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Winter 2002

HACSU Members push for increase in dental assistants

HACSU members employed in oral health recently voted to pursue a claim for increased numbers of Dental Assistants in the Tasmanian service.

For many years dental therapists have identified the lack of support and practical assistance as a priority problem in most clinics.

The issue came to a head earlier in the year when a serious incident occurred, threatening the safety of a member and highlighting the dangers of isolated working environments.

As well as the obvious risks to health and safety of working unassisted, members are also keen to bring Tasmanian service standards into line with all other states.

This means providing adequate staffing and support to ensure all patients receive the best possible care and service.

Dental Assistants are an important part of the development of best practice standards in Tasmania.

HACSU members have identified a number of clinics that are 'high priority' - those clinics with no Dental Assistant allocated and those clinics in isolated or high-risk areas.

A proposal has been submitted to management suggesting a staged resolution of the issue over a six-month period.
The ultimate aim of the proposal is to establish 1:1 ratios of Dental Therapists and Dental Assistants in all clinics.

Because nothing has been done about this issue for some time, HACSU members have become very frustrated, and resolved to take action if necessary to force a satisfactory resolution.

Members are still waiting for a response from management to their proposal and will continue to meet to consider the progress of the claim.