Newsletter: December 2016

Over the last three months, it has been a very busy time with NZDHA working hard to promote dental hygiene as a profession that is continuously evolving.

I had the pleasure of speaking with the new graduates of both Otago University and AUT and it was pleasing to see so many oral health therapists pursuing exciting opportunities both in private and public sectors.

With the new scope of practice for oral health therapist recognised by the Dental Council, we see changes ahead for our profession. This has been an opportunity to create a good relationship with NZDOHTA for us as an association as we engage in a combined conference for 2017. This will be the first conference, commencing, what we think is an exciting relationship between the two associations working together. It will be held 7-8 July in Wellington, our Diamond sponsor being Colgate.

Looking to the future, we are wanting a more cohesive representation of our two associations. We have had several meetings with positive communication and are looking forward to taking a proposal to our members early next year.

Both NZDOHTA and NZDHA had joint meeting with the Dental Council to discuss scopes of practice and the possible amalgamation of the two associations. This time was well spent further ascertaining an understanding of each other’s associations and the Council’s perspective of these issues and more.

I would like to take this time to wish you all a very merry Christmas and safe holidays. 2017 is looking very bright for us as an association, growing better relationships in the profession and a positive profile with the public.

Paula Palmer
NZDHA president