If Barack Obama could ‘kidnap’ the best dental program on offer – he would find the jackpot in South Australia – the people looking after our teeth are among the best in the country.
The expertise and commitment to ongoing training and development of dental workers at the front line of South Australia’s oral health are the attributes and qualities recognized this week as the SA Dental Service was shortlisted in the prestigious NATIONAL ACCOLADES FOR EXCELLENCE – the new awards program for the nationally focused Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (ISC).
“The staff who run Adelaide Dental Hospital and our school and community dental clinics are smart, caring and do a great job – this award is a credit to their ongoing commitment and application to developing themselves as the best dental professionals in the country,” explains Marg Hypatia, Manager, Workforce Development Unit, SA Dental.
SA Dental entered the awards in the Partnerships for Workforce Development in Health category. Key aspects of the project were to showcase:
• The Workforce Development Unit which delivers dental services to the public through School Dental Service, the Adelaide Dental Hospital and over 70 Community Dental clinics across the state.
• Its partnership with the University of Adelaide to train many of the states' dental professionals, including dentists and dental therapists
• Professional Development programs for staff are offered in the following categories: Communication, Leadership, Organisational development, Client services, Mandatory programs, Clinical and technical, Information technology, External program advice and conference information
“We continually look for new ways to innovate the way we deliver our training so the people of South Australia have access to the best dental care in the country. To be shortlisted as a finalist means we are on the right track in developing new programs.” Enthused Marg.
Industry Skills Council Research, Development and Policy Manager, Robin Flynn explained the need for such a prestigious awards program, “With over a million people employed, the Community Services and Health Industries are one of the largest employer groups in the country, and underpin the national economy. In fact, when other industries are shrinking, these industries continue to grow and employ more and more Australians everyday.
"The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council established the awards program to recognize excellence in the industries which support and care for our entire country”
The winner of the National Accolades For Excellence Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner in Melbourne on October 21st.
To arrange an interview with any of the finalists or to speak with the Industry Skills Council about their awards program, contact Kate Engler 0412 526 851
