GAP Australasian Dentist Sept Oct 2020

Category 6 Australasian Dentist S eeing a patient cry is unfortunately an occupational hazard for a dentist. But seeing a patient cry not because they are nervous, but because you have transformed their life, is a priceless experience. That sense of reward is why I love being a part of Filling the Gap, the Australian Dental Association NSW’s registered charity to improve the health and quality of life of vulnerable people with poor oral health. Working with 25 partner charities, Filling the Gap provides pro bono dental treatment to vulnerable patients from various backgrounds and those unable to access mainstream dental services. Patients include those with drug and alcohol addictions and homelessness, those who are medically compromised, those suffering from mental health concerns as well as asylum seekers. We also partner with charities supporting Indigenous patients, many of whom face huge challenges overcoming health and social inequalities. Charities refer patients to Filling the Gap’s dental aid, which take place throughout the year either at private clinics or at the ADA NSW’s headquarters in Sydney. The days are manned by a team of volunteer dentists, dental assistants, oral hygienists and program staff. Treatment provided on the day is primarily pain relief and may include fillings, extractions, and periodontal care. If any follow-up treatment is needed, patients can be seen again. The program also works with organisations assisting refugees and asylum seekers. Some of these patients may have come to Australia in highly desperate circumstances. They may be waiting for visa applications to be processed, which can often take years due to red tape. People seeking asylum in Australia have very limited access to government-funded dental services but most fall through the cracks. Many have very poor oral health due to poor diet, a lack of daily oral health care, and time living in communities without water fluoridation. Many may have not seen a dentist for years, if at all. For the past 10 years, ADA NSWmembers, in partnership with the Australian Red Cross, have provided pro bono treatment to asylum seekers. More than 1,000 patients have been seen, with treatment worth more than $500,000 provided. Filling the Gap also administers programs for the Australian Dental Health Foundation. This includes an ‘Adopt a Patient’ scheme, which sees volunteer dentists and their staff paired up with a patient in need of more complex dental care. The practice will then “adopt” the patient and complete the course of treatment pro bono.  Many patients of Filling the Gap have reported the treatment has vastly improved their overall quality of life, providing a sense of heightened dignity and self-esteem and, of course, relieving pain. Over the past financial year, our network of 70 volunteers provided pro bono treatment to more than 300 people. This amounted to more than 600 appointments for patients with a total treatment value exceeding $320,000. Many of the participating dentists involved are recruited through word of mouth or previous involvement with ADA NSW benevolent activities. Several have described their sense of pride in being involved in the scheme and being able to help patients in need. Others have also enjoyed the sense of teamwork and the opportunity to test their professional skills.  I don’t kid myself that Filling the Gap will solve the huge inequalities in Australia’s dental system by itself, nor does it claim to offer a magic wand to transform the lives of patients seen under the program. It will, though, ensure that vulnerable members of Australia’s society are able to access vital dental health treatment. With oral health key to overall health, it is one way of ensuring better all-round health outcomes where they are desperately needed. u Any dental professionals keen to discover more information should visit www.fillingthegap.org.au A priceless experience n ws By Dr Michael Jonas, ADA NSW Filling the Gap Board chair and Australian Dental Association NSW vice-president In an effort to increase its accessibility to dentists, A-dec is announcing a change in its Australian distribution arrangements, making A-dec products more widely available. A-dec has decided to partner with Henry Schein Dental in the Australian market, effective 19 October 2020. “We understand the strong relationships that dentists have with their dealer and want to ensure that more dentists in Australia have access to A-dec equipment,” said A-dec Australia General Manager, Patrick Jones. A-dec broadens Australian distribution with Henry Schein “We want to assure dentists and our partners that we remain committed to our existing network of A-dec dealers and authorized technical service partners around Australia. “We know – and research supports – that A-dec manufactures the most reliable equipment in the industry,” Mr Jones said. “So, this is a decision made in the interest of providing dentists with more choices of dealers from which to purchase A-dec equipment and integrated devices from Acteon, as well as ensuring A-dec’s growth and long-term success in Australia.” The result will be A-dec product available throughmore dealers nationwide, and more showroom locations to view and experience A-dec equipment firsthand while still receiving the experience and support of the A-dec Australia network. u Members of a dental team at a recent Filling the Gap patient day. A-dec Australia General Manager, Patrick Jones