMN), announced the publication of sponsored research that suggests a far greater infection prevention value of medical face masks, commonly referred to as surgical masks, than previously understood. The key outcome challenges conventional wisdom that a medical mask or respirator is most effective when worn by a person attempting to protect oneself from exposure to infectious matter
An individual who undergoes dental surgery has a higher risk of developing a heart attack or stroke for a few weeks after the procedure, British researchers have revealed in an article published in the peer-reviewed journal Annals of Internal Medicine. The elevated risk is no longer there six months later. Read more: http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=25908&Cat=5&dt=1/16/2011
Taste Genes Predict Tooth Decay
Dental caries is a highly prevalent disease that is disproportionately distributed in the population. Caries occurrence and progression is known to be influenced by a complex interplay of both environmental and genetic factors, with numerous contributing factors having been identified including bacterial flora, dietary habits, fluoride exposure, oral hygiene, salivary flow, salivary composition, and tooth structure.
