Dental Hygienists Association of Australia

Assistant Secretary, Drug Strategy Branch
Attention: Tobacco Reform Section
Department of Health & Ageing
MDP 701
GPO Box 9848
Canberra ACT 2601

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Tobacco Plain Packaging Bill 2011. The Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia Inc. supports National Health Reform and advocates smoking cessation.

The DHAA Inc. is a non-profit volunteer association of professional dental hygienists who are registered with AHPRA. The Association has the following principle objectives:

• To promote, represent and advance the profession of dental hygiene both in Australia and internationally.
• To promote access for all people to quality preventative oral health services
• To fund and participate in research to advance the oral and general health of the public
• To establish liaison between the Association and Government, Legislative Bodies, Allied Health Associations and Industry

• The role of the dental hygienist in advocating smoking cessation and referral
• The oral health implications of nicotine addiction
• Advertising and addiction
• Education
• Strategies to reduce smoking and improve national health
• Patient feedback regarding plain packaging