The PSA has regular bi-monthly meetings with SADS Management. The previous meeting was held on Monday 11 August 2008 with PSA Industrial Officer Carly Cooper, Membership Officer, Margie Lindley and from SADS, Geoff Franklin, Anne Pak-Poy, John Windsor and Ed Gorkic. The key issues emanating from this meeting included:

1. Dental Therapists and Dental Hygienists classifications

The PSA provided an update on this matter. Discussions between PSA and Department of Health have been ongoing over several years regarding the classification structure for Dental Therapists and Hygienists. A satisfactory outcome for members is still yet to be achieved within the Operational Services Stream.

PSA has met with DH and a “without prejudice offer” was made regarding classification. This offer reflected the basic requirements of Dental Therapists and Hygienists in that it suggested a reclassification for experienced members from OPS4 to OPS5 level. However, the Department based this offer on the changes to the proposed Dental Regulations. The change in classification would therefore be effective from the date that the change in Regulations occurs. It is important to note that this offer has not yet been approved by the Chief Executive.

A large group of Dental Therapists and Hygienists met at the PSA on Tuesday 5 August to discuss the offer and the way forward. Members considered a motion and unanimously decided that the reclassification should not be linked to the Regulations,

PSA will now communicate this with Department of Health and continue the negotiations.

2. Implementation of the Commonwealth Dental Health Plan

The Business Plan for this initiative has now been completed. Negotiations need to be undertaken regarding reporting lines which under the new Plan are quite onerous.

It is expected that this Plan will substantially increase business.

3. The Medicare Teen Dental Plan

This is a Commonwealth initiative. Teenagers aged twelve to seventeen years old who are eligible, will be issued with vouchers which are able to be redeemed in out-clinics. This program commenced at the start of July and is now effectively up and running.

4. Review of OPS1 Dental Assistant classifications

The report regarding the classification process has now been completed by SADS and endorsed by SADS Executive. It has been sent to the regional director for approval. A decision is expected to be provided to members by the end of August.

5. Base grade Dentist Review

SADS have identified that there are a number of dentists currently working at the DSO1 level who have had many years of experience and who are working at the higher level. These dentists are undertaking more than routine work with minimal guidance or no supervision. Human Resources is currently in discussions to undertake a review of these classifications. Discussions have only just commenced and a template is to be developed based on the classification criteria. It is likely that Clinical assessments will be part of the process by which classifications are determined. At this point the review will encompass Statewide. It is hoped that in the future those dentists in the hospital system will also be reviewed.

6. Shared Services

PSA advised SADS of the current discussions amongst members concerning the shared services transition and the concerns in regards to the financial issues, particularly the loss of salary sacrifice entitlements. PSA is currently gathering information from members regarding their anticipated financial disadvantages and is calling on the State Government to offer a better package.

Contact Industrial Officer Carly Cooper on 8205 3285 or email: clc@cpsu.asn.au if you have any queries or comments or to raise issues at the next bi-monthly meeting.