COMMUNIQUE

Communique

WG Evans

June is the month of Youth and words like 'optimisim' and 'energy' spring to mind. The most apposite word, however, is 'AGATHISM', defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as "the doctrine that all things tend towards the ultimate good, as distinguished from optimism which holds that all things are now for the best." (my italics) So it is that the Young Dentists' Council recognises that whilst they may be optimistic about what has been achieved, their policy is in fact determined by agathism for there are many opportunities for their energy to be directed towards further enhancing Dentistry for the ultimate good of all.

And it is just so appropriate that it is during June that a new Committee and new Executives take office. Faizel Man-soor handed over to Paul Mathi this month, having laid a solid foundation on which the YDC can march forward. Every congratulation to the outgoing committee... a task most certainly well done! Paul sent this message: "I am privileged to be afforded the opportunity to introduce to you the new YDC, nominated through their respective branches, which allows us to gain access to the issues affecting our younger professionals from all over the country and also to more easily implement our plans nationwide. Dr Yuvthi Ramper-sadh was elected Vice President and also took on the responsibility of interim Secretary. The meeting was attended by our CEO, Maretha Smit, which goes to show how committed SADA remains to the YDC initiative.

If you are confused on who or what we are, be sure we are working to rectify that as soon as possible! We also brainstormed ways in which to encourage younger members, and future members, to get involved in SADA and its structures, so that we can continue moving our profession forward together, towards the bright future we all want.

We also looked towards getting the YDC's planned Mentorship programme up and running. We remain committed, enthusiastic and determined in making the YDC successful in its mandate, and we look forward to your support in the coming two years."

Consider also the words of the incoming Vice President, Yuvthi Rampersadh

"From our first meeting together, the new committee have decided that our focus will remain on marketing and awareness. I believe we have laid down a great foundation in the first two years of the YDC's infancy, and can now concentrate our aims on growing the support we have received thus far from our colleagues and strengthening the link between SADA and the young dental community. We will be working on projects that add value to the already beneficial relationship we and our fellow colleagues are nurturing in SADA and concentrate on catering to the changing needs of young professionals. We are full of energy to make significant changes for the whole profession and are confident that together we can make a difference to the future of ALL dental practitioners!"

It is clear that leadership is united in a common purpose, strengthening their resolve.

The Young Dentists Council certainly brings vitality and action to the Association and every member would wish them great success. The inauguration of the YDC two years ago marked a laudable development in the Association... and perhaps some of that energy is now reflected in other Association activities.

The office of the Manager, Coding and Nomenclature has never been short of projects, some more ambitious than others. In April there appeared a Coding List for Oral Hygienists who have of course been granted the right to independent private practice. Coding is comprehensive indeed and represents the culmination of dedicated effort, principally by OHASA and by the Coding Manager, Mehroon Khan. The Guidelines will be invaluable to any Oral Hygienist setting up practice. A workshop meeting was organised by the Association for the oral hygienists. The topics included, regulations around setting up a practice, procedure codes and the correct use of ICD 10 codes. This workshop will soon be introduced to dentists as well as practice managers. This development marks a considerable change in the structure of the Dental Team. Good wishes to those Oral Hygienists who are embarking on their own independent practice.

A SADA Communique was circulated recently dealing with the acknowledgement by Discovery of the Man-dibular Advancement Device. This is a code to assist patient's suffering from sleep Apnea Members may now use a specific code when submitting data on these appliances to Discovery. The Association is deeply satisfied that the representations which were submitted have led to this breakthrough. There are apparently some 200 or more appliances which may be used in the endeavour to treat Sleep Apnoea. Indeed this issue of the Journal carries the first of a series on the current Theme Oral Health and Psychological Wellbeing. Sleep Apnoea, the topic of the Theme article, is a major contender amongst those afflictions which challenge those objectives. Yet it may not be a consistent procedure in our examinations and history taking. The Association is committed to successfully aligning the two Theme components.

Look for action also on position papers on CADCAM, on Laser Treatment and on antibiotic prophylaxis, together with guidance on Emergency Kits. The Association acknowledges the principles of agathism!