NSW Dental Assistants Association Newsletter

www.nswdaa.asn.au
CONTACT DETAILS:
PO Box 40
Westgate NSW 2048
Ph/Fax: (02) 9569 3220
www.nswdaa.asn.au
Email: info@nswdaa.asn.au
On the Cusp is published
quarterly by the NSW Dental
Assistants (Professional)
Association, distributed to
subscribers and members to
facilitate pursuit of a common
ground in promoting the interests
and issues of Dental Assisting.
H
i Members!
Once again, I hope this issue finds you all well and gaining some
satisfaction in your dedicated roles as Dental Assistants. As always there
are lots of things happening in our association. Do consult your social calendar
and professional development series lectures as they are worthwhile, valuable
and enjoyable.
I would like to welcome Linda to the NSW DAA office. Linda is our Office
Administrator and we look forward to an enjoyable working relationship.
I enjoyed reading Lily’s story in this newsletter about her time with the Remote
Area Health Corps. It is something I have often considered doing myself. It is
admirable to give back to the community and what better way than in an area
of such great need - oral health in remote areas.
You will see an article on animal oral health. I had an expensive experience
lately with my own beloved pooch that was costly and also time consuming,
not to mention the hair covered seats in my new car!
I hope you have all marked the date for Big Day Out in your calendar. It is
our association’s major event every year and one we really do need your
support with. If you have any ideas or can assist in anyway please contact our
association we would be very happy to hear from you.
This will be my last edition as your editor for On the Cusp. I have enjoyed
bringing the newsletter to our members over the last 3 years but now feel
it is time to let someone else take over the reins. It has presented many
opportunities being the Editor and I feel like I have become a stronger member
of the dental assistant community. I encourage you to consider taking on this
role. The newsletter is printed four times a year giving you plenty of time to
collate articles and information to present. It is also a great skill to have listed
on your resume. Thank you to those of you who have supported me during my
time as Editor, I look forward to reading the next newsletter from the other side
of the fence!
I will still continue my involvement as a committee member and hope to catch
up with you at some of the social or professional functions. Wishing you all the
very best.
Kindest regards,
Ros Christopoulos
Editor
volume31•no.2•may2011
ADVERTISING
Advertising space is available
in the newsletter. For more
information you may contact
the office on 9569 3220 or by
email: info@nswdaa.asn.au
Greetings
from your Editor
IN THIS ISSUE:
Greetings from your Editor 1
President’s Report 2
Social Group 2
Upcoming Events 3
My Experience with the Remote Area
Health Corps by Lily Lewington 4
Professional Development Workshops 5
NSW DAA HSU Union Insert 6
Oral Hygiene for your Dog 8
Class of 2010 9
News from Overseas 10
And at Home... 12
Book Review 12
Dental Mental Therapy 12
Make 2011 - Your Year 13
Thank-you letter from
Melanie Zammit 14
Meet our Members 16
Laughs and Funny Moments... 16
OUR WEBSITE
The website
www.nswdaa.asn.au
is a great place to check out the
latest information, events and
activities the NSW DAA is doing for
the members of the association.
Please let us know if you
would prefer to receive your
newsletter by email.

www.nswdaa.asn.au
S
ince our last issue we have
heard of horrific natural
disasters in Australia,
New Zealand and in Japan.
We’ve seen and heard of
the devastating stories with
unbelievable pictures and shared
prayers for people we do not
know, but feel for immensely.
As dental assistants with skills
in patient care, we may be able
to help these people through a
number of organisations who are
looking for volunteers. Two of
these organisations are:
The National Dental Foundation
(NDF) and the Remote Area
Health Corps (RAHC).
The NDF will be holding their
NSW Volunteer Days in March and
August this year. Volunteers will
be helping organisations such as
Youth off the Streets.
For more information phone
0416 207 171 or e-mail
committee@ndnsw.org
The Remote Area Health Corps
sends volunteers to Indigenous
communities in the Northern
Territory. Please read Lily
Lewington’s article in this issue
for more information and for Lily’s
experience in the NT.
I would like to welcome
Linda Dickinson to the role
of Office Assistant. Our office
is now open Monday, Tuesday
and Wednesday between
10.00am and 4.00pm. Other days,
please leave a message on our
answering machine or e-mail
info@nswdaa.asn.au
I would like to invite all Dental
Assistants to the NSW DAA
General Meeting Saturday 21st
May 2011 commencing at 4pm.
President’s report may 2011
Find out what your association
has be doing over the last 6
months and what direction DAA
is heading in the next 6months.
Non members cannot vote at
the meeting but they are very
welcome to join in discussion and
to share their thoughts and ideas
for our association. So members,
if you are working with a non
member please invite them to
join you and attend this meeting.
Also, encourage them to join
their professional association
committed to promoting and
supporting Dental Assistants.
Cheers,
Beverley Metcalf
President NSW Dental Assistants’
(Professional) Association
bmetcalf@nswdaa.asn.au
Social Group
S
unday 27th March, we met for a
Rock’n’Roll Harbour Luncheon
Cruise. Even though the rain was
falling it didn’t dampen our cruise.
We left King St Wharf, sailed around
to the Fish Markets while enjoying
a delicious buffet lunch. After lunch
and cruising towards Manly the
‘One Eyed Cats’had the dance floor
crowded and everyone singing. The
boat was rocking. Three hours later
we returned back at King St Wharf.
Another fantastic cruise.
For those who missed out this year
jot the last Sunday in March (25th) in
your 2012 diaries. There is no Harbour
in the world as beautiful as our
Sydney Harbour.
One Eyed Cats
Rock 'n' Roll dance floorRock 'n' Roll Harbour
Luncheon Cruise
Next social night is at the Baulkham
Hills Sports Club, 11 Renown Road
Baulkham Hills NSW - on Friday, 10th
June at 7pm. This is a community
club, great food and a relaxing
atmosphere. Why not join us for
a meal and a chat. Partners and
friends welcome.
Christmas in July is on Saturday 30
July. All Christmas in July venues need
numbers that will be attending. If you
are interested in joining us for this
event, please let me know by 25 June.
If you have a favourite venue I am also
interested in hearing about it.
E-mail: bmetcalf@nswdaa.asn.au
 On The Cusp

www.nswdaa.asn.au page 3
2011 Time Event Venue
Sat 21 May 3.30pm NSW DAA Union Committee Meeting NSW DAA Professional Centre
4/116 Percival Road
(entry from Temple Street)
Stanmore
Sat 21 May 4.00pm NSW DAA Professional General Meeting -
All persons with an interest in dental
assisting warmly welcome
NSW DAA Professional Centre
4/116 Percival Road
Stanmore
Sat 28 May 9.00am-
12.00pm
Professional Development Workshop
Looking after your finances – Know your
Award wages conditions; Taxation and
your return
NSW DAA Professional Centre
4/116 Percival Road
Stanmore
Fri 10 June 7.00pm DAA Social Night - Dinner Drinks Baulkham Hills Sports Club
11 Renown Rd, Baulkham Hills
Sat 25 June 9.00am –
1.00pm
Gunz Dental Product Workshop NSW DAA Professional Centre
4/116 Percival Road
Stanmore
Tues 26 July 8.30am –
5.00pm
Forensic Dentistry for the Dental Assistant -
ADA NSW Branch CPD
Lecture Theatre 2,
Westmead Hospital, Westmead
admin@adacpd.com.au
Sat 30 July 7.00pm DAA Christmas in July Bookings essential - Venue tba
Sat 13 Aug 8.45am –
4.45pm
Infection Prevention - Ms Terry McAuley –
Infection Control Consultant
Sydney CBD Hotel
Sat 13 Aug 9.00am -
5.00pm
Dental Assisting and Beyond Conference DAA QLD Annual Conference
See http://daaqld.com/assets/
DAAQ-EOI-2011.pdf
Fri 9 Sept 8.45am –
5.00pm
NSW DAA Big Day Out Conference
“dentalnetworking.com.au”
Novotel, Sydney Olympic Park,
Homebush
Upcoming Events
BIG DAY OUT
FRIDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER, 2011
Make sure you mark it in your diary.
This year promises to bigger and better than ever!
Please let us
know if you
would prefer
to receive your
newsletter
electronically.
Ph: 02 9569 3220
Email:
info@nswdaa.asn.au

www.nswdaa.asn.au
A
fter three great years working
as a Dental Assistant in private
practice, I realised I wanted to
give more back to the community.
So in February 2010 I decided to
gain further experience by changing
my work environment and applying
for a placement with the Remote
Area Health Corps (RAHC). RAHC
is a Federally funded program that
recruits and supports urban-based
health professionals, including dental
health professionals, for short-
term paid placements in remote
Indigenous communities throughout
the Northern Territory (NT).
After applying with RAHC and
undergoing their credentialing
process I was offered a placement
working with the NT Government
Department of Health (DoH) servicing
remote communities in the Top End
as part of their oral health program.
My first placement was in April 2010.
I arrived in Darwin and was met and
taken by RAHC to participate in their
two day cultural and clinical training
and 4WD awareness program. I also
undertook orientation and system
training with DoH and met the DoH
team and the dentist I was going to
work with on my placement.
I then flew out to provide dental
treatment to four different remote
communities, all within a four
week period!
It was a brilliant way to start this
adventure, as I was able to immerse
myself in a new culture and clinical
environment and see many beautiful
places and faces in a short amount
of time.
After the first week I was hooked!
I knew this field of work was
something I felt very passionate
about and enjoyed putting my
energy into. I informed RAHC of my
eagerness to go back out, requesting
more placements. To my delight I was
offered another placement for the
following month.
So far I have completed eight
placements over a 12 month period
and travelled to many communities
in the Top End assisting both dentists
and dental therapists.
The communities I have worked in
include Milingimbi, Ramingining,
Numbulwar, Gapuwiyak, Gunbalanya,
Wadeye, Borroloola, Nhulunbuy, and
Yirrkala. These are all such beautiful
communities, with amazing people
and stories.
My fondest memories and
experiences on this adventure include
flying to and from communities by
small aircraft, seeing both aerial and
ground views of the extraordinary
landscape (something a camera
cannot capture), making wonderful
relationships with the Indigenous
people and the health staff I have
worked with, and learning more
and more about clinical skills and
fascinating Indigenous culture.
My daily tasks involve surgery
preparation, instrument cleaning and
sterilisation, infection control, patient
preparation, chair-side assisting,
monitoring and controlling stock,
computer and paper patient filing
and general surgery/sterilisation
maintenance. For each placement
DoH provides a‘bush kit’that you
take with you that has all instruments,
medications and perishables.
Remote work isn’t always easy. You
can come across many obstacles
which push you to think outside the
box and utilise the limited resources
you have. But in saying this, being
out of your comfort zone is one of
the many parts of this job that I love!
Every day is a new challenge and this
job is never boring!
I encourage any dental professionals
to take part in this fantastic program,
not only to help close the gap in
health outcomes between non-
Indigenous and Indigenous people,
but to broaden your own knowledge
and skills and share experiences with
others. I feel very fortunate to be
given the opportunity to do what I
love - dentistry and being enriched
clinically and culturally. I have
made many amazing friends and
acquired professional and personal
experiences I will never forget. I am
forever grateful.
For more information about
RAHC placements, visit the website:
www.rahc.com.au
 On The Cusp
Lily Lewington
My experience with the Remote Area Health Corps
by Lily Lewington

O
n Saturday 16 April, 3M Espe
hosted our Impression Material
Pouring up Models Workshop
at their Pymble Office.
The workshop opened with a
presentation on the impression
materials, the difference in materials
and why the necessity for the
different body consistency of the
materials. The different impression
trays available, the new preformed
temporary crown forms and the
procedures the dental technician uses
to make the crown/bridge.
After a short morning tea break
the hands on session commenced.
Divided into three groups - one (1)
mixing and loading the impression
tray for a crown impression, then
placing the tray onto a model,
checking the margin; two (2) mixing
alginate, placing the alginate into a
tray and then pouring up our own
models using the lab vibrator; three
(3) choosing the right size preformed
temporary crown, placing it and
adjusting the temporary crown for
the correct occlusion.
There were 16 DA's attending this
workshop and all went home with a
better understanding on what the
value of a good impression is to the
dentist, the dental technician and to
the patient.
Thank you Teresa, Cheryl, Christina
and Andrew from 3M Espe.
 On The Cusp
Professional Development Workshops
by Bev Metcalf
Impression Material
Pouring up Models
Workshop
Impression Material
Pouring up Models
Workshop
Impression Material Pouring up ModelsWorkshop
Impression Material
Pouring up Models
Workshop
R
ural dentists want more
money in next month’s
Federal Budget to go to oral
health care programs.
A report from the Australian Institute
of Health and Welfare says about
40 per cent of Australians don’t have
regular check-ups, while another
30 percent say they can neither afford
or easily access a dentist.
The Australian Dental Association
is calling for a re-direction of
government funding in the next
Budget from public dentistry towards
areas of greatest need, like rural and
remote communities.
Bruce Simmons, of the Rural
Dentists Network, says more money
should go towards preventative oral
health programs.
He also wants to see oral health
incorporated into primary
health policy.
“Dentistry is primarily seen as a
private contact between the patient
and the dentist; there’s virtually
no policy that addresses oral
health within a primary health care
framework,”he said.
“It should be absolutely critical
that oral health be part of primary
health care.”
 On The Cusp
Further to Lily’s article:
Rural dentists want more Budget funding
Wednesday, 27/04/2011 source: abc rural news
Please let us
know if you
would prefer
to receive your
newsletter
electronically.
Ph: 02 9569 3220
Email:
info@nswdaa.asn.au

www.nswdaa.asn.au
www.hsu.asn.au
Saturday 26 March 2011, was an
Election Day for the DAA Union.
The new committee will take
office on the 1st July 2011. The
elected committee is:
President: Beverley Metcalf
Vice President/Secretary:
Linda Dominick
Assistant Secretary:
Barbara Hayes
Treasurer: Joanne Tomkins
Committee members:
Rosalyn Christopoulos
Michele Horst
Wendy Scriven
Deborah Warnock
The NSW DAA Union has
an agreement with Health
Services Union East to provide
a full range of industrial and
membership services.
Industrial complaints and
problems at work seem to be on
an increase. It is recommended
that you think seriously about
joining the Union if you are not
yet a member. Do not wait until
a situation arises in your work
place to ask for assistance from
the Union. We urge you
to become a member of the
Union NOW.
Another very important
point is not to let your Union
membership lapse. Rejoining
after a lapsed membership
means you will
receive only a limited amount of
assistance from the Union and
this maybe not be enough to
see you through a complex and
possibly expensive case.
NSW DAA (Professional) is a
separate identity to the NSW
DAA Union. Therefore, if you
are not a Union member
and contact the NSW DAA
(Professional) you will receive
a minimum amount of
information on industrial and
wage enquiries. Union members
can contact HSU, quote their
membership number and
receive full support with all
industrial and wage enquiries.
For a Union membership
brochure/application form
contact:
NSW DAA Union,
PO Box 40, Westgate NSW 2048
or phone/fax 02 9569 3220,
NSW DAA HSU Union Insert

www.nswdaa.asn.au
Oral Hygiene For Your Dog - Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Clean
source: doglics.com
Note from the Editor: having just paid $500
to my vet to remove my 11 year old Labradors
molar, this story has some appeal to me.
A
s humans we understand the
importance of keeping our
teeth clean and are taught oral
hygiene from a young age. Dogs
are also susceptible to oral diseases
such as gingivitis, and yet we often
overlook the importance of our dogs
dental hygiene.
There are numerous methods that
can be used to aid oral hygiene for
your dog, and things to watch out
for that can cause great harm to your
dogs teeth.
Games
While various backyard sports are
enjoyed by all the family, there are
some sports which can be just a little
too rough for your dog. For example,
when playing cricket with a cricket
ball, there is the chance that your
dog will try and catch the ball in its
mouth, this can easily result in broken
teeth. Broken teeth are not easily,
nor cheaply, fixed as it may require a
specialist canine dentist to make and
fit a‘false’tooth. There are many good
oral friendly toys available on the
market, such as Orbee tuff Mutt toys
from Planet Dog. They will help to
clean gums and teeth whilst proving
fun and enjoyment for your dog.
Nutrition
Although most commercially
produced pet foods provide a
balanced diet, tinned foods, meat
rolls and even raw meats like mince,
are very soft and mushy and can’t act
as an abrasive to naturally clean teeth.
An excellent addition to the pet
food market was the introduction
of dry biscuits that are now a very
common style of food for most pets.
As they are hard and crunchy, they
rub against the teeth whilst your
dog is chewing. There are even some
specific pet food formulas that have
been manufactured with this purpose
in mind. Although feeding your pet
dry biscuits certainly helps, giving
your pet bones to chew on regularly
is not only another effective solution,
but a tasty one for your dog too!
Accessories
Yes, you can buy a toothbrush for
your pet! Most veterinary clinics will
stock a toothbrush which has been
specially designed to fit over your
finger and has a small brush head,
perfect for using on your dog or cat.
There are also toothpastes available
for pets. Human toothpaste cannot
be used due to the fact that it's too
high in fluoride and our pets can’t
spit. However, the hardest part of
actually brushing your pet’s teeth is
keeping them still! Most people find
that unless you start brushing your
pet's teeth when they are young, it
may be more difficult to get them use
to it as they get older.
Age
We have all heard the saying‘getting
long in the tooth’which simply
indicates the aging problem. The
majority of older pets will have
experienced or will be experiencing
tooth and gum problems, in fact, the
state of advanced plaque on a pet's
teeth is often used as a reasonably
accurate indicator of a pet's age.
Habits
The humble tennis ball is a common
dog toy. However, vets will agree that
they can cause severe wearing down
of the teeth when chewed constantly.
The fibre on a common tennis ball is
very abrasive and over time can wear
a dog’s teeth right back to the gums.
Another way that this can occur is
through excessive self-grooming or
when a pet is constantly biting and
chewing its own fur due to itchiness
caused by skin conditions. Seeking
relief for the original skin condition
will ensure that this never happens.
Hints
The most obvious signs of teeth and
gum disease are bad breath and
dribbling. What you smell is literally
rotting tissue. Not only is this very
unpleasant for you and your pet, but
it can eventually be dangerous to
your pet's health as abscesses, blood
poisoning and serious illness can
result from mouth infections.
 On The Cusp

Congratulations to all the NSW DAA Students of 2010!
O
n Saturday 26th February,
seventeen students from
the Class of 2010 celebrated
their graduation over an elegant
dinner and drinks at the“99 on York
Conference Centre”.
The Dux Award was donated by
the ADA NSW Branch who have
generously supported students
enrolled in the NSW DAA Certificate III
in Dental Assisting for many years.
This year, the prize winner was
Katie O’Leary who was presented her
award from the ADA NSW Branch by
Mr Todd Redwood – CEO of the ADA
NSW Branch CPD.
class of 2010
Also representing the ADA NSW
Branch CPD, we were delighted to
welcome Miss Abby Green.
Katie was employed by Word of
Mouth Dentistry at Kogarah -
a previous Dux award employer,
but has since relocated to the Central
Coast this year. We are sure she will
bring a standard of excellence and
quality to her profession and wish her
every success in her career.
After a year of study, assignments,
assessments and exams, students
joined with employers, staff
colleagues, partners, family members
and friends to celebrate their
achievements and receive their
Certificate and NSW DAA Badge.
Congratulations to all our students
for some outstanding results and to
our tutors for their dedication and
commitment to the high quality of
training standards.
Our thanks also to the ADA NSW
Branch for their continued support
and encouragement to the students
and their donation towards the
prestigious Dux Award.
 On The Cusp
Class of 2010 receiving their certificate from Todd Redwood, CEO of the ADA NSW Branch
Erika Butler
Amanda Cary
Alicia Ferry
Devon Payne
Emily Buckingham Emily Warburton
Evelyen Beldan
Jenny Chaisuksant
Jenny Haimandos
Jyoti Khanal
Kylie Sherratt
Katharina O'Reshkin
Nerissa Ghamwari
Katie O'Leary -ADA Dux Prize Winner
Sayreen Nisha

www.nswdaa.asn.au
Stem Cell research to regenerate teeth
S
temSave, a company that offers
inexpensive methods for crypto
preservation and noninvasive
recovery, recently announced in a
publication appearing in the Journal
of Dental Research that they have
developed a new technique for tooth
regeneration.
By using stem cells derived from a
patient’s body, it has now become
possible to regenerate lost teeth.
This pioneering procedure is part
of a program implemented by the
company involving a variety of
dentists working with stems cells
harvested from the human body.
This newest technique is the first of its
kind to result in tooth regeneration;
teeth grow in their natural shape
and this can eventually lead to a new
method for lost tooth recovery for
dental patients in the future.
The findings were made by
Dr. Jeremy Mao and several of
his colleagues through a process
identified as cell homing.
It is possible that Dr. Mao and his
team of researchers have created
a method for replacing the latest
alternatives used to deal with
missing teeth like partials, implants,
and dentures.
The study illustrates that teeth can be
grown naturally outside of the socket
or within the tooth socket.
The tooth can then naturally
integrate with any of the tissues that
surround it.
Since the tooth can integrate with
the natural tissues of the body, this
makes the regenerated tooth more
stable than the sturdiest of dental
implants today.
In the future, patients will not have
to deal with the titanium metals
offered up in implants, potential
infections, and the potential rejection
of unnatural, dental implants.
The findings illustrate a new path
for dental care and what the future
holds in the way of new treatment
methods, especially in the light of
stem cell research and advances in
the field of study.
Dentistry will soon open its doors
to regenerative medicine and it can
serve as a more holistic approach to
the replacement of lost teeth.
 On The Cusp
News from overseas
Also from Las Vegas
R
esearch into the collection and
use of dental stem cells are in
the early phase, but already
some are saying the future
is promising.
In Las Vegas, a couple of dentists will
pull children’s teeth to ship them off
so the stem cells could be harvested.
“It’s a pretty easy process,”dentist
Joshua Saxe said.“We just go in
and take both of them out at the
same time.”
Between the ages of 5 and 12,
children lose about 20 teeth. Hidden
deep in the dental pulp are stem cells.
“The benefits are going to be
unlimited,”dentist Michael Saxe
said. He said the stem cells found in
teeth are the same as those found in
umbilical blood or in bone marrow.
Stem cells are capable of matching
themselves to any part of the human
body, allowing for the regrowth of
damaged tissue and bone.
Las Vegas radio disk jockey
Craig Williams’daughter Alyssa is
7 years old, the age when her baby
teeth are falling out to make way
for adult teeth. He said stem cells
from her umbilical cord weren’t
collected, so this is another
opportunity to save them.
“I think a lot of people might not have
done it at the time, and this is almost
a second chance,”he said.
The teeth are shipped off to a lab
where the stem cells are collected
and evaluated.
At Massachusetts-based Store-A-
Tooth, CEO Howard Greenman said
that storing a tooth’s stem cell is an
ultimate investment.
“The evidence really is there that once
we freeze these dental stem cells,
we’ll have them indefinitely,”he said.
At the University of Nevada, Las
Vegas, the research into dental stem
cells is in the early stages. Students
have extracted more than 50 teeth,
harvested and grown in a laboratory.
UNLV dental student Matthew
Alleman said when patients learn
about the research, they become
curious. Alleman and his professor,
Karl Kingsley, started the research
last March.
“Dental pulp stem cells might be a
reservoir of cells we could use to
help patients who have a variety
of different health problems,”
Kingsley said.
The potential for dental stem cell
research hasn’t been proven yet,
he said.
“This is nascent research, and it’s
something that’s really exciting
because it’s new,”Kingsley said.
“So, we’re waiting to see.”
Hear more about this
groundbreaking research at the
Big Day Out for Dental on Friday
9th September at the Novotel
Homebush Bay.
 On The Cusp

More than 80% of children in UAE suffer from
dental decay, says expert
M
ore than 80 per cent of
children in the UAE are
suffering from dental decay
with a score of up to seven on the
Decayed and Missed Filling Teeth
(DMFT) Index, in which only 1-2 is
considered 'acceptable', according
to Dr. Khadija Al Suwaidi, specialist
in Pediatric Dentistry at DentCare
Center International.
Dr. Al Suwaidi’s remarks were part
of her presentation at the Pediatric
Dental Campaign organized by
DentCare Centre International
at the Children’s City in Dubai
Creek Park. Supported by Dubai
Healthcare City, a member of
TECOM Investments’Sciences
Cluster, the event aimed to
increase awareness levels among
children on dental care and the
importance of oral hygiene.
Dr. Al Suwaidi said:“Baby teeth
help children chew food and
speak clearly. But they also hold
space so that permanent teeth can
grow in an orderly fashion within
the space. If good dental habits
are ingrained at an early stage,
children will find it easier to keep
those good habits forever.”
If neglected, dental care will
remain a challenge that can have
a negative impact on the general
health of individuals and children
equally, according to medical
professionals.
Dr. Ayesha Abdullah, Managing
Director of TECOM Investments’
Sciences Cluster, said:“We are keen
to support the Dental Campaign
and work in collaboration with
Dentcare Center to create
awareness around the significance
of oral hygiene and the importance
of instilling this habit at an early
age among children, in addition
to encouraging regular visits to
the dentist.
Our objective is to support this
initiative throughout the year as
part of our concern to sustain the
well-being of the community.”
A multi-speciality dental clinic that
caters to all age groups, DentCare
Centre International covers all
branches of modern dentistry
with the most advanced and
up-to-date technologies as well
as highly experienced dentists.
With a Pediatric Dentist along in
addition to special arrangements
for children, DentCare ensures
children gain a pleasant dental
treatment experience.
 On The Cusp
News from overseas
Vegetables containingVitamin B can slash risk of mouth cancer
DentistryIQ - November 16, 2010
W
omen who consume high
volumes of folic acid found
inVitamin B from vegetables
and some fruits are less likely to suffer
from mouth cancer.
87,000 nurses were followed for
30 years from 1976 by researchers
from the Columbia University Medical
Centre and Harvard School of Public
Health.Women who drank a high
volume of alcohol and had low folic
acid intake were three times more
likely to develop mouth cancer than
those who drank high volumes of
alcohol but had high volumes of folic
acid in their diet.
Alcohol is one of the major risk factors
for mouth cancer and those who
drink to excess are four times more
likely to be diagnosed.This is the
first time that folic acid intake has
been shown to affect the risk of the
disease. Alcohol leads to a reduction
in folic acid metabolism by creating
acetaldehyde which leads to a
reduction of folic acid in the body.
Chief Executive of the British
Dental Health Foundation,
Dr Nigel Carter, said:
“Rates of mouth cancer in women
have been increasing for many years
as a result of changed social habits
with more women smoking and
drinking.This new research could offer
a method to reduce this by looking at
the folic acid intake and increasing fruit
and vegetables containing folic acid in
the diet.
“In the past studies have tended
to focus on males, as they are twice as
likely to suffer from the disease.
Whilst this study focuses on women,
we know that men also benefit from
the protective value of increased fruit
and vegetables.”
Folic acid or vitamin B9 is essential to
an individual's health by helping to
make and maintain new cells. Pregnant
women are advised to supplement
their intake of folic acid, to ensure a
healthy development of the baby.
Folic acid is found in vegetables such
as spinach, asparagus, beans, peas,
and lentils and is added to bread. Fruit
juices, broccoli, and brussels sprouts
contain smaller amounts.
An unhealthy diet has been linked with
around a third of mouth cancer cases.
Recent research has also shown that an
increase in food such as eggs and fish
that contain Omega 3, and nuts, seeds,
and brown rice, which are high in fiber,
can help decrease the risks.
Mouth cancer survival is poor with
only around half of cases surviving
for five years and this is due to late
presentation.The Mouth Cancer
Action Month Campaign run by the
Foundation aims to increase awareness
and reverse this trend with the theme“If
in doubt, get checked out.”
Early warning signs to look out for
include a mouth ulcer that has not
healed within three weeks, red or white
patches in the mouth, and any unusual
swelling or lumps in the mouth.These
are all signs that you should get your
dentist or doctor to check you out as
soon as possible.
Zavras et al. Alcohol-folate Interactions
in the risk of oral cancer in women: a
prospective cohort study. Published
in the October issue of Cancer
Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention.
 On The Cusp
Please let us
know if you
would prefer
to receive your
newsletter
electronically.
Ph: 02 9569 3220
Email:
info@nswdaa.asn.au

www.nswdaa.asn.au
Fortis Global Healthcare takeover of Australia’s
Dental Corporation
I
n its third attempt to complete
the acquisition in last five months,
Fortis Global Healthcare Holdings
offered to raise its stake in Australia’s
Dental Corporation Holdings to a
maximum of 58.6%. Fortis already
holds 33% in Dental Corporation
Holdings. Fortis Global has agreed
to make an offer to each Dental
Corporation Holdings shareholder
to acquire up to 30 per cent of their
existing shareholding at a price of
$2.54 per share and separate offers to
acquire 30 per cent of the employee
options held by Dental Corp Holdings
option holders.
This development comes soon
after Fortis announced it’s second
international acquisition in Singapore,
where it took over an almost
completed cancer specialty hospital
in December.
How much extra the unlisted firm has
to cough up for the controlling power
would depend on how much more
stake they manage to buy.
The offer values Dental Corp at
approximately $400m and represents
an 18% premium over the price which
Fortis invested in Dental Corp in
December 2010.
Malvinder Singh, chairman of Fortis
Global said,“Fortis looks forward to
continuing to support the Dental
Corp management team to deliver
the company’s growth forecasts
in Australia and New Zealand and
potentially into new geographies
in Asia. This investment is the next
step in the development of the
relationship between Dental Corp
and Fortis Global”.
The Dental Corp directors
unanimously supported the offer
and have urged the shareholders to
accept this offer in the absence of a
superior proposal materialising.
Dental Corporation Holdings Limited
represents FGH’s third investment
in five months and marks an
important step in achieving the Singh
family’s vision of creating a premier
integrated healthcare delivery
system in Asia and Australia region.
In November 2010, FGH completed
the acquisition of Quality Healthcare
Ltd, the largest Primary Healthcare
Network in Hong Kong and later
In January 2011, FGH acquired its
initial significant stake in Dental
Corporation Holdings Limited.
 On The Cusp
And at home…
DENTAL…
MENTAL THERAPY...
“People know you for
what you’ve done,
not for what you
plan to do.
~Author Unknown
TheFamilyTree by Ilsa Evans
Kate is a wife, mother, freelance author and aspiring writer. But being all of these
things makes finding time and inspiration to write near impossible. When Kate’s
cousin Angie announces she has a room to let, Kate makes a spur of the moment
decision and puts herself first and decides she will temporarily move out of
home to complete her novel leaving her husband and adult children to fend for
themselves.
The novel was so true to home for me at many times. The struggle we mothers
have as we carry the load of‘mother guilt’around when we meet our own needs.
The author manages to draw you into this family and its characters, at times
feeling compassion for her family struggling to run the household and at other
times a great sense of admiration for Kate who is finally fulfilling her dream.
A story well worth a read, particularly to those of us who are trying to do it all!.
 On The Cusp
Bookreview
by your editor
EDITOR NEEDED FOR
‘ON THE CUSP’
Do you have a creative flair and a
genuine interest in Dental Assisting?
Our association requires an editor for
our quarterly newsletter.
Please contact our office on
02 9569 3220 for further information.

Make 2011 –YourYear
With all the change happening around us it is more important than ever to stay
up to date with your dental knowledge and skills. At NSW DAA we understand
that in a busy practice it can be difficult to take time out to attend a course.
Our professional development courses for 2011 are held on Saturdays and our
Certificate III course is flexible – you select your delivery mode*. We are able to
offer you a course designed to suit your needs – you can attend lectures one
afternoon/evening per week or study at your own home in your own time, or
mix the two options and attend the lectures you choose.
We also have some webconferencing sessions where you can login and
attend class online, interacting with other participants (limited sessions).
Don’t be left behind in your career. Discerning employers are now looking
for qualified staff as this becomes part of their high practice standards. Your
Certificate III will show you have the knowledge, skills and qualification for
your industry.
Thought of upgrading your old Proficiency Certificate?
Talk to us about our special evening sessions or flexible learning to upskill.
Government Funding opportunities are also available to eligible students.
Traineeships – a great way to gain your qualification!
Government funding is available to new employees who are eligible under
the Australian Apprenticeship program*. This funding will pay for your training
fees and your employer will gain up to $4000 when you successfully complete
your course. Students enrolling under the traineeship program receive exactly
the same course and attend the same classes as full fee paying students –
there is no difference in training and assessments.
Why choose the NSWDAA for your training?
We have excellent tutors with a collective span of over 90 years experience –
all qualified trainers and assessors. Our training record is of the highest
standard and our students are well recognised – many going on to a
career in hygiene or dentistry. Having provided training courses to dental
assistants for over 40 years, we know the value of quality in training and
experienced trainers.
• Our classes are limited to smaller numbers – you won’t get lost in a
large group.
• Individual attention is given to learners with difficulties and tutors are
allocated to these students
• Materials and equipment are all provided – no additional fees
• Students receive discounts on all NSWDAA courses and annual conference
• We provide you with all the leaning materials you need including the text for
your course.
We make learning easy for your busy lifestyle.
The subjects covered are:
• Radiography
• Infection Control
• Medical Emergencies
• Legal and Ethical issues
• Assisting with dental procedures
• Equipment and products
• Office administration
*some conditions may apply to new entrants.
Stay ahead of the rest -
call us on 02 9569 3220.
Please let us
know if you
would prefer
to receive your
newsletter
electronically.
Ph: 02 9569 3220
Email:
info@nswdaa.asn.au

www.nswdaa.asn.au
Dear Beverley-Ann,
Thank you for hosting a Girls Night In for The Cancer Council NSW. We hope you
and your guests enjoyed your event while raising $200.00 to help us in the fight
against women's cancers.
It is wonderful you are part of our community because TOGETHER we can make
a difference.
Your contribution will enable us to continue funding vital research into the causes
of cancer in women and into new and improved treatments. Over the past six
years money raised from Girls Night In events has been allocated to projects
looking specifically at women's cancers.
The Cancer Council NSW is a national non-government cancer charity working
to defeat all cancers. We provide essential support services such as The Cancer
Council Helpline (13 11 20) and education programs on prevention and detection
in an effort to lessen the impact of cancer on NSW communities.
If you would like to find out more about our work, or how you can get involved in
any of our other fundraising events and activities, please visit our website at
www.cancercouncil.com.au or call our events hotline on 1300 65 65 85.
Thank you once again for your generous support and we hope you will join us
again next year in what we promise to be an even bigger and better Girls Night In.
With kind regards
Melanie Zammit
National Event Manager
Girls Night In
thank-you letter from melanie zammit - national event manager, girls night in

EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
Did you know that we also
provide a job placement service
for Dental Assistants?
Many exciting opportunities exist for
Dental Assistants, both experienced
and those just starting out.
We have a list of prospective
employers just waiting to hear
from you with practices in suburbs
including Artarmon, Kingsford,
Redfern, Baulkham Hills, St Leonards,
Neutral Bay, Richmond and Waverton.
Why not let us know a bit about
yourself and we can help to find the
right job for you.
Call the office Monday to Wednesday,
10.00am to 4.00pm and Linda will be
happy to take your details.
Phone: 02 9569 3220
Email: office@nswdaa.asn.au
NOTE: A fee may apply to dental practices
where a successful candidate is placed. Free
service to Dental Assistants who are members
to NSWDAA (Professional) Association.
UPDATING YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS
Change of Address/Personal Details
To assist us in keeping the database up-to-date, please email office@nswdaa.asn.au
with any change of address, telephone numbers, etc
We are conscious of our environmental responsibility and
would like your help to reduce our carbon footprint.
If you would like to receive your newsletter by email,
it’s as easy as sending us an email with
”your name and Newsletter by email”in the subject.
Send to office@nswdaa.asn.au
or call us at the office on 02 9569 3220
and we will do the rest.
Have you attended any of our exciting
Social events?
As well as being lots of fun, these outings are a
great way to meet your colleagues and network
with other Dental Assistants.
You never know when contacts in the industry
could be useful.We have a number of outings
each year, usually every 2 months or so, with
events including harbour cruises, beach days,
Christmas in July, shopping trips and much more...
Upcoming events are outlined in each edition of
“On the Cusp”.
Our next event is on Friday, 10 June at Baulkham
Hills, followed by Christmas in July
on Saturday, 30 July.
Why not get a group together, come alone or
bring a partner or a couple of friends? Just come
and enjoy!
We are always open to suggestions, please
let us know if you have any ideas for a memorable
outing.
Remember this is your social club, let us know how
we can make it better for you!
Phone: 02 9569 3220
Email: office@nswdaa.asn.au
Please let us
know if you
would prefer
to receive your
newsletter
electronically.
Ph: 02 9569 3220
Email:
info@nswdaa.asn.au

www.nswdaa.asn.au
LET’S MEET
Elise Jones
Name: Elise Jones
Area you live in: Kellyville
Place of work: Rouse Hill Family
Dental Clinic
Main job function: Dental Assistant
DA Certificate: Currently studying
Certificate III at Stanmore
Main area of dentistry that you enjoy:
Paediatrics Oral Hygiene
Any funny stories to share from your
training so far: No stories, but
there have been a lot of laughs with
my workmates
What have you learnt about
dentistry that you have found most
interesting?: The connection between
human anatomy and head and neck
anatomy
Where do you see yourself in 5 years
time?: On my way to becoming a
Dental Hygienist
What would you choose as a venue/
outing for the social club?:
The Ivy Bar
What would you be doing if you
weren’t working in dentistry:
Travelling
What are your hobbies: Spending
time with my sisters, taking care of
my rabbits, baking and shopping
What is your favourite colour,
food and footy team: Pink, vanilla
cupcakes and I can’t understand footy
If you could be anyone else for
24 hours who would it be and why?
Anyone of the cast members on the
TV show“Glee”
Thanks Elise. Elise will receive a gift
pack courtesy of the NSW DAA,
so if you would also like to be involved
and win a pack please contact
office@nswdaa.asn.au
Meetourmembers
A great way to get to know who is in our association, there is a gift pack for the member featured here each
newsletter. If you would like to be featured in this section, email office@nswdaa.asn.au
funny moments in the
dental surgery
Laughs and…

NSW Dental Assistants Association Newsletter

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