At DHSV we have done significant work to promote and support the role of dental and oral health therapists. Last year, the Victorian Minister for Health, David Davis awarded our Director Clinical Leadership, Education and Research, Professor Hanny Calache and his team the ‘Developing a Capable and Engaged Workforce Award’ for a project that focussed on expanding the scope of practice of dental therapists to adults aged 26 years and over

We look forward to continuing to work with healthcare professionals and the community to highlight the important role that dental and oral health therapists play in providing high quality care to the Victorian population.

It’s one of Australia’s least understood diseases yet each day, at least three Australians are diagnosed. Oral cancer is aggressive and if not detected early, sufferers only have a 50% chance of surviving past five years.

Early diagnoses and healthier lifestyle choices are the two best weapons you have to fight this deadly disease.

Oral cancers can affect any part of the mouth, but is most commonly found in the tongue, floor of the mouth, lips and cheeks.

Dental professionals recommend that people look out for red and white patches in their mouths and sores and ulcers that do not heal within two weeks. In most cases, spots in the mouth will be harmless, but it is important not to delay a diagnosis.

If you have any of these symptoms, see your oral health professional for a check up as soon as possible.

What should I look for?

• A sore or an ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks
• A lump or thickening in the cheek
• White or red patches in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
• Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth
• Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable

What can I do to reduce the risk?

Quit smoking:

More than 75% of oral cancers in Australia occur in people who smoke. The more often and the heavier you smoke, the higher your chances of developing oral cancer.

By quitting, a smoker will halve their risk of developing oral cancer within five years.

If you need help to quit, call the Quitline on 137 848.
 

Reduce alcohol intake:

Heavy drinking (more than four standard drinks on one occasion) increases your risk of oral cancer, and this is especially true when drinking is combined with smoking. Never underestimate how much you drink (one standard drink is not necessarily one glass of wine, beer or spirits) and remember to have regular alcohol-free days.

Be sun smart:

Extended sun exposure, particularly without protection such as sunscreen, can increase your risk of skin cancer of the lips. Avoid sunburn by protecting your skin with sunscreen, using lip balm with a Skin Protection Factor (SPF) and wearing a hat when outdoors.

Eat well:

If your diet is low in fresh vegetables, or includes no vegetables at all, you are at increased risk of developing oral cancer. Eating at least eight serves of vegetables per week, compared to three or less, decreases your risk of mouth cancer by 50%. Eating well is a simple way to improve your general health, and reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Keep your mouth healthy:

Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily can help prevent a number of oral health conditions, including oral cancers.

Check your mouth regularly for unusual sores.

Drink plenty of fluoridated tap water and see a dental professional regularly to check your whole mouth, not just your teeth.

For more information about oral cancers, their symptoms and how to prevent them, visit the Cancer Council Victoria’s website: http://www.cancervic.org.au/about-cancer/cancer_types/mouth_nose_and_throat_cancers 

 

Though he conceded that one in three Australians have avoided dental treatment because they can’t afford it, Mr Abbott said that a universal dental program would cost more than $4 billion and could not be implemented until the budget returns to strong surplus.

“People sometimes spend years on Medicare-funded antibiotics because they can’t get Medicare-funded dentistry.”

“The big problem with Medicare, as it stands, is that it supports treatment for every part of the body except the mouth,” he said.

Dr Deborah Cole, CEO of Dental Health Services Victoria met with the National Dental Advisory Council late last year to advocate for the implementation of a universal dental scheme. She presented evidence from the Victorian public dental sector to support the development of such a scheme.

“We need a system that helps people get the care they need when they need it”, Dr Cole says.

A report released by Dental Health Services Victoria last month - Links between oral health and general health – the case for action - highlights the strong relationship between oral health and overall health and demonstrates just how important a universal dental scheme is to the health of Australians.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch Dr Deborah Cole discussing a universal dental scheme.

Please remember our emergency services are still available over the holiday period including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. You can read more about the operating hours here.

The report, “Links between oral health and general health – the case for action”, is based on a literature review that examined the connection between oral health status and major chronic diseases.

The report states that:

• Dental decay is the second most costly diet-related disease in Australia with an economic impact comparable with heart disease and diabetes.
• Poor oral health is significantly associated with major chronic illnesses.
• Poor oral health causes disability.
• Oral health issues and major diseases share common risk factors.
• General health problems may cause or worsen oral health conditions.

Dental Health Services Victoria CEO, Dr Deborah Cole presented the report to the National Advisory Council on Dental Health in November. Dr Cole says it is time that people realised the impact of poor oral health on the community.

“Oral health can no longer be ignored. We have to protect natural teeth from decay and disease because these diseases are not limited to the mouth, they affect people’s general health and wellbeing,” Dr Cole said.

Dr Cole supports a universal dental scheme that will increase the community’s access to dental care.

“People who are struggling financially can’t afford to see a private dentist and the public system has long waiting lists. We know oral health is linked to general health. We know that poor oral health is costing the Australian economy more that $1.3 billion a year. A universal dental scheme will help people get the care that they need, when they need it,” Dr Cole said.

Download Links between oral health and general health - the case for action ( PDF, 1.36MB)

Dr Deborah Cole is available for interview.

Media enquiries:
Jacqui McCallum, Tel: (03) 9341 1361, Mob: 0404 137 102
Lisa Fairweather, Tel. (03) 9341 1134, Mob. 0402 373 585
 

1. Operating as usual:

• Primary care (emergency treatment)
• After hours emergency services

2. Operating with limited capacity:

• Radiology Unit
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit

3. Closed:

• Specialist Services (except Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit).
• Undergraduate Teaching Clinic.
• The Medical Response Team will not be available. During this period the medical emergencies protocol will be the same as for after hours.

4. Closed (22/12/2011 – 09/01/2012 inclusive):

• Day Surgery Unit

The awards, presented by Dental Health Services Victoria - operator of The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne and partner of public dental agencies throughout Victoria - are given annually to dental professionals who go above and beyond to care for those Victorians most in need of dental treatment.

Chairman of Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV), Mr Mick Ellis, said the awards pay tribute to the often unacknowledged work being done by public oral health care professionals.

“The high calibre of the nominees for these awards demonstrates the high level of skill and commitment among people working in Victorian public dental clinics,” said Mr Ellis.

“The award winners have distinguished themselves through their dedication to improving the oral health of people who cannot afford private dental treatment and who are often those most at-risk of oral disease. These awards give us the opportunity to publicly recognise the winners’ extraordinary contributions to public oral health in Victoria.”

The winners received funding of $5,000 to attend a health conference of their choice to continue their professional development.

The awards were presented at the DHSV Annual General Meeting on Thursday 24 November.

WINNERS:

Dr David Whelan
Clinical Director - Goulburn Valley Dental Service

Ms Christine Ingram
Oral Health Manager - Victorian Aboriginal Health Service

Pictured: Christine Ingram with DHSV Board Chair Mick Ellis and
CEO Dr Deborah Cole; Dr Mark Gussy with his DHSV Public Oral Healthcare Award

Dr Mark Gussy
Associate Professor of Oral Health - La Trobe Rural Health School and Department of Dentistry and Oral Health
 

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Dr Colin Riley
Agency Relationships Manager - Dental Health Services Victoria

Dr Philip Wong
Specialist Dentist

Dr Alex Thomas
Senior Dentist - Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
 

The AGM will begin at 5pm and will be followed by the presentation of the DHSV Public Oral Healthcare Awards and staff service awards. The meeting will conclude at 7pm after drinks and canapés.

If you would like to attend and have not yet notified the Corporate Secretary, please do so by emailing kym.reading@dhsv.org.au as soon as possible.

The Awards pay tribute to Victoria’s outstanding healthcare leaders and acknowledge their remarkable achievements.

The Victorian Minister for Health, David Davis awarded Prof Hanny Calache, Director of Clinical Leadership, Education and Research at DHSV and his team, with the ‘Developing a Capable and Engaged Workforce Award’ for a project that focussed on expanding the scope of practice of dental therapists. The project resulted in dental therapists being able to treat patients aged 26 years and over.

Prof Calache said the project is being acknowledged at a time when dental health issues are at the forefront of the health agenda in Australia.

“Expanding scope of practice is a very powerful strategy. It means that more Victorians will be able to access quality public oral health services,” he said.

Professor Hanny Calache and Dr Deb Cole with the award

Prof Calache hopes that the project will serve as a model for other health organisations facing the same workforce challenges as DHSV.

Chief Executive Officer of DHSV, Dr Deborah Cole, is thrilled at the team’s achievement.

“I am so proud of the work that Hanny and his team have done. This project is a great example of public health professionals working together to address challenges,” Dr Cole said.

Dr Cole added that many people don’t realise how prevalent oral health conditions are in the community.

“Dental caries have an economic impact comparable to that of heart disease and diabetes, and preventable oral diseases create substantial pain and suffering for Victorians. We can change that. We can make a real difference to the lives of Victorians if we are innovative and brave enough to facilitate change.”

Prof Calache and his team have been working since 2007 to help increase access to dental services, particularly for the disadvantaged and those in rural areas. He stressed that the project was a team effort, involving over a hundred people throughout Victoria.

“I wish that everyone involved in the project could have accepted the award with me. It is such an honour to be recognised in this way. I feel truly humbled by it all.”

Major outcomes of the project included:

1. A change in Victorian legislation in 2009 which resulted in the removal of the age restriction that prevented dental therapists from treating patients aged 26 years and over. 
2. In 2010, ten dental therapists were granted an extended scope of clinical practice to treat adults 26 years and over.

The team consisted of:

• Hanny Calache, Julie Shaw, Valda Groves, Julie Butcher, Deidre Mackechnie (DHSV) 
• Rodrigo Mariño, Michael Morgan, Julie Satur, Matt Hopcraft (University of Melbourne)
• Mark Gussy (La Trobe University).

For more information about the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, please visit http://www.health.vic.gov.au/healthcareawards/

Prof Hanny Calache and Dr Deborah Cole are available for interviews:

Prof Hanny Calache
Director of Clinical Leadership, Education and Research, DHSV
Tel: 03 9341 1291 Mob: 0417 668 878

Dr Deborah Cole
Chief Executive Officer, DHSV
Tel: 03 9341 1145 Mob: 0417 404 446

Media enquiries:
Lisa Fairweather - Media and Communications Officer, DHSV
Tel: 03 9341 1134 Mob: 0402 373 585
 

World Diabetes Day on 14 November provides a great opportunity to raise awareness of the link between diabetes and dental disease.

Principal Oral Health Advisor at The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, Professor Mike Morgan, says "it is now widely accepted that periodontal disease is a complication of diabetes, much like kidney, eye and circulation problems*."

Despite the increased risk of developing dental disease, Professor Morgan said that people with diabetes can prevent the onset of gum disease by controlling the levels of bacteria in their mouths.

“Increased blood sugar levels make people with diabetes susceptible to the growth of oral bacteria. A healthy diet and thorough oral hygiene will help to prevent bacteria lodging in the gum tissue and developing into periodontitis,” said Professor Morgan.

How to help prevent periodontitis:

• Let your dentist or oral health professional know if you have diabetes
• Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush
• Take care to remove all plaque on and between your teeth and next to the gum line
• Have your gum health checked and teeth cleaned by an oral health professional
• Tell your dentist or oral health professional the names of any medications you are taking
• If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar level will reduce your risk of dental disease. People with high blood sugar levels are more likely to develop severe gum problems

Signs of periodontitis:

• Bleeding or swelling of the gums
• Loose teeth
• Gum recession
• Sensitivity to hot and cold  

Related information:

Advice for people with diabetes
Read more about gum disease (periodontitis)
Understand diabetes and take control   - know the diabetes risks and know the warning signs  

* Cullinan MP, Ford PJ, Seymour GJ. Periodontal disease and systemic health: current status. Australian Dental Journal 2009; 54:(1 Suppl): S62–S69

Where - VicHealth, Conference Room, 15-35 Pelham Street, Carlton
When - Tuesday 15 November 2011, 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Presentation information:

How to plan and undertake evaluations of oral health promotion programs and interventions

Dr Andrea de Silva-Sanigorski,
APHIRST-OH Director, Dental Health Services Victoria.

Andrea will provide an overview of the steps for undertaking oral health promotion evaluations.

This will include developing a logic model, developing an evaluation plan, and assessing the best data collection methods to use.

The workshop will be interactive, with hands on practical components for you to work through your own examples, or examples that we will provide.

Light refreshments will be provided during the interactive session.

To reserve your place email lauren.prosser@dhsv.org.au

Download the event flyer >>

The Victorian Public Healthcare Awards are Victoria's most prestigious healthcare awards and celebrate outstanding health services and exceptional initiatives. 

Prof Hanny Calache and his team have been nominated for two health improvement projects that are aimed at increasing access to dental services for disadvantaged adults in rural areas.

The team is made up of:
• Hanny Calache, Julie Shaw, Valda Groves, Julie Butcher, Deidre Mackechnie (DHSV)
• Rodrigo Mariño, Michael Morgan, Julie Satur, Matt Hopcraft (University of Melbourne)
• Mark Gussy (La Trobe University).

Minister for Health, the Hon. David Davis, said these awards acknowledge and encourage people in the health sector.
"They help to encourage us all to keep on contributing – to improving Victoria’s healthcare system. It’s a great thing to be part of."

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 16 November 2011 at the Sofitel Melbourne. The awards will be presented by the Premier of Victoria, the Minister for Health, the Minister for Mental Health and the Department of Health Secretary.

Good luck to all involved.
 

Organisations all over Australia host Children's Week activities that focus community attention on the needs and achievements of children and young people as they thrive, learn and grow.

Dental Health Services Victoria celebrated National Children’s Week 2011 with our Silly Smiles Competition. The competition encouraged Victorian community members to contribute photographs of themselves and their silly smiles to our online gallery in the hopes of winning one of the $100 gift cards up for grabs.

Congratulations to Seth and Phoenix who were announced as the winners of the competition on National Kidsafe Day (26 October 2011).
 

The study, released on October 7 2011, looked at products claiming to be ‘sugar free’ and found that though sugar levels were low and could reduce the incidence of dental caries, the acidic additives which replaced the sugar could cause dental erosion.

To view the full study or for more information, visit the British Dental Journal website:
http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v211/n7/full/sj.bdj.2011.823.html
 

Where - VicHealth, Conference Room, 15-35 Pelham Street, Carlton
When - Wednesday 26 October 2011, 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Presentations include:

• Strategies to support evidence-informed public health and health promotion in local government
  
  Dr Tahna Pettman
  Public Health Evidence and Knowledge Translation Research Group, The Jack Brockhoff Child Health and Wellbeing Program, The McCaughey Centre: VicHealth Centre for the Promotion of Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population Health, University of Melbourne
   
• Teeth and Councils – what’s the link?
  
  Jan Black
  Policy Adviser - Municipal Association of Victoria
   
• Implementation of a Regional Oral Health Promotion Plan
  
  Stacey Smith
  Project Manager – Gippsland Oral Health Consortium, Latrobe Community Health Service Light refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the seminar. We look forward to seeing you there.

To reserve your place email lauren.prosser@dhsv.org.au

Download the event flyer >>

The Declaration's Article 19 now recognises that "renal, oral and eye diseases pose a major health burden for many countries and that these diseases share common risk factors and can benefit from common responses to non-communicable diseases".

The decision was made after tenacious lobbying by FDI members and stakeholders, and other dental organizations throughout the world.

More on the UN Summit 

Read the UN Summit Declaration (available in a number of languages). 

The Council will be headed by former senior public servant Ms Mary Murnane and will provide expert advice on dental health issues. The Council will also look at current dental services, provide advice on future needs and priorities for future reform, and play a key role in providing advice on future dental policy.

For more information see the Department of Health and Ageing’s website.
 

The Public Oral Healthcare Awards recognise outstanding dedication by public oral health sector professionals to the Victorian community.

Nomination is open to any person currently employed within the Victorian public dental sector, or who has been employed within the sector in the last ten years.

Nominations can be submitted by colleagues, managers, patients or members of the community. Winners receive an engraved glass trophy and $5,000 to attend a national health-related conference of their choice.

If you know someone who has consistently gone over and above the call of duty to improve the oral health of Victorians in need, nominate them today.

View more information and complete a nomination form

If you or someone close to you has been treated at a community dental clinic or The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, we want to hear from you.

Our Quality Committee is made up of people who are passionate about oral health. As part of the committee, you will be able to offer advice to Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) and help to improve the service we provide to our patients.

Members are paid to attend four meetings a year and can serve on the Quality Committee for up to three years if appointed by the Board of Directors.

Learn more about DHSV>>

What is the purpose of the Quality Committee?

The committee’s purpose is to advise and guide the DHSV Board of Directors in ensuring the services we provide and fund are of high quality.

About Quality Committee membership

Members of the Quality Committee are selected on their capacity to:

• Represent the different communities that DHSV serves
• Understand and speak about the potential issues faced by those who receive services from DHSV
• Have knowledge of, or skills, in community consultation.

Meeting Details

• Meetings are held every quarter (four meetings per year) and generally last for 2 – 2.5 hours.
• Members usually meet face-to-face, but may attend via teleconference if they are unable to attend in person. Expressions of interest from rural areas are welcome.
• Members receive an attendance fee for meetings and are reimbursed for any reasonable expenses incurred to attend meetings, receive papers or undergo National Police Record Checks.

Key Selection Criteria

Quality Committee members are required to:

Be 16 years of age and over.

• Have, or be willing to undertake National Police Record Check.
• Be eligible to use DHSV services or capable of representing DHSV users.
• Have established links with health consumer or community networks.
• Have the capacity to work constructively with fellow committee members and service providers.

Experience on similar committees or with community groups would be desirable.

If you’ve got the passion and can meet the Key Selection Criteria - apply for a position on the Quality Committee by completing the Expression of Interest Application form.

Expression of Interest Application Form>>

Should you have any enquiries, please email Megan Waddell: megan.waddell@dhsv.org.au.

Please note: Individuals currently employed or engaged in the provision of health services are ineligible for membership. 

This Dental Health Week, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) wants all Victorians to know how to prevent this deadly disease.

Oral cancers include cancers of the oral cavity, mouth and lip. In Australia, 51% of oral cancers in women and 57% in men are caused by smoking. Excessive alcohol intake is also a major risk factor and people who smoke and drink alcohol regularly are even more risk.

Adjunct Professor Hanny Calache, Director Clinical Leadership, Education and Research at DHSV says that while there is no cure for oral cancer, we can reduce our risk of developing the disease by embracing a healthier lifestyle.

“Making better lifestyle choices can play an enormous part in reducing the number of oral cancer cases in Australia. If a smoker who doesn’t already have oral cancer stops smoking, they will halve their risk of developing oral cancer within five years.”

“Oral cancers are also about six times more common in drinkers than in non-drinkers. Reducing alcohol consumption will help to prevent the development of oral cancers, especially when combined with quitting smoking,” Prof Calache said.

As well as taking positive steps towards a healthier lifestyle, people should be aware of the early signs of oral cancers and seek professional advice if they see any noticeable changes in their dental or general health. With early diagnosis and positive lifestyle changes, the percentage of oral cancer sufferers surviving past five years can rise from 50% to 80%.

Professor Mike Morgan, Executive Director Oral Health Leadership at DHSV, encourages all Victorians to be proactive in maintaining their dental health and to look for signs of a potential problem.

“It is important for patients to monitor their oral health and know when something is wrong. The earlier oral cancer is detected, the less extensive the treatment and the more likely they are to make a full recovery. Patients should also be seen by their local oral health professional regularly to rule out any other dental health issues.”

Symptoms of oral cancer may include:

• Swelling/thickening, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
• Velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
• Sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within two weeks
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
• Chronic sore throat or changes in the voice
• A change in the way teeth or dentures fit together – a change in your "bite"
• Dramatic weight loss

Patients who are concerned about the presence of these symptoms, especially if they have been apparent for more than two weeks, should see their local oral health professional for a comprehensive check up as soon as possible.

Dental Health Week runs from 1 – 7 August 2011.
If you need help to quit smoking, call the Quitline on 137 848.

Media enquiries:
Lisa Fairweather
Media and Communications Officer
Dental Health Services Victoria
Tel: 03 9341 1134