RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF DENTAL OFFICERS

PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION

The Public Service Association (PSA) represents all categories of staff within the South Australian Dental Service (SADS) and has represented members on many issues. As well as delivering salary increases through the Enterprise Bargaining process, the PSA has also ensured that there are appropriate career paths for employees to progress by reclassification and promotion.

It has been recognised for some time that the classification structure and salaries for Dentists did not represent changes in the work value of Dentists, and was providing insufficient remuneration to both recruit and retain Dental Officers. There has been a reduction in the number of Dental Officers, which as well as putting additional pressure on the remaining Dental Officers, also threatens the viability of SADS and thus the provision of a public dental service to South Australians.

In June 2006, SADS Executive endorsed a new salary structure for Dental Officers which was then endorsed by Central Northern Adelaide Health Service (CNAHS) and forwarded to the Department of Health (DoH). However this was not accepted by the upper echelons within Government.

The PSA early this year met with the Minister for Health, John Hill, and following that meeting negotiations commenced with the DoH.

The proposal put forward by the PSA was similar to that endorsed the previous year by SADS Executive. The DoH cancelled the meeting planned for 19 June 2007. This meeting was scheduled to give the Government 6 weeks to consider the proposed Dental Officer's Pay Structure following a meeting on 8 May 2007. Due to the further unnecessary delay, Dentists at two PSA meetings unanimously determined to undertake the current bans and limitations.

The PSA asks all members to support their colleague's industrial action. The PSA considers this action essential to ensure retention and recruitment of Dentists and the ongoing viability of SADS.

For any enquiries or comments please contact Industrial Officer Kathy Tsorvas 8205 3271 (kt@cpsu.asn.au) or Acting Assistant Chief Industrial Officer Ian D Peak 8205 3294 (ian@cpsu.asn.au).

PSA WORKING FOR PUBLIC DENTAL HEALTH