AuSAE - Alzheimer’s Australia and the ADA’s initiative to treat people with dementia

Alzheimer’s Australia and the ADA’s initiative to treat people with dementia

17 Aug 2016 4:40 PM | Deleted user

The changing face of dentistry: Treating people with dementia

Dentists are being provided with an exciting new tool to assist them in effectively caring for the 900,000 Australians who it is predicted will be living with dementia by 2050.

An initiative of the Australian Dental Association and Alzheimer’s Australia, the six-module online video series entitled Partnership in Practising Care: Quality Dental Care for People with Dementia, is a timely and valuable addition to dental resources.

Created with the aim of educating dentists on best practice processes to treat the increasing numbers of people with dementia they will encounter in their practices as the population ages, the series emphasises the importance of continuity of care, the use of preventative dentistry and ensuring that a high quality of life is maintained.

The encouraging news is that treating people living with dementia, an umbrella term that encompasses conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and which can be marked by progressive memory loss, confusion and personality change, can be managed through simple but effective amendments to the way a practice operates and some professional mindset changes by its staff.

For instance, one of the key requirements for treating patients living with dementia is to get to know them well if there is no pre-existing relationship; this means that any subsequent treatments will grow out of what is effectively a partnership between the dentist and their patient.

Encompassing a broad spectrum of caring for people living with dementia , the modules encompass the following material:

Module 1 – What is Dementia?

Provides an overview of the condition and easy and effective ways that dentists can treat people living with dementia that enhances their quality of life and oral health.

Module 2 – Dentistry and Ageing

Addresses the challenges created by a rapidly-ageing population and the issues faced by dentists treating patients with dementia.

Module 3 – Dementia and Your Practice

Leads dentists and practice through the best communicative, administrative and clinical procedures for treating people with dementia

Module 4 – Consent

Details the importance of informed consent, what is required to obtain it and the onus on the dentist to ensure that their patient understands the treatment they will undergo.

Module 5 – Treatment Planning and Delivery of Care

Takes a dentist through the necessary steps in formulating treatment for people with dementia from treatment options to risk factors, consent issues and post-operative care.

Module 6 – Domiciliary Care

Explores operating in a residential aged care facility and the need for infection control, patient management and liaising with staff before and after a consultation.

It is hoped that the Partnership in Practising Care will transform the way in which dentists treat patients living with dementia, and that they will come to understand that a few simple changes in practice and mindset can have a profound effect on the oral health and overall wellness of these patients.

All six modules of Partnership in Practising Care will be available on Wednesday 17 August via the ADA’s CPD Portal.

Partnership in Practicing Care was funded by the Alzheimer’s Australia National Quality Dementia Care Initiative with support from J.O. & J.R. Wicking Trust.

This article was originally sourced from ADA.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325

The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia