No images? Click here December 2021 NewsletterIn this edition …
![]() Clinical Associate Professor F. Shane Fryer OAM Message from the PresidentWelcome to the December edition of the Dental Council of NSW’s Newsletter. As 2021 draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the year that was. We are all aware that COVID-19 continues to challenge us. At the writing of this message, the omicron variant is at the forefront of our government/health officials’ minds. Throughout the year we have all experienced difficulties, including the need to regularly review our dental practice based on the public health orders; not being able to see family and friends, and not being able to travel beyond our local area or state. I would again like to applaud you for your resilience during this time and for ensuring that our patients and loved ones continue to remain as safe as possible. I acknowledge the toll that this has taken on you, both from a personal and professional perspective. In relation to the Council’s regulatory work, as noted in the August Newsletter the number of complaints received during this financial year has decreased compared to the last financial year. More detailed information regarding the Council’s regulatory work is contained within the Council’s Annual Report 2020/21, and this is showcased further on in this edition of the newsletter. I would like to acknowledge the role you play in the lives of our patients and their families each day. Our ultimate aim is to deliver the very best treatment and care to our patients. During the past two years this has occurred under very difficult circumstances and you should all be proud of your achievements during this time. On behalf of the Council, I wish you all the best over the festive period and I trust that you will have the opportunity to spend time with your loved ones, and to hopefully have a well-deserved break. All the best for 2022. Stay safe. Clinical Associate Professor F. Shane Fryer OAM Council annual report 2020/21The Council’s annual report 2020/21 is now available on the Council’s website. There has been a 14% reduction in complaints lodged compared to the previous financial year. The majority of complaints continue to relate to clinical care. During 2020/21, the vast majority of complaints closed by the Council resulted in the matter being discontinued or no further action taken. It is important to note that the Council’s primary function is public protection. Where the Council determines that regulatory action is to be taken, it is done so to protect the public. The action taken by the Council is not punitive. I encourage all practitioners to view the full Annual Report. In the meantime, a snapshot is provided for your information. Call for expressions of interest: Assessment CommitteeThe Council is seeking expressions of interest from registered dental practitioners in NSW to join the Assessment Committee. Role of the Committee The Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) (National Law) provides the power for the Council to establish an Assessment Committee (Committee). The Committee works completely independent of the Council. Where the Council determines that a complaint against a registered dental practitioner requires further detailed investigation, it may refer the complaint to the Committee. The Committee must investigate any matter referred to it by the Council. When investigating a complaint, the Committee may obtain the medical, legal, financial or other advice it deems necessary or desirable. At the conclusion of its investigation into a complaint, the Committee provides a report to the Council. The Council takes the Assessment Committee’s report and recommendations into account when considering the appropriate action to be taken with respect of the complaint. Membership of the Committee The Committee is comprised of four members, as follows:
The Chair is appointed by the Council. The majority of complaints considered by the Committee relate to dentists. The National Law requires that at least one and, if practicable, all, of the registered dental practitioner members on the Committee must be registered in the same division as the practitioner who is the subject of the complaint. Where a complaint relates to another division, members of that division will be appointed to a Committee to consider that complaint. Meetings of the Committee Meetings are scheduled monthly. However, a meeting may not be held each month. This is dependent on the Committee’s workload at any given time. Meetings generally last from 1-3.5 hours (half day) but may extend to a full day. Meetings may be held face to face or via videoconference/teleconference. Committee member payments A member of a Committee, while sitting on the Committee, is entitled to be paid by the Council at a rate decided by the Minister. The current rates are as follows:
Selection Criteria:
Directions for applicants 1. Your application should include:
2. Please email your application marked attention to Colin Borg to mail@dentalcouncil.nsw.gov.au Closing date: 24 January 2022 Further information: Contact Colin Borg, Executive Officer on (02) 9219 0205.
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