Fair Work Commission: Advocacy Efforts Ramp Up for Dental Assistants

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DAs supporting a patient

One of the great rewards of being an Association is the opportunity to actively advocate for our members and the sector.

At the upcoming Fair Work Commission (FWC) Award Review on Gender Undervaluation, we are honoured to represent Dental Assistants across Australia.

This crucial review seeks to address the systemic undervaluation of roles predominantly held by women, and with nearly 38,000 Dental Assistants in Australia—98% of whom work on a part-time or casual basis - your voices must be amplified and heard.

Dental Assistants play a vital role in our dental sector, yet your contributions often go unrecognised and under-compensated.

The Dental Assistants Professional Association (DAPA) is committed to ensuring that you, our hardworking professionals receive the acknowledgement and financial rewards you deserve.

As part of this commitment, DAPA has partnered with Keypoint Law to collaborate with the FWC, Justice Hatcher, and other Commissioners. This partnership aims to advocate for fairer salaries and improved working conditions for Dental Assistants throughout Australia.

The upcoming FWC review is a pivotal moment for Dental Assistants and the broader care and community sector. By working closely with legal experts and the Commission, we aim to drive meaningful change that will elevate the status of Dental Assistants, ensuring your invaluable contributions are appropriately rewarded.

This advocacy is not just about better pay but about recognising the essential role Dental Assistants have in maintaining public health and supporting the dental profession.

We encourage all Dental Assistants to join DAPA and contribute your voice to this critical cause.

Membership in DAPA provides numerous benefits, including:

- Access to professional development resources
- Industry updates
- Legal support
- Networking opportunities such as our upcoming 2024 Conference: https://nectarcc.eventsair.com/dapa-2024-national-conference/
- Discounts on training and events.

Additionally, members receive exclusive access to DAPA's advocacy efforts, ensuring your needs and concerns are represented at the highest levels.

Together, we can achieve greater recognition and better conditions for all Dental Assistants in Australia.

The Dental Assistants Professional Association is an approved NSW Smart and Skilled* provider, and more information on this can be found at the smart and skilled website https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw
*'This training is subsidised by the NSW Government.'