Smile brighter: unleashing the power of dental marketing strategies

As the CEO of our prestigious organisation, I would like to discuss a matter that concerns me. As a former marketing specialist, I have observed that many of our members are not maximising the effectiveness of their marketing strategy. To this end, I have created a list of marketing methods that members might use to boost their efforts. This list is not exhaustive, but I hope it will provide our members with great insights and actionable advice that will help them thrive in their marketing initiatives

A survey into the impact of HPCSA investigations on health practitioners’ mental health

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) performs an essential role in regulating healthcare professionals and ensuring public safety. However, HPCSA investigations into health practitioners can have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of those physicians and dentists involved. Medical Protection recently surveyed its members who faced HPCSA investigations between 2018 and 2022 to gain insight into their experiences. The purpose of the survey was to assess the impact on their mental health, identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for the HPCSA and the Department of Health to resolve these issue

In the face of COVID-19, SADA continues to deliver to its members

SADA is proud to be amongst the small elite group of professional associations representing healthcare practitioners, fully recognised worldwide. Recently we held both the SADA Annual General and National Council Meeting virtually through a meetings electronic platform - Zoom

From 2023, SADA Members can purchase amalgam separators at discounted prices

At SADA we constantly and consistently seek ways to add value for the health practitioner and where possible save them money. The following is just but one example of many such actions. With the looming implementation of amalgam handling in South Africa, SADA is pleased to announce that it has entered into a collaboration with Dental Recycling International (DRI), through which SADA members will be eligible to receive a free amalgam separator beginning in November 2022

Breaking free from medical aid rates: empowering dentists to provide highquality dental services in South Africa

Dental care is vital to overall health and wellness. There is a myriad of challenges that health practitioners face when dealing with medical schemes/third-party funders. To address some of these challenges, some South African dentists accept medical aid rates for their services, to make their lives, and those of their patients’ lives somewhat easier. In this piece, however, we argue that dentists in South Africa should set their own fees rather than rely on medical aid rates. Initially, the price of dental care varies widely based on the necessary treatment. While calculating their rates, dental practices must account for rent, salaries, equipment, supplies, and other administrative expenses. Accepting medical scheme rates may not correctly reflect the actual cost of providing dental services, resulting in dentists getting less compensation than is necessary to maintain a sustainable practice

The Dental Professionals’ hearing loss and its silent role in affecting our careers and systemic health

In the bustling world of healthcare, dentistry often takes a backseat when it comes to discussions about occupational hazards. While the risks of musculoskeletal problems, exposure to infectious diseases, and stress are frequently acknowledged, there is a silent threat that looms over dental professionals - noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).This article aims to shed light on the often-overlooked issue of hearing loss in the dental profession, emphasizing its profound impact on both careers and systemic health. Additionally, we will explore preventative measures to mitigate this burgeoning concern

The South African Dental Association (SADA) Celebrates World Oral Health Day 2023 by promoting Health Education and Awareness

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is a global initiative that takes place annually on 20th March to raise awareness about the significance of oral health and promote good oral hygiene practices. In South Africa, WOHD was celebrated with various activities and events organized and or coordinated by the South African Dental Association (SADA), aimed at promoting oral health education and awareness among the public

Lessons learned: reacting, rebounding and recovering from dental clinical failures

Dental professionals all endeavour to provide their patients with the best possible care, utilising their skills, knowledge and experience to ensure positive results. Nevertheless, despite their best efforts, dental clinical failures can occur, leaving the patient and dentist to deal with the repercussions. In this article, we will discuss how to react, regroup and recover from dental clinical failures, drawing from strategies for dealing with the aftermath and learning from these experiences. A proactive and compassionate approach is necessary when addressing dental clinical failures. It is essential to acknowledge and address the situation promptly and professionally. The first stage is to communicate openly and honestly with the patient, providing a detailed explanation of what went wrong, accepting responsibility for the failure, and expressing genuine compassion for the patient’s concerns and emotions. Dentists should also engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation, conducting an objective analysis of the failure and determining its fundamental cause. Colleagues, mentors and professional organisations can provide valuable insight and direction when consulted

A Remarkable Triumph of the 2023 Oral & Dental Health Congress & Exhibition

I am honoured to share with you a comprehensive report on the South African Dental Association’s (SADA) standout event of the year, the SADA Oral & Dental Health Congress & Exhibition, which took place from August 25th to 27th, 2023, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)