ADA calls on new Treasurer to act in the best interests of patients and Australia and #SCRAPtheCAP

The Australian Dental Association Inc (ADA) has reiterated its concerns about the proposed cap for tax deductions on work related self-education expenses at a #ScraptheCap Alliance meeting held in Canberra today.

President of the ADA, Dr Karin Alexander, said: "There has been an overwhelming outcry from dentists that the cap will grossly impact on the affordability of continuing professional development (CPD). Dentists are required under legislation to undertake a minimum amount of education each year so each and every dentist (almost 15,000) in Australia will be affected by this policy. Rural and remote dentists will be harder hit under this cap as they will have to incur additional costs to maintain their skills and knowledge.

"This policy approach runs counter to other Australian Government policies directed at improving access to health services in rural and remote areas and building a knowledge economy. For example, on the one hand the Australian Government is encouraging dentists to relocate to rural and remote areas but with the other hand it is in effect placing a tax on this same dentist to maintain the currency of their knowledge, and competency of their profession. If dentists cannot access quality and contemporary education this is not in the best interests of patients.

"Imposing a cap on deductibility for CPD is illogical. Quality CPD is costly. The ADA is gravely concerned that this measure will drive down the quality of CPD that will be available. If this occurs it will adversely impact on the safety and quality of health service delivery.

"The ADA calls on the new Treasurer, the Hon. Chris Bowen, to review this proposal carefully and consider the flow on effects from such a move."