Australasian Dentist Magazine March April 2021

Category 10 Australasian Dentist B ig-hearted volunteers have helped a charity provide hundreds of vulnerable patients with more than $300,000 worth of free dental treatment in 2020. Filling the Gap, the Australian Dental Association – New South Wales branch’s charity, provides pro bono dental treatment to patients referred from various charities. Asylum seekers, homeless people, patients with drug and alcohol dependency issues and other disadvantaged Australians have been assisted by the charity, which has been shortlisted for the Associations Forum’s 2020 Achievement of the Year award in recognition of its efforts. Filling the Gap Acting Manager Dr Sarah Raphael said the charity provided vital assistance for patients in need. “Many of our patients have gone years without seeing a dentist – or may never have seen one at all,” Dr Raphael said. “Imagine being afraid to smile or being in constant pain and suffering because of the state of your teeth. “Good oral health is key to overall wellbeing. That’s why helping everyone – no matter what their personal circumstances are – access dental treatment is so important. “In a year impacted by COVID-19, about 200 ADA NSW members and volunteers supported Filling the Gap’s dental programs. This underlines the generosity and spirit of dental practitioners and support staff and we thank them all hugely.” Filling the Gap works with several charities which refers patients to regular clinic days at ADA NSW’s St Leonards base. The clinics are overseen by ADA NSW staff and feature volunteer dental professionals, including dentists, prosthetists, oral health therapists and dental assistants. Treatment provided on the day focusses on pain relief and essential care and may include fillings, extractions and periodontal care. Patients are provided with opportunities for follow-up appointments if needed or referred to community dentists. “Many patients of Filling the Gap have said the treatment has vastly improved their quality of life, providing them with a heightened sense of dignity and self- respect,” Dr Raphael said. “Filling the Gap won’t solve the huge inequities in Australia’s dental health system but it will help some of the most vulnerable patients in society access vital oral health treatment. “Oral health shouldn’t be a privilege – it’s a right. Through Filling the Gap, dental practitioners help those in need receive the dental treatment they deserve.” The charity has launched a Christmas Smile donation scheme to fund services including treatments, interpreters and PPE for patients. u For more information and to donate, visit www.fillingthegap.org.au/ChristmasSmile Charity ‘Fills the Gap’ for vulnerable patients n ws Volunteers with Filling the Gap have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of pro bono treatment for vulnerable patients. T he Straumann Group has strengthened its educational offer to clinicians with further commitment to evidence based dentistry and ensuring optimal clinical outcomes for patients. Blended delivery, innovative solutions and the latest research and clinical concepts underpin a holistic approach to enabling dental professionals to choose from curriculum which includes courses and programs delivered traditionally, remotely or using a combination methodology and forms the basis of Straumann Groups leading educational program. In 2021, Straumann Group offers a robust education program which includes direct education combined with support of the extensive ITI Educational Offer, as well as independent programs delivered by clinicians. This enables a comprehensive program in all disciplines of implant and digital dentistry using the latest technology and innovations to enhance patient outcomes and drive practice profitability. Carefully vetted international and local speakers deliver presentations that are evidence based and are exceptional clinically, whilst retaining a practical focus and incorporating experience to deliver a quality outcome including valuable clinical tips and tricks. The end-to-end education solution has been categorised in line with the ITI SAC classification of Straightforward, Advanced and Complex, to assist clinicians with the level of complexity to suit level of experience. The ITI SAC Assessment tool addresses each step necessary to identify the degree of complexity and potential risk involved in individual implant dentistry cases in an easy-to-use process. For more information please visit: https://www.iti.org/tools/ sac-assessment-tool Straumann Group Education in conjunction with the ITI Education Program offers best in class programs in 2021, highlighting the value that partnering with Straumann Group can offer clinicians and their patients. u Straumann Group Education Program