The ADA NSW leadership team and members have been advocating to advance dentistry leading up to the Federal Election in May. These efforts have been integral in highlighting oral health in the overall health of Australians.
ADA NSW aims to advocate for the dental profession by being a leading influencer with the community, stakeholders and government. Our goal is to increase awareness of the connection between oral health and general health to improve the health of every Australian.
ADA NSW President Dr Dominic Aouad has met with the Bradfield candidate Gisele Kapterian and the shadow Health minister the Hon. Anne Ruston to discuss the critical role oral health plays in the overall health of Australians. The conversation covered the potential for a Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme, but more importantly, it focused on creating a vision of what a healthy Australian looks like, prioritising prevention and shaping a future centred on proactive, holistic healthcare – including oral health.
ADA NSW Vice-President Dr Jodie Olivier participated in the NSW Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing (MACA) Oral Health Project at NSW Parliament House. MACA is the official advisory body to the NSW Government on matters of interest to older people. It has identified oral health for older people as a particular focus area this year. A number of dental stakeholders joined MACA for a workshop identifying state-based initiatives to improve the oral health of older people. The project continues as MACA prepares a position paper for relevant Ministers, with ongoing stakeholder involvement.
In other advocacy efforts, local MP Dr Gordon Reid visited Dr Rouel Vergara to discuss his support for Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule (SDBS). Whilst ADA NSW Member and Deputy Chair of the Advocacy Committee Dr Mohit Tolani had an insightful discussion with Shellharbour Anna Watson MP regarding dentistry. The pair discussed the Seniors Dental Benefit Schedule, providing better oral health services for the marginalised and increased accessibility in the locality. They also discussed the inclusion of compulsory comprehensive oral health assessment as part of Medicare (rather than optional).
ADA NSW member Dr Mark Wotherspoon has met with State MP Dr Joe McGirr, the Independent member for Wagga Wagga. They discussed the need to expand the provision of portable dentistry so that older dependent Australians can have the best health and quality of life.
Learn more:
To learn more about the advocacy efforts of ADA NSW, please visit:
www.adansw.com.au/about/advocacy
