Hello and welcome to the August Edition of ADAQ E-News.

There’s a lot to tell you this month. The TGA has taken on board our feedback and have changed the registration requirements for custom-made medical devices! So, if you have haven’t already registered your custom-made medical devices with the TGA, there is now no need to do so.

The new advice from the TGA is that if you manufacture custom-made medical devices in your practice or if you are a technician who manufactures custom-made medical devices for a healthcare practitioner, you will now not be required to register your devices, provided-- you are making the device from material or components that are already registered on the ARTG.

And for those of you who have already registered your devices for transition, you are not required to take any further steps at this time. Further information will be provided from the TGA to let you know how to withdraw your applications.

Please also keep in mind, this change only relates to the manufacture of devices. If you are importing custom-made medical devices or materials from overseas, you still need to register these on the ARGT. This requirement has not changed.

The ADA will be continuing to work with the TGA to continue to streamline processes and minimize red tap for dental practitioners and we will continue to keep you updated as these developments occur.

Topics in the Tropics is ADAQ’s conference being held in Cairns on September 17 and 18. It features lots of excellent speakers including prosthodontist Michael Lewis and our own Laurie Walsh. I’ll be there as well, and the good news is that Early Bird pricing has been extended until the 3rd of September. That’s $200 off the regular cost for 12 scientific hours of CPD – well over half of your yearly requirement in one hit! There’s never been a better time to come and join us!

You may be aware that ADA has released its latest Guidelines for Infection Control and Prevention, but not be sure what the changes are. Watch the ADA webinar recording at a time that suits you for critical information.

And some excellent news – ADAQ’s on-demand CPD is now live and includes bite-sized courses on topics including the recent developments in infection control as well as multi-wave laser training and pain management in paediatric dentistry. There’s more – go check it out! You can watch these to build CPD hours at any time.

Finally, ADAQ’s Council is its board of directors, and nominations for Council positions open on August 27. Please nominate yourself or a colleague for a Council position. As a Councillor, you attend Council meetings, propose and vote on measures that change ADAQ and determine how we move forward as an organisation.

It’s a great opportunity to serve both ADAQ and your profession and make your voice heard. Age is no barrier. If you believe you can contribute, please nominate!

That’s all for this month, and until I see you again, stay safe and stay well from all of us at ADAQ!