Dr Sarah Raphael is the ADA NSW representative on the NSW Ministry of Health Poison’s Advisory Committee.

This committee is responsible for monitoring and advising on medicines and poison’s in NSW.

Read the news from the most recent meeting held in March that is most relevant to oral health below:

• A New Federal Poisons Standard came into force on 1 February 2023, however there are no changes that directly impact dentistry
• The Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2022 (NSW) has passed parliament and will commence following the development of the Regulation to support the Act (expected in early 2024).
• The TGA has enforced new restrictions on Paracetamol packaging and points of sale in efforts to reduce intentional overdoses.
• Implementation of SafeScript NSW – the real time prescription monitoring system is proving successful in identifiying unsafe prescribing practises.
• Nicotine vaping product use in NSW is concerning and NSW Health is closely monitoring the situation. The TGA provides guidance for prescribers and is acting upon illegal supply.