Earlier today the State's public dentists voted to accept an improved recruitment and retention offer from the Department of Health.

The members' meeting was chaired by PSA President Lindsay Oxlad and attended by General Secretary Jan McMahon, and PSA legal counsel Peter Moloney.

At today's meeting, Dental Officers were presented with the Department of Health's proposal as outlined before Commissioner Doyle of the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission on Monday 6 August 2007. The proposal has been formally confirmed as an offer.

The PSA Dental Officers voted in favour of the following motion at today's meeting:

“That this meeting of PSA Dental Officers note the Government's proposal put forward at the Voluntary Conference conducted by the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission on Monday 6 August 2007.

Following careful consideration, members support the proposal as a means of providing a foundation to address real and significant recruitment and retention issues that have a direct impact on the viability of the South Australian Dental Service.

The acceptance of the proposal does not indicate that all recruitment, retention and associated issues have been fully addressed, but rather enable a benchmark from which to move forward.

PSA Dental Officer members also wish to formally acknowledge the assistance of Commissioner Doyle of the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission in relation to this matter.
The PSA is to immediately address particular inequities arising from the Government's offer.”

Salaries for graduate dentists will increase by at least 25% by the start of 2008. A new graduate commencing work as a public dentist in 2008 will earn $66,584 p.a. compared to $52,763 currently.

All dentists will receive a minimum 10% wage increase effective January 2007. Additionally Clinical Leaders will receive a further 7% allowance, Regional Directors 4% and Director of Policy and Program 2%. Total back payment will result in all dentists receiving between a $4,500 and $8,500 one-off payment in their pay packet.

Issues such as country location allowances and professional development have been addressed. Transitional grants will remain as a reserved item.

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact PSA Industrial Officer Kathy Tsorvas on kt@cpsu.asn.au or 8205 3271.

PSA WORKING FOR DENTAL HEALTH