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Policies of the DHAA Inc.

• Policy on FLUORIDE USE

  The DHAA Inc. supports the use of:

  Water fluoridation

  As a safe and effective public health measure

  Systemic fluoride (supplements) and topical fluoride applications

  For individuals or groups at high caries risk, or for whom there is a need indicated after all other fluoride ingested sources are considered in consultation with the supervising dentist

  Fluoride toothpastes

  Avoided under 2 years of age, smear of toothpaste dispensed, low fluoride children's toothpaste under 6 years and twice daily generally

  Fluoride rinses and gels

  Personalise regime depending on the patient needs

  Updated: March 1999

• Policy on NITROUS OXIDE EXPOSURE

  The DHAA Inc. supports the use of nitrous oxide, administered by a dentist or dental specialist, to assist with delivery of treatment by a Dental Hygienist as requested by the patient when deemed appropriate.

  The DHAA Inc. questions the effect on Dental Hygienists, to chronic exposure of trace amounts of nitrous oxide particularly during pregnancy.

  The DHAA Inc. recommends all Dental Hygienists exposed to nitrous oxide obtain a material safety data sheet from the relevant nitrous oxide supplier.

  "Epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of spontaneous abortion and low birth weight in offspring in female workers employed in operating theatres and dental surgeries." (BOC Gases Australia Limited, Sept. 1998)

  Updated: Sep 1999

• Policy on INFECTION CONTROL

  PURPOSE: To provide guidelines for the dental hygienist to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases in the workplace.

  SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

  1. The Infection Control Guidelines for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases in the health care setting (January 2004) Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing (replaces NHMRC 1996)

  The Infection Control Guidelines, though updated in May 2004, are still current and should be followed by all practicing dental hygienists and dental professionals (June 2006).

  2. Standards Australia AS/NZS4815:2006 (Available for purchase.)

  These documents have been accepted by all major stakeholders as reasonable minimum standard precautions required for dental surgeries and training institutions for preventing the spread of infection. The documents are made more palatable by the fact that they have been written by independent bodies. They are comparable with the International Standards.

  Our role as dental hygienists requires us to be responsible for all phases of our patients' treatment whilst in our care. In addition to our clinical duties, we manage both pre and postoperative care. We are in charge of preparing our treatment area before patient care and implementing correct infection control procedures after we have dismissed the patient, as well as maintaining effective infection control procedures during the course of treatment.

  As a professional practitioner, the dental hygienist performs a range of duties, which can put both patient and practitioner at risk of cross contamination unless standard infection techniques are in place. Considering the changes that have been implemented in the area of infection control, the dental hygienist should consider negotiating with their employer(s) regarding the use of an assistant, to aid in facilitating compliance with AS/NZS4815:2006.

  IMMUNISATION POLICY & INCIDENT REPORTS

  The DHAA Inc. recommends all dental hygienists in consultation with their general practitioner maintain vaccinations against polio, tetanus, diphtheria, mumps, rubella, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis B.

  Health Care Workers vaccination programs should reference the most recent edition of The Australian Immunisation Handbook (approved by NHMRC February 2006).

  Influenza and meningococcal vaccinations should be considered during outbreaks.

  Whenever a work injury is sustained, an injury report must be documented and filed with the principal of the practice. A written protocol must be in place and followed.

  USEFUL RESOURCES

  • Department of Health - Infection Control Guidelines
  • National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
  • Standards Australia
  • Australian Dental Association Inc (ADA Inc) Policy Statement - Infection Control
  • Australian Infection Control Association (AICA)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)

  The DHAA Inc. recommends that all dental hygienists implement Infection Control Guidelines (January 2004) and Standards Australia AS/NZS4815:2006 in all places of employment.

  Updated: Jun 2006

• Policy on PRIVACY DISCLOSURE

  Members will find this disclosure accompanying any material that requires the contribution of personal information. If you have any concerns about your personal privacy in regards to the Association contact The DHAA Inc.

  Personal information supplied by you and third parties to the DHAA Inc. will be received, retained, used and disclosed by the DHAA Inc. and/or in conjunction with third parties and related companies for the primary purposes of:

  • the mailing of DHAA Inc. materials and publications,
  • special communications from the Association to members,
  • promotions of Association activities; PDP, Social & Professional Events,
  • subscription and membership notices, and
  • contact details for communication with membership on an ad hoc basis,

  as well as for the secondary purpose of marketing. The third parties that the DHAA Inc. is likely to disclose your information to include:

  • Indemnity insurers
  • Representatives of the dental industry
  • Dental professionals: dentists, dental services, professional alliances, etc.
  • Financial institutions in accordance to executive positions
  • Sale or provision of membership database to DHAA Inc. alliances

  The following statement will appear on membership subscription renewal forms, to confirm the essence of the policy as it relates to member information:

  "The DHAA Inc. maintains a database of names, addresses and other information relevant to membership of the DHAA Inc. This data is accessed by the Association to mail information, including publications and member services. It is made available to related organisations which provide member services and benefits. Members may request that personal information not be passed on to a third party. However, this will result in the member being unable to receive such mailings. A member may request, at any time, a copy of personal information held by the Association."

  If you have any enquiries regarding the operation of the DHAA Inc. Privacy Policy, please contact the DHAA Inc., PO 10030 Gouger St., ADELAIDE SA 5000

  Updated: Dec 2001