Today @ADAVB lodged an application for protected industrial action to support public sector dentists in their enterprise bargaining. Their EBA expired in June, and we are still waiting for an offer from the government.
#RespectPublicDentistry
#RespectPublicDentistry
Victorian public dentists are the lowest paid in Australia - by a long way. A dentist working in Victorian would have to work for 4 yrs to get to the starting salary of a new graduate in NSW, 5 yrs for a new graduate in Queensland, SA or WA & 6 yrs for the equivalent in Tasmania. 
That's why we are seeing massive problems with recruitment & retention. There are 19% fewer dentists now than in 2018.
Not to mention issues of burnout and psychological distress, at levels much higher than the general community.
Fewer dentists means longer waiting times across Victoria - now more than 26 months on average, but up to 45 months in places. These are clinically unacceptable waiting times for patients, and their oral health deteriorates as a result.
And it's not just a pandemic issue. Waiting times have been increasing over the past decade. Less than 20% of patients who are eligible to access public dental care can actually be seen - because the system is underfunded. It is a system in decay.
So we need to respect the work of public sector dentists. They need to be provided a fair and equitable enterprise agreement. Otherwise patients will continue to wait. And suffer.
Poor oral health = poor overall health.
Learn more & let your MP know:
adavb.org/advocacy/campa…
Poor oral health = poor overall health.
Learn more & let your MP know:
adavb.org/advocacy/campa…
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
