The PSA attends regular bi-monthly meetings with SA Dental Service Management and was represented by PSA Industrial Officer Margie Lindley. The following key agenda items were discussed at the November 2008 meeting.

OPS1 Dental Assistant Reclassification
The report regarding the classification process was approved and endorsed by SA Dental Service Executive and subsequently approval from the Regional Director was received.

A significant number of Dental Assistants were successful in their reclassification to OPS2. SA Dental Service has given a commitment to review the remaining unsuccessful applications at a later date.

The PSA will monitor the progress of this review.

Dental Therapist Classification Review
Dr Martin Dooland provided an update with regard to the Department of Health's support on this matter. Discussions between PSA and Department of Health have been ongoing over a period of time regarding the classification structure for Dental Therapists and Hygienists.  The Department of Health's offer was based on the changes to the proposed Dental Regulations which has no set date of introduction.

The PSA advised the forum that a submission has been forwarded to the Department of Health outlining the need for a structure for Dental Therapists/Hygienists that acknowledges and encourages specialisation in clinical practice and supports recognition of their skills. The submission highlights a range of issues that have impacted on Dental Therapists/Hygienists since September 2005.

DSO1 (Base Grade) Dentist Classification Review
SA Dental Service have identified a number of dentists currently paid at the DSO1 level who have many years of experience and are working at the higher level of DSO2.  A template and project brief have been developed and presented to SA Dental Service Executive with a decision to defer the review until early 2009.

The PSA will continue to liaise with SA Dental Service to ensure this review is progressed.

Rural Loading for Dental Therapists
A rural loading, similar to the VNC available for SA Dental Service dentists for travelling to rural areas and undertaking clinical practice in these areas has gained the support of Department of Health. The costs for this project will be supported internally within SA Dental Service budgets.

Commonwealth Dental Health Program
The non-introduction of The Commonwealth Dental Health Program (CDHP) will have a major impact on SA Dental Service budgets and waiting lists. As a consequence only clients requiring emergency dental care will receive treatment. This will impact on clinic waiting lists for general treatment. Dental Operator teams (Dentist and Dental Assistants) may be required to move and work in dental clinics within different districts to assist with demands where the needs are greater to deal with emergency treatments.

Skills Shortages
For some time, the PSA has identified this issue through it's Budget submissions and public comment as a major challenge facing the State Government.  For this reason, the PSA is researching issues such as staffing vacancy levels across all portfolios.

Members may assist the PSA by providing data that assists in identifying areas that are affected by the skills shortage.

Shared Services
The PSA advised the forum that the whole of government shared services process has been delayed and work bans have been implemented.

Workcover
The PSA requested that the SA Dental Service OH&S Policy be reissued to all staff to raise the awareness of staff safety. PSA members should not put themselves at risk carrying out the Government's policies. Employees should consider doubling up if they are likely to be confronted by a potentially dangerous situation. The PSA will continue to advocate for the safety and welfare of members to ensure workers are protected and not penalised if they are injured at work.

Casual Timesheets
The PSA sought clarification the new casual timesheet procedure would result in casual employees receiving salary payment 4 weeks in arrears.

SA Dental Service assured the PSA that this was incorrect. New procedures were introduced as a result of Shared Services to highlight the importance of ensuring timesheets were submitted in time to receive payment.

The PSA welcomes any issues members may wish to raise at future industrial forums. Please forward any issues to Margie Lindley, PSA Industrial Officer on mcl@cpsu.asn.au.   Worksite Representatives who may wish to attend Industrial Liaison Forums should also contact Margie Lindley on mcl@cpsu.asn.au or telephone 8205 3285.

PSA WORKING FOR MEMBERS IN SADS