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I am wondering about the beliefs of Orthodox Presbyterians. I am a protestant Christian and go to a non-denominational Church so I am trying to find to what denomination to call myself.
The answer to your first question, "... what denomination can I call myself?" if you "go to a non-denominational Church" would ordinarily be that you would be classified as "Independent." Of course that doesn't say too much as to where you stand among all the denominations and non-denominational (or independent) churches in the Christian world.
Many non-denominational churches include in their name the phrase "... Bible Church," indicating that they hold the Bible to be the inspired, infallible Word of God. That narrows the field somewhat. However, there are many varieties of Bible churches which are so distinct that it would be hard for them to live together due to their theological differences.
So, first of all, let me set forth several groups of churches and indicate their outstanding distinctives. And, for the most part, independent churches might find themselves at home in any one of these.
I'll start first with Presbyterians. "Presbyterian" means "governed by elders." (A minister is also considered to be an elder.) But their doctrine is "reformed," that is, they hold to Calvinism as a system of doctrine which they believe most correctly embraces all the Bible in a cohesive doctrinal system. English, American, Scottish, and some other Calvinists adopt the Westminster Confession of Faith and The Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the "Westminster Assembly of Divines," which met in London's Westminster Cathedral from 1642 to 1647. Doubtless, you have gathered some of this from visiting the OPC website.
Two characteristics of this system of doctrine are that God has chosen His elect from out of our fallen human race from all eternity and that those He chose he calls to Himself through the hearing of the gospel message. It is He who chose us, drew to Himself through the hearing (or reading) of the message of the cross.
This happens as a result of the Covenant of Redemption, in which God the Father covenanted with His Son that the Son would come into our fallen world as true God and man in one Person with two natures to accomplish the redemption of all who call on Him through faith, which faith God gives by His Spirit, apart from whom no one is able to believe, being dead in trespasses and sins. (See John 3:16; Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 2:1-10 and John 6:44.)
God's Covenant of Grace hass been in force throughout history, first, beginning with Genesis 3:15 throughout all ages till the death and resurrection of Christ, on the promise of a Savior to come, and second, from that time till the coming of Christ to judge the living and the dead at the end of this age, on the basis of a finished redemption.
We call this the Reformed Faith because of its rediscovery and proclamation beginning with the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century.
Returning to the rule of Christ over the church through elders (where "Presbyterian" comes in), we reject independency in church government. Our reason for that is that, since the death of the Apostles, there are no infallible prophets (since God's Word was completed during the apostolic era). Therefore, the Bible requires a plurality of elders to execute the rule of Christ through His Word and Spirit. And the New Testament Church instituted this rule of elders (also called bishops or overseers) for all the distinct congregations in the New Testament era. The Epistles of Paul are evidence of that.
And Acts 15:1-35 give us the Presbyterian model for settling disputes in the churches. That is why, historically, Presbyterians reject independency, although there are some independent, Calvinistic churches who hold to the Calvinistic doctrines, yet admit no organic connection to other congregations of like faith and practice. They may govern by elders, but only on the local level.
I've said much about Presbyterianism in particular, because I speak as a minister of the "Orthodox Presbyterian Church." "Orthodox" is derived from the Greek, meaning "Straight teaching." That is an emphasis of our denomination.
There are many Presbyterian denominations throughout the world, and especially in the USA. We are distinct from many othersespecially the older "main-line" Presbyterian denominationsbecause we believe they have gone beyond Scripture in what they teach and allow. Other denominations have lesser differences from the OPC, and with them we maintain "sister"-denominational relations. So much for the discussion of Presbyterians.
There is also the Lutheran tradition, coming from Martin Luther and those who influenced Lutheranism after his death. Their basic differences are differences in government (they were originally state-established churches (in Germany and the Scandinavian countries). To a considerable extent they hold to regeneration (the new birth) by baptism, which Reformed churches reject. They also hold that Christ is physically present in the Lord's Supper. And they tend to be Arminian in their doctrines of salvation (although that was not true of Martin Luther himself). That is, unlike Calvin, Arminians hold that all of fallen humanity since Adam are born with the ability to repent and believe the gospel. In such churches, saving the lost is a matter of human persuasion rather that divine calling.
There are several denominations of Lutherans in America. Some are more biblical than others. But they all share in the doctrinal distinctives mentioned.
Baptists, generally speaking (along with Congregationalists), are independent. That is, while they associate for fellowship and for missionary endeavors, they are not subject to one another, as are Presbyterians. And all decisions are made by congregational vote. Baptistic distinctives include their belief in baptism by immersion and "confessing" baptism. That is, baptism is their "confession of faith in Christ."
Some Baptists have adopted Calvinistic doctrine as to salvation. Many of these consider themselves to be "Reformed Baptists" (even though they do not follow the Protestant Reformers in their view on baptism). But by far the larger number of Baptist churches adopt Arminianism in their view of salvation and evangelism.
Just a word about Episcopalianism: Episcopalians derive from the Church of England. The church is governed by bishops (an office which in their view is distinct from elders). They are Hierarchical - that is, authority passes from Christ to Archbishops to the people, similar to Roman Catholicism.
As to doctrine, Episcopalian churches were basically Calvinistic in creed. They vary from "High Church" to "Low Church" as to the sacraments (high-church Episcopalians or Anglicans are called "Anglo-Catholics").
I could speak about "Dispensationalism," which was enshrined in the original "Schofield Bible." This theology found a home in Presbyterian, Baptist, and Independent denominations during the early and middle of the 20th Century. They are still with us today.
Dispensationalists hold to blood-atonement and are generally Arminian, though some are 4- or 5-point Calvinists. Their primary distinctive is the belief that God administered His work of salvation on different principles in different ages (or "dispensations").
Their main antithesis (at least in the older dispensationalism found in the old Scofield Bible) is between Law and Grace. The Mosaic period was (in some sense) under Law, while, since Pentecost, the church is under Grace.
In eschatology (doctrine of last things), Dispensationalists are "pre-tribulational premillennialists" (which is different form historic premillennialism). According to this view (popularized in the "Left Behind" books), when Christ comes at the "Rapture," the saved will be secretly taken to heaven before the unveiling of the Antichrist. Then follows the "Great Tribulation," followed in turn by the Millennium, and after that the "falling away" (Rev. 20:1-3). Then will occur the "Great White Throne Judgment" and the beginning of the eternal state. The OPC does not hold to this view of future events.
I have run too long already. If you have questions on this latter subject, please feel free to return with more questions.
I close with an explanation of the confusion of the churches since the Protestant Reformation. This is a sinful world. and Christians still have the remnants of sin in them after conversion to Christ. That's the meaning of 1 Corinthians 13:12-13. And Satan, though cast out of heaven, is very busy confusing the Lord's people. We in the OPC don't say that only "Reformed" believers are saved. In all of the denominational groups mentioned above God has His true people. It is not for us to separate the sheep from the goats. Christ Jesus will do that on Judgment Day.
So we recognize our oneness with all the redeemed host, knowing that, when Jesus comes, we shall "know as we are known." The problem is not with unclarity in the Word of God, but is US! But must we give up and sail to heaven as kindergarten students of God's Word? Divine enlightenment comes, in God's measure, to those who study and absorb the blessed Book. By God's grace alone, the OPC has sought to stick to the Bible in all our controversies. We welcome all who are hungry for growth in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Questions and Answers" is a weekly feature of the OPC website. The answers come from individual ministers in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church expressing their own convictions and do not necessarily represent an "official" position of the Church, especially in areas where the Standards of the Church (the Scriptures and the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms) are silent.
The questions come from individuals like yourself. If you have questions about biblical and theological matters, you are invited to send them by e-mail by using the "Pose a Question" link on the OPC home page or by clicking here.
At least one new question is posted each week, so there should always be something new here for you to read. (For those people who would like to look at previous questions and answers, they will continue to be available as well.)
The purpose of the OPC website's "Questions and Answers" is to respond to biblical and theological questions. Matters of church discipline, disputes, or debates go beyond the scope of our work. We recommend that you present your concerns in these areas to the appropriate judicatory. In most cases this will be to a local pastor, elder, or session. We do not want the website to replace personal involvement in, or commitment to, the local, visible church.
While we will respond to every serious questioner, we are not bound to give a substantive answer to every question, should we deem the question to be beyond the scope of our purpose or our own ability to answer.
You will receive an answer by e-mail. Please be patient as many of our respondents are busy pastors. The response to your question may take up to two (2) weeks. Some of the questions submitted will be chosen to be posted here, along with the corresponding answers.
Note that the "Questions and Answers" posted on the site have been editedall personal references are removed, Scripture references or from some source may be added, and sometimes portions are expandedto make the questions and answers more useful to a larger audience.
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Dark Matter Developers: The Unseen 99%
In astronomy and cosmology, dark matter is a currently-undetermined type of matter hypothesized to account for a large part of the mass of the universe, but which neither emits nor scatters light or other electromagnetic radiation, and so cannot be directly seen with telescopes. - Wikipedia on Dark Matter
You can't see dark matter, but we're pretty sure it's there. Not only is it there, but it's MOST of what's there. We know it and we can't see it. It never shows up.
My coworker Damian Edwards and I hypothesize that there is another kind of developer than the ones we meet all the time. We call them Dark Matter Developers. They don't read a lot of blogs, they never write blogs, they don't go to user groups, they don't tweet or facebook, and you don't often see them at large conferences. Where are these dark matter developers online?
Part of this is the web's fault. The web insists on moving things forward at an rate that makes people feel unable to keep up. I mean, Google Chrome has upped two version numbers just in the last 3 paragraphs of this blog post. Microsoft probably created a new API and deprecated an old one just while I was typing this sentence.
Lots of technologies don't iterate at this speed, nor should they. Embedded developers are still doing their thing in C and C++. Both are deeply mature and well understood languages that don't require a lot of churn or panic on the social networks.
Where are the dark matter developers? Probably getting work done. Maybe using ASP.NET 1.1 at a local municipality or small office. Maybe working at a bottling plant in Mexico in VB6. Perhaps they are writing PHP calendar applications at a large chip manufacturer.*
Personally, as one of the loud-online-pushing-things-forward 1%, I might think I need to find these Dark Matter Developers and explain to them how they need to get online! Join the community! Get a blog, start changing stuff, mix it up! But, as my friend Brad Wilson points out, those dark matter 99% have a lot to teach us about GETTING STUFF DONE.
They use mature products that are well-known, well-tested and well-understood. They aren't chasing the latest beta or pushing any limits, they are just producing. (Or they are just totally chilling and punching out at 5:01pm, but I like to think they are producing.) Point is, we need to find a balance between those of us online yelling and tweeting and pushing towards the Next Big Thing and those that are unseen and patient and focused on the business problem at hand.
I like working on new stuff and trying to new ways to solve old (and new) problems but one of the reasons I do like working on the web is that it's coming to a place of maturity, believe it or not. I feel like I can count on angle brackets and curly braces. I can count on IL and bytecode. These are the reliable and open building blocks that we will use to build on the web for the next decade or three.
While some days I create new things with cutting edge technology and revel in the latest Beta or Daily Build and push the limits with an untested specification, other days I take to remember the Dark Matter Developers. I remind my team of them. They are out there, they are quiet, but they are using our stuff to get work done. No amount of Twitter Polls or Facebook Likes or even Page Views will adequately speak for them.
The Dark Matter Developer will never read this blog post because they are getting work done using tech from ten years ago and that's totally OK. I know they are there and I will continue to support them in their work.
* These people and companies all exist, I've met them and spoken to them at length.
UPDATE: I found a blog post from John Cook that mentioned Kate Gregory who also used this term "Dark Matter" to refer to programmers. It seems it's an apt analogy!
About Scott
Scott Hanselman is a former professor, former Chief Architect in finance, now speaker, consultant, father, diabetic, and Microsoft employee. He is a failed stand-up comic, a cornrower, and a book author.
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Written by Sarah
Although, I suppose, there's not that much left to ruin anyway.
I am a sucker for old romantic comedies—and I mean old, like Bringing Up Baby or It Happened One Night—which is why I'm so hard on modern rom-coms. The formula isn't THAT hard (quirky person + staid person + outlandish circumstance = rom-com) yet Hollywood has driven this staple of studio fare into the ground over the last twenty years. The most recent rom-com I really loved was Love Actually and it's not like that movie was 100% a comedy. I have a script called And Then the Zombies Came about a couple of development interns at a Hollywood studio who lock their bosses in a closet with ravening zombies when they attempt to remake The Princess Bride with Gerard Butler and Jessica Alba.
You know my stance on Stephenie Meyer. She has NO TASTE. The woman is missing the "discerning" gene. So of course she's producing actual movies now, not just her Twilight movies. Her first venture is a production called Austenland, adapted by Shannon Hale from her eponymous book. Co-writing and directing the project is Jerusha Hess, wife of Jared Hess, who directed Napoleon Dynamite. Jerusha co-wrote that film as well as Nacho Libre and Gentlemen Broncos, which is seriously one of the WORST movies I've EVER seen. The Hess family is still in the doghouse with me over that one.
I'm divided on this project. On the one hand, I'm all for women backing other women making movies. And Hess and Meyer are Mormon, and if you think being conservative in Hollywood is tough—try being Mormon. It's nearly impossible not to lapse and have any kind of career at all (consider Ryan Gosling, a lapsed Mormon with an awesome career, and Jon Heder, an observant Mormon with no career). The Hesses, so far, stick to making PG and PG-13 fare. They're upholding their beliefs in a very unsympathetic industry that is about to make a big and expensive musical movie mocking their faith (The Book of Mormon is coming to theaters!). That isn't easy and while I don't necessarily agree with those beliefs, I admire the personal fortitude that that represents.
On the other hand, Jerusha Hess is the co-author of one of the most APPALLINGLY AWFUL movies I've ever sat through. I'm still making it up to my friend T, who accompanied me to the cineplex on that ill-fated day. Plus you have Stephenie Meyer, she of ZERO TASTE, who has already reduced bloodthirsty and ass-kicking vampires to sparkling examples of limp-wristed "manhood". Meyer has said that Twilight was heavily influenced by Wuthering Heights, which tells me that she didn't understand that book AT ALL. (Also, it was inspired by a sex dream she had about a seventeen year old. Why isn't anyone else creeped out by that?) So I'm not sure how much faith I'm supposed to put in her when it comes to the delicate workings of Jane Austen. What will she do to poor Mr. Darcy?
File photo from Wenn.com
Stephenie Meyer is ruining Rom-coms too now…
Written by Sarah


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The General Manager's primary purpose is to develop restaurant management and hourly staff to build and increase sales over the previous year and improve profitability, while ensuring employee and guest satisfaction, without compromising the integrity or culture of the concept. The General Manager is responsible for the success of the operation within their control. A successful manager will demonstrate the following competencies required to achieve the desired "outcomes" from their contributions to the mission statement: 1. Honesty and integrity in all things. 2. The ability to attract and develop a quality staff of "A" players. 3. Strong work ethic. 4. Willingness to listen. 5. Professional presentation and verbal skill set. 6. Ability to organize and inspire a team towards a common goal. 7. Aptitude for food and restaurant execution. 8. Positive impact on restaurant finances.Requirements:
- Effective oral and written communication skills - Regularly works more than 40 hours per week, generally 50-55 hours per week, with five days on the job, and two days off work, as a general rule - Regularly works in the kitchen leading, training, teaching and coaching culinary duties - Regularly works in the dining room leading, training, teaching and coaching host and service functions - Walking, bending and stooping. Some moderate to heavy lifting on a semi-regular basis. Moderate exposure to extreme temperatures (i.e. freezer, heat behind the cook line).Additional Info:
Managers enjoy: - A daytime schedule with no night shifts — ever - Competitive pay and benefits including health, 401k and paid vacation - Excellent training - Opportunities to advance We try not to take ourselves too seriously, but there are a few things we look for in our managers: - Two years of full-service restaurant experience - Passion for fresh food and customer service - Unfailing work ethic and integrity - Ability to attract and foster a quality staff and inspire them to greatness - Professional presentation and demeanor


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POPSUGAR Shout Out May 14, 2013
POPSUGAR Shout Out: The Best Light Bridal-Shower Bites
- 21 recipes for a healthy shower menu — Fitness
- Prince Harry gets his game on in NJ and NYC — Celebrity
- Check out the most modern wedding cakes out there! — Food
- Designers sketch custom-made maternity clothes for Kate Middleton — Fashion
- What to gift your newly pregnant friend — Moms
- Copy these celebrity braids for your next wedding — Beauty
- A phone that does just fine without Instagram — Tech
- Do these prom themes make you feel old? — Sex & Culture
- Dry off with a bright, limited-edition beach towel — Home
- Live it up with essential flea-market finds — Smart Living
- Don't miss the newest Hunger Games poster — Entertainment
- Take your pup for a ride — Pets
- Video: Transform last night's chicken leftovers — Food


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NHL, players' association meet deep into night
A federal mediator rejoined negotiations between the NHL and the players' association that stretched into the early hours of Thursday morning but still haven't produced a deal to get hockey back on the ice.
After a series of meetings during the day Wednesday, the sides reconvened at night and were together until nearly 1 a.m.
The biggest news to come out of the talks was that the union didn't inform the NHL that it was filing a disclaimer of interest before a self-imposed midnight deadline. Commissioner Gary Bettman said the topic never came up in discussions between the sides.
The sides were asked by the mediator to return to the bargaining table Thursday morning.
Neither side would characterize the talks or address what, if any, progress has been made.
Bettman has told the union that a deal must be in place by Jan. 11 in order for a 48-game season to be played beginning eight days later.


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In 2003, the "Move Over Law" was passed in Georgia. This law basically states that if you are approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the roadway, then you must move over or slow to a safe speed. The fine can be up to $500.00 and this violation will count 3 points on your driver's license. The Villa Rica Police Department fully supports this law and strictly enforces it. We are asking the public to be aware of this and understand that it is not just a courtesy anymore. It is the Law.
"Georgia's Move-Over-Law was meant to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities to police officers, paramedics, firefighters, tow truck operators and highway maintenance workers", according to Director Bob Dallas of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
In 2003, of the 132 police officers who died in the line of duty, 49 were killed in traffic-related incidents. Twelve of those officers were struck and killed while working outside their patrol cars.
The police are the most at risk of injury and therefore this charge is taken very seriously by police departments around the state.
In Villa Rica, our police department is offering something no other department in the state is offering at this time. If you are charged with violatiing the Move Over Law in our city, we give the violators the opportunity to attend a class at our department. If the violator completes this class our Judge will reduce the charge to a non-moving violation and reduce the fine from $500.00 to $150.00. According to the Governor's Office of Highway Safety Public Relations Director Jim Shuler, "This is a very innovative way to get the word out about the Move Over law".
If you have any questions about the Move Over Law, please go to the Governor's Office Of Highway Safety's website at: www.gahighwaysafety.org.


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Athletic, aesthetic. The newly designed wide tail end with integrated tailpipe trims and diffuser in the rear apron – pure dynamism. The emotively appealing body styling with AMG-specific front apron in A-wing design makes the SL more charismatic than ever. The steeply raked radiator grille based on the legendary 300 SL Panamericana racing car is also visually spectacular: narrower at the top and widening out towards the bottom. The side view is dominated by the long bonnet, AMG side sill panels, long wheelbase and rearward-moved passenger compartment.
The cockpit of the SL possesses a compelling, unique spatial feel, great seating comfort plus lavish use of the most select elements. Choose from a host of materials and colours and the exclusive designo programme ranging from elegant Exclusive nappa leather to finely crafted trim in aluminium, wood or carbon fibre. Full-area foam- backed beltlines and laminated foam pads in the armrests meet the standards of a premium product.
On request the driver and passenger can enjoy particularly exclusive comfort – with the Active Multicontour Seat package. Thanks to their inflatable air chambers, the active multicontour seats with massage function and dynamic function ensure optimum seating comfort and excellent lateral support. The seats can be individually adjusted via various air chambers – from the seat cushion length through the side bolsters to the position and extent of the backrest curvature.


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Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012
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Parliamentof Australia Departmentof Parliamentary Services
Purpose .................................................................................................................................................... 2
Background .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Recent dental initiatives ..................................................................................................................... 3
Dental Reform Package ................................................................................................................. 4
Children's dental services and oral health status ............................................................................... 5
Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS) ............................................................................................. 6
Teen Dental Plan ................................................................................................................................. 7
Basis of policy commitment ................................................................................................................ 9
Committee consideration ................................................................................................................... 9
Policy position of non-government parties/independents ................................................................ 9
Position of major interest groups ..................................................................................................... 10
Financial implications ............................................................................................................................. 11
Main issues............................................................................................................................................. 12
Key provisions ........................................................................................................................................ 13
Schedule 1—Amendments to the Dental Benefits Act 2008 ............................................................ 13
Concluding comments ........................................................................................................................... 14
BILLS DIGEST NO. 22, 2012-13 20 September 2012
Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012
Amanda Biggs Social Policy Section
2 Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012
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Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012
Date introduced: 12 September 2012
House: House of Representatives
Portfolio: Health and Ageing
Commencement: 1 January 2014
Links: The links to the Bill, its Explanatory Memorandum and second reading speech can be found on the Bill's home page, or through http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation. When Bills have been passed and have received Royal Assent, they become Acts, which can be found at the ComLaw website at http://www.comlaw.gov.au/.
The Bill proposes amendments to the Dental Benefits Act 2008 (DBA) to apply from 1 January 2014. These amendments would extend eligibility for Commonwealth dental benefits, currently provided under the Teen Dental Plan to eligible teenagers aged 12 to 17 of families receiving Family Tax Benefit A (FTB(A)), so as to include children aged 2 to 17 of these families. The Bill also provides for the making of Dental Benefits Rules (Rules) that may specify the monetary limits on dental benefits for specified dental services to eligible patients during specified periods.
In Australia, the financial burden of funding private dental services falls mainly on individuals, not governments or private insurers. Of the $7.6 billion spent on dental care in 2009-10, some $4.6 billion was spent by individuals, compared to $1 billion spent by health insurers and $1.8 billion spent by governments.1
Traditionally, responsibility for funding and delivering public dental services, such as school dental clinics and public dental hospitals, has fallen on the states and territories. While the Whitlam Government instigated the Australian School Dental Program in 1973, responsibility for funding and delivery soon devolved to the states, where it has essentially remained.
However, the issue of Commonwealth funding for dental services has been an ongoing focus in public debates on the funding of dental health services in Australia.2 That funding of private dental
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Health expenditure Australia 2009-10, AIHW, Canberra, 2011, supplementary table A3, viewed 17 September 2012, http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737420435 2. For an overview of Commonwealth funding of dental services see A Biggs, Overview of Commonwealth involvement in funding dental care, Research paper, no. 1, 2008-09, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2008, viewed 17 September
Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012 3
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services was not included in Medicare, except in certain circumstances, has prompted concern in some quarters.3 In more recent times, ongoing reports of poor dental health (particularly among disadvantaged groups), long waiting times for state-run public dental services and financial barriers to private dentistry have added fuel to the debate.4 Successive federal governments have responded to these developments with a range of policy approaches. Broadly, governments have tended to favour either supporting and expanding state-run public dental services, or supporting the individual to meet the cost of private dental care.
Policies which favour the former, have included the Keating Government's Commonwealth Dental Health Program (CDHP) which provided additional funding to state-run public dental clinics to provide dental services to concessional adults (later dismantled by the Howard Government); and the Gillard Government's recent budget announcement of $345.9 million in additional funding to tackle long public dental waiting lists.5 Examples of the latter approach include the Howard Government's support for private health insurance to assist people meet the cost of dental care6, as well as its Medicare funded Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS); and the Rudd Government's Teen Dental Plan (also under Medicare). Two of these, the CDDS and the Teen Dental Plan are briefly discussed below, as both are due to close in order to facilitate the introduction of a new Dental Reform Package announced on 29 August 2012.7
Recent dental initiatives
In the 2011-12 Budget the Gillard Government committed to making dental reform a major focus of its next budget, as part of its agreement with the Greens.8 This commitment saw the Government establish a National Advisory Council on Dental Health (NACDH) to provide it with reform options, and direct some initial funding to dental workforce initiatives including establishing a dental intern year. The 2012-13 Budget saw an additional $515 million directed to dental services, largely to fund
2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22library%2Fprspub%2F75IR6%22 3. Commonwealth funding was provided under the Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Scheme to help meet the cost of treatment of these disorders. 4. For example see, B Richardson and J Richardson, End the decay: the cost of poor dental health and what should be
done about it, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Fitzroy, Vic., 2011, viewed 17 September 2012, http://www.bsl.org.au/pdfs/Richardson_End_the_decay_2011.pdf 5. T Plibersek, (Minister for Health and Ageing), Blitz on dental waiting lists to benefit low income Australians, media release, 8 May 2012, viewed 17 September 2012,
http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F1622528%22 6. Via rebates on health insurance premiums. 7. T Plibersek (Minister for Health and Ageing), $4 billion dental spend on children, low income adults and the bush,
media release, 29 August 2012, viewed 13 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F1882207%22 8. J Gillard (Prime Minister), W Swan (Deputy Prime Minister), Senator B Brown (Leader Australian Greens) and Senator C Milne (Deputy Leader Australian Greens), The Australian Greens and the Australian Labor Party (ʹthe Partiesʹ) -
Agreement, viewed 17 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22library%2Fjrnart%2F218794%22
4 Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012
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additional services in state-run dental clinics, but also to extend the dental intern year to include dental hygienists, and workforce and infrastructure support for dentists. These were described by the Health Minister at the time as 'foundational activities', with further announcements to be made.9
In February 2012, the Gillard Government released the report of the NACDH, which proposed a number of staged policy options to help realise the longer term goal of universal and equitable access to dental care. As a first step toward this goal, the NACDH proposed that children and low-income adults be given a universal capped entitlement to dental services, to be delivered via both public and private dental services.10
At the time, the Government indicated it favoured a targeted approach to funding dental services, directed to those who were most disadvantaged.11
Dental Reform Package
On the 29 August 2012, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Tanya Plibersek announced the direction for the Government's new Dental Reform Package.12 Key components of the six year package include:
⢠providing 3.4 million children aged two to 17 eligible for FTB-A with access to subsidised dental
care, capped at $1000 per child over two years at a cost of $2.7 billion ⢠funding of $1.3 billion for the public dental system so that around 1.4 million additional dental
services can be provided for adults on low incomes, including pensioners and concession card holders, and those with special needs and ⢠funding of $225 million for dental capital and workforce to support expanded services for people
living in outer metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas.
Implementing the Dental Reform Package requires the replacement of the Medicare Teen Dental Plan with the provisions in this Bill and the closure of the Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS). The latter would cease to operate from 30 November 2012, but is not repealed by this Bill.
9. T Plibersek, (Minister for Health and Ageing), Blitz on dental waiting lists to benefit low income Australians, op. cit. 10. National Advisory Council of Dental Health (NACDH), Report of the National Advisory Council on Dental Health, NACDH, Canberra, 2012, viewed 17 September 2012, http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/final-report-of-national-advisory-council-on-
dental-health.htm 11. T Plibersek (Minister for Health and Ageing), Gillard government welcomes options on dental care, media release, 27 February 2012, viewed 17 September 2012,
http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F1456588%22 12. T Plibersek (Minister for Health and Ageing), $4 billion dental spend on children, low income adults and the bush, media release, 29 August 2012, viewed 13 September 2012,
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On 6 September 2012, the Health Insurance (Dental Services) Amendment Determination 2012 (No. 1), was registered. This Determination will bring about the staged cessation of the CDDS by 30 November 2012, if not disallowed by Parliament.13
Before turning to a discussion of the CDDS and the Teen Dental Plan, a brief overview of children's dental services and oral health is provided.
Children's dental services and oral health status
In 1973, the states, territories and the Commonwealth agreed to establish an Australian School Dental scheme, majority funded by the Commonwealth, but delivered by the states and territories.
The program aimed to provide comprehensive dental treatment for all Australian school children up to the age of 15 years. Services were provided by trained dental therapists working under the direction and control of dentists. The Commonwealth provided 75 per cent of the capital and operating costs of training facilities for dental therapists, and 75 per cent of the capital costs and 50 per cent of the operating costs of the school dental clinics.
Funding of the scheme, initially through specific purpose grants to the states was gradually merged into general purpose grants in the early 1980s, effectively ending direct Commonwealth funding for the scheme from this time.
Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA), Queensland and the Northern Territory still operate dedicated school dental programs, with varying age eligibility requirements. SA imposes a co-payment for children whose parents do not hold a concession card. School children in the other states and territories may have access to public dental services, which also have varying eligibility and co-payment requirements and which may also treat eligible adults.14
In terms of children's oral health, the latest child dental health survey indicates that children attending school dental services continue to experience moderate levels of decay across all age groups, although levels vary with age. Of children attending school dental services, 46 per cent of six year olds experienced decay, while 39 per cent of 12 year olds and 60 per cent of 15 year olds had some history of decay in their permanent teeth.15
13. The Determination amends the Health Insurance (Dental Services) Determination 2007 so that no new patients can be treated under the CDDS from 7 September, 2012, with access to the scheme to cease for all patients from 30 November 2012. Once tabled in Parliament, either Chamber can vote to disallow the Determination within 15 sitting days, viewed 20 September 2012, http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2012L01837
14. Co-payments and other criteria may also vary. For details of these see Appendix E, National Advisory Council of Dental Health (NACDH), op. cit. 15. GC Mejia, N Amarasena, DH Ha, KF Roberts-Thomson and AC Ellershaw, Child dental health survey Australia, 2007: 30-year trends in child oral health, AIHW, 25 May 2012, p. viii, viewed 17 September 2012,
6 Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012
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Trends over time for decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) among children with deciduous teeth (that is, younger children), show declines to the mid-1990s but levels rising again in recent years. Declines in dmft among children with permanent teeth (that is, older children) have also occurred, but have stabilised in recent years. In terms of the states and territories, the picture is hampered by missing data for some years from key states (notably NSW and Victoria); however, the 'general trend of both deciduous and permanent caries experience in children from nearly all states and territories points to a decline up to 1996 and 1997, followed by a small increase thereafter'.16
The Minister has argued that the implementation of the provisions in this Bill would address declines in children's oral health and help build a 'unified national system'.17
Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS)
Although not addressed in this Bill, the CDDS is set for closure from 30 November 2012, in order to facilitate the new arrangements.
Introduced in 2004, and expanded in 2007, the CDDS provides capped Medicare dental benefits (up to $4250 over two years) to patients on referral from a GP who have a chronic illness (for example, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or HIV) which is being exacerbated by their dental problems. The current scheme built on an earlier scheme which had fewer services and a lower cap, which was subsequently expanded just prior to the 2007 election.18
The CDDS quickly exceeded expenditure forecasts following its expansion in late 2007. Expenditure overall has now exceeded $2.6 billion, with more than 19 million services provided.19
Both the Rudd and Gillard Governments have sought to close the CDDS, regarding the scheme as flawed, but the legislative instrument to facilitate this has been previously blocked in the Senate.20
16. Ibid., p. 23. 17. T Plibersek (Minister for Health and Ageing), 'Second reading speech: Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012', House of Representatives, Debates, 12 September 2012, p. 2, viewed 17 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansardr%2Fde04541
9-4cf3-4a48-a502-ec68c5e81782%2F0009%22 18. A Biggs, M Biddington, Dental Benefits Bill 2008, Bills Digest, no. 135, 2007-08, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2008, viewed 17 September 2012,
http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillsdgs%2FW0QQ6% 22 . 19. Medicare Australia, 'Medicare group reports; Category 9 Dental Services', interactive database, viewed 17 September 2012, https://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/statistics/mbs_group.shtml 20. Previous efforts to close the scheme are detailed in A Biggs, Dental benefits for chronic conditions—an update,
Background note, 2008-09, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2008, viewed 17 September 2012, http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BN/0809/Dent alBenefits
Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012 7
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While the CDDS has provided millions of dental services to people with chronic conditions, it became embroiled in controversy over allegations of over servicing and rorting. A recent Medicare Australia audit revealed some problems with administrative compliance and record keeping, which prompted Medicare Australia to seek reimbursement of benefits paid to some dentists.21
This resulted in a backlash from dentists who were concerned they were being unfairly dealt with. A private members' Bill was introduced which would have required the Minister to drop the recovery action against dentists who were deemed to have made administrative errors.22 This prompted a Senate inquiry allowing an airing of the dentists' grievances.23 Subsequently, the Minister responsible for Medicare Australia, Senator Kim Carr wrote to the Senate Committee undertaking to review some of the cases in question.24
Teen Dental Plan
The implementation of the provisions in this Bill would replace the arrangements under the Teen Dental Plan.
The means-tested Teen Dental Plan was introduced in 2008, with the passage of the Dental Benefits Act 2008 (DBA). Eligible teenagers (mainly those in receipt of FTB(A), but also certain other beneficiaries25 are entitled to a dental voucher (currently to the value of $163.05, indexed annually) for an annual preventative dental check-up. The check-up can be provided in either private practice or a public clinic, by an eligible dentist or dental hygienist. Services are limited to preventative treatments only, such as an oral examination, x-rays, and scaling and cleaning.26
A review of the DBA, required to be undertaken regularly, has found some shortcomings with the Teen Dental Plan. The fact that the voucher does not pay for any follow-up work, if this is identified
21. For details see A Biggs, Calls to waive dentists' debts to Medicare, Flagpost, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 19 April 2012, viewed 17 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22library%2Fprspub%2F1585350%22
22. The Health Insurance (Dental Services) Bill 2012, viewed 17 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr4771% 22
23. The Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee conducted the inquiry and reported on 10 May 2012 , viewed 17 September 2012, http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=fapa_ctte/dental_services/in dex.htm
24. Senator K Carr (Minister for Human Services), On the Record: Statement to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee Budget Estimates 2012-13, 29 May 2012, viewed 19 September 2012, http://www.mhs.gov.au/media/on_the_record/2012/05/29_may_2012_-_statement_to_the_senate_community_affairs_legislation_committee_budget_estimates_2012-13.php
25. For example, those receiving financial assistance under the Veterans' Children Education Scheme (VCES), the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS), and the Disability Support Pension (DSP).
26. These clinical services are billed to Medicare under a single preventative dental check item - item number 88000 in the Dental Benefits Schedule (DBS).
8 Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012
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as being needed, was criticised by some recipients.27 Recipients also expressed concern that sometimes the full amount is charged even where the level of preventative work appears minimal, or other recipients appear to be charged at different rates.28
Although some 1.3 million teenagers are eligible for the voucher each year, uptake has been much lower than this. Just 30 per cent of eligible teenagers used the voucher in 2010-11 (the most recent year measured), a decline on the previous year when uptake was 32 per cent, according to independent review.29 The review described this outcome as 'disappointing'. 30
Other shortcomings identified include the process around sending the voucher to eligible teenagers. While Medicare Australia conducts regular mail-outs of vouchers each year to those teenagers it identifies as being eligible, teenagers who become eligible in November or December do not receive a voucher automatically.31 These teens or the families must request a voucher; or if they fail to do so, they may miss out.32
The review was also concerned that certain at risk groups, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, culturally and linguistically diverse teenagers, disabled teenagers and those who are homeless, might not be accessing the voucher and that more promotional work among these groups was needed.33 The review also observed that teenagers in rural and remote areas had lower rates of voucher utilisation compared to those in metropolitan and inner regional areas.34 The review also considered issues around bulk billing, noting that bulk billing rates by dentists are 63.9 per cent. 35 However, many families still face out of pocket costs if the dentist chooses not to bulk bill.
27. Review Panel, Report on the second review of the Dental Benefits Act 2008, Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra, 2012, p. 15, viewed 14 September 2012, http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/Report_on_the_Second_Review_of_the_Dental_B enefits_Act_2008.
28. Ibid.
29. Ibid., p. 4. 30. Ibid.
31. Ibid., p. 12. Medicare Australia does not conduct a mail out of vouchers late in the calendar year. 32. The review notes that the physical requirement for a voucher is not necessary to receive services. Eligibility can be confirmed by phone. 33. Ibid., p. 3. 34. Ibid., p. 19. 35. Ibid., p. 9. Bulk billing refers to when the dentist accepts the dental benefit as the full payment for the service and
does not charge any additional fee.
Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012 9
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Basis of policy commitment
The basis of the policy commitment is the announcement made by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Tanya Plibersek on the 29 August 2012 that the Government would implement a Dental Reform Package.36
The provisions in this Bill address only the first component of the Dental Reform Package, but do not close the CDDS or implement the other components of the package.37 Funding for the additional dental services to be provided in the public dental system announced in the package is dependent on the Commonwealth and the states and territories reaching an agreement.38
Committee consideration
At this time, the Bill has not been referred to a committee for consideration. The Senate Selection of Bills Committee has deferred a decision on referring the Bill to its next meeting.39
Policy position of non-government parties/independents
The Greens have indicated they strongly support the Dental Reform Package, which includes the measures for children proposed in this Bill. Their spokesperson, Senator Richard Di Natale, who jointly announced the package with the Health Minister, described it as laying the foundations for Denticare (that is, a universal dental scheme):
This reform not only means millions of Australians will now be able to afford dental care, but it also lays the foundation for universal dental care in the years to come, building a healthier nation for all of us. 40
Nevertheless, the package inevitably involves the closure of the CDDS, an action the Greens have previously opposed.41 However, the Greens appear to have changed their view and now accept the closure of the CDDS.
36. T Plibersek (Minister for Health and Ageing), $4 billion dental spend on children, low income adults and the bush, media release, 29 August 2012, viewed 13 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F1882207%22
37. Closure of the CDDS will be effected by a Ministerial Determination, provided Parliament does not vote to disallow it. 38. Ibid.
39. Senate Selection of Bills Committee, Report no. 11 of 2012, 13 September 2012, p. 3, viewed 14 September 2012, http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=selectionbills_ctte/reports/2 012.htm
40. Senator R Di Natale, Better dental care for millions of Australians, media release 29 August 2012, viewed 17 September 2012 http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F1880138%22
41. A Biggs, Dental benefits for chronic conditions—an update, op. cit.
10 Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012
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The position of the Opposition is not clear, although it has questioned how the Government will pay for this commitment, along with its other proposed programs such as implementing the Gonski education reforms.42 The Opposition have also consistently opposed the closure of the CDDS.43
MP for New England, Tony Windsor has welcomed the scheme.44 Other key Independents have not yet declared their views. Some have also previously opposed the closure of the CDDS.45
Position of major interest groups
The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), which has long advocated for dental reform and represents the public health sector, has welcomed the introduction of the Bill. President Pru Power described it as 'an important step in progress to a comprehensive dental and oral health program which will deliver long overdue improvements in access to dental care for children and vulnerable adults'.46 She notes that the investment in dental health should 'save money through preventing avoidable hospital admissions and increasing productivity'. As well, she predicted it would reduce tooth decay and inequity 'by closing the gap between access to dental care between the rich and poor'.47
Dentists have also welcomed the dental package, with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) describing it as 'a significant initiative leading to a long-term improvement in Australia's oral health'. President Shane Fryer noted that 'if dental care can be provided to children then their long-term dental health will be significantly improved. Early intervention and preventive treatments are a proven and well-established method to prevent poor dental health in later life'.48 While it considered that the CDDS had 'delivered some valuable care', it had been too widely available including to Australians 'who were already able to access treatment'.49
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) also welcomed the overall package of dental reforms, particularly those directed to children and low income families. President Steve Hambleton
42. C Pyne (Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training), Transcript of doorstop interview: Parliament House, Canberra, media release, 3 September 2012, viewed 17 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F1893713%22
43. A Biggs, Dental benefits for chronic conditions—an update, op. cit. 44. T Windsor, Dental health package will help country people, media release, 29 August 2012, viewed 17 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F1880203%22
45. For example, Senator Nick Xenophon voted against the closure of the CDDS in a disallowance motion. 46. Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, Public health services welcome dental bill, media release, 13 September 2012, viewed 14 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F1914291%22
47. Ibid.
48. Australian Dental Association, Australia's dentists welcome targeted dental reform, media release 29 August 2012, viewed 14 September 2012, http://www.ada.org.au/newsroom/article,documentid,431928.aspx 49. Ibid.
Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012 11
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described it as 'a huge improvement on the existing dental scheme' that would give 'many families the confidence that cost should not be an impediment to good dental care'.50
However, some groups are concerned by the imminent closure of the CDDS. While the ADA does not oppose the redirection of funding away from the CDDS to the dental reform package overall, it expressed its concern that 'the mode of closure of the CDDS has given little consideration to the many patients currently receiving treatment'. President Shane Fryer observed:
Many of the patients being treated under the CDDS require complex care; some of which includes surgical procedures that need to be completed over a series of months, for example periodontal treatment. It is unreasonable to expect patients to now be responsible for the cost of procedures they consented to on the understanding their treatment would be covered by Medicare.
Others have questioned whether the funding for the new dental package will be sufficient to reduce public dental waiting lists. Professor Hans Zoellner, Chairman of the Association for the Promotion of Oral Health, is quoted as saying that 'the public system is already running at capacity and can't attract the workforce needed to increase throughput'.52
The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) has welcomed the package, but also warned that the lag time between the closure of the CDDS and the start of the expanded dental benefits scheme in 2014, may increase pressure on public dental services.53
Financial implications
The Explanatory Memorandum outlines the cost of the expanded scheme will be $2.7 billion over six years, from 2012-13. However, annual forecast expenditure is not detailed.54
The Health Minister has not detailed from where the funding for the expanded program will be drawn, although she indicated that this would be detailed in the Mid Year Economic and Fiscal
50. Australian Medical Association, Dental care an important part of holistic primary health care - AMA, media release, 29 August 2012, viewed 14 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F1914290%22
51. Australian Dental Association, Dental package -as always, the devil is in the detail, media release, 5 September 2012, viewed 14 September 2012, http://www.ada.org.au/App_CmsLib/Media/Lib/1209/M434316_v1_634825195891676047.pdf
52. A Cresswell, 'Dentists spot the gap as old scheme axed', The Australian, 31 August 2012, p. 7, viewed 14 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressclp%2F1884025%22
53. Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS), 'Commonwealth government announcement on dental reform: ACOSS briefing and analysis', September 2012, viewed 18 September 2012, http://acoss.org.au/images/uploads/ACOSS_analysis_of_dental_reform_announcement_0912.pdf
54. Explanatory Memorandum, Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012, p. 1, viewed 20 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fems%2Fr4878_ems_ 0a663ad3-4604-4063-8369-bc516df18baf%22
12 Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012
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Outlook and that it won't rely on the closure of the CDDS, which has been factored into budget calculations already.55
Main issues
While the dental reform package, and the provisions in this Bill have been widely welcomed, a number of issues warrant further consideration.
Although the Health Minister claims in her second reading speech that this Bill establishes the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) for children aged two to 17, the Bill does not in fact do this. Instead it simply allows for the establishment of the Dental Benefits Rules, which may do this. The Bill does not specify what the Rules must contain or when these will be promulgated.
The Minister's speech suggests that the CDBS would include 'basic dental services' such as dental checkup, fillings and extractions. But orthodontics would be excluded. 56 The details of services to be covered and who will provide these will rely on the Department consulting with the dental profession. Whether consultations will focus only on dentists or include dental prosthetists and dental hygienists remains unclear, although this workforce is identified as one that could deliver CDBS services.
The Bill specifies that those in receipt of FTB(A) with children aged two to 17 will be eligible for dental benefits, but it does not specify the other classes of persons who the Minister has indicated will be eligible as well.57 Under current arrangements for the Teen Dental Plan, eligibility for these other beneficiaries is specified in the Dental Benefits Rules, so it is assumed the new Rules would do this as well.58
The review of the DBA found a number of shortcomings with the Teen Dental Plan, so these should be identified and addressed to ensure that similar problems do not occur under the expanded
55. T Plibersek (Minister for Health and Ageing), Transcript of press conference: Sydney dental hospital: dental reform package, media release, 29 August 2012, viewed 17 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F1882253%22
56. T Plibersek, (Minster for Health and Ageing), 'Second reading speech: Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012', House of Representatives, Debates, 12 September 2012, p. 2, viewed 17 September 2012, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansardr%2Fde04541 9-4cf3-4a48-a502-ec68c5e81782%2F0009%22
57. This is set to include those in receipt of Abstudy, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment, Special Benefit, Youth Allowance, Double Orphan Pensions, Veterans Children Education Scheme and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme.
58. These include teenagers receiving Abstudy, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment, Special Benefit, or Youth Allowance; teenagers over 16 who receive Veterans' Children Education Scheme (VCES) or the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS); families receiving Parenting Payment, or the Double Orphan Pension in respect of the teenager; or teenager's partner is receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or Parenting Payment.
Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012 13
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scheme. Particular attention may need to be given to better promoting the dental benefits to disadvantaged groups who were not consistently accessing vouchers under the Teen Dental Plan.
The barriers to services for those in rural and regional areas (including workforce issues) might also need to be addressed, to ensure that eligible children in these areas do not miss out on benefits. Improving the level of bulk billing among private dentists will also be challenging, particularly if an increase in demand drives fee increases.
The year gap between the commencement of the provisions on 1 January 2014 and the closure of the CDDS on 30 November 2012, could result in some children with chronic conditions who can currently access services under the CDDS, seeking treatment in public dental services or facing interruptions to their treatment. If they seek public dental services in jurisdictions where there is no dedicated school dental service, this could add pressure on these services and possibly exacerbate waiting times, as the additional investment in public dental services will take time to have an effect on workforce capacity.
The closure of the CDDS could also result in adults with chronic conditions seeking treatment in public dental clinics, adding further pressure on these services, although it is not yet clear if those who do not hold a concession card will be eligible for public dental services. This remains dependent on the Commonwealth reaching agreements with the states and territories over the scope of services and eligibility requirements.
A further unknown is how any increased private sector activity generated by the expansion in child dental benefits might undermine efforts to recruit dentists and other dental workers to the public sector.
Key provisions
Schedule 1—Amendments to the Dental Benefits Act 2008
Item 1 inserts a sign post definition of 'FTB(A) person' in section 4 referring the reader to subsection 24(2). Item 15 proposes amendments to subsection 24(3) so that the previous definition of 'FTB recipient' is replaced with a new definition. This new definition defines a FTB recipient as a person who has a child eligible for family tax benefit, or an approved care organisation of which the child is a client within the meaning of the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999.
Items 2 and 5 propose amendments to sections 22 and paragraphs 23(1)(a) and (b), to extend the age eligibility for dental benefits to children aged two and over. The upper age limit of 17 remains unchanged.
Items 6, 7, 8, 14 and 16 replace the term 'FTB(A) teenager' in various sections of the Act, with 'FTB(A) person'. These amendments are consequential and are to provide consistency with the proposal to extend the age eligibility requirements to include younger children.
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Item 17 replaces subsection 62(2) with a new subsection that allows for Dental Benefit Rules that may impose a monetary limit on the dental benefit payable in relation to a specified service or services provided to specified eligible dental patients, during a specified period.
Concluding comments
The Bill establishes the framework for the proposed children's dental scheme by proposing provisions that extend the eligibility for dental benefits to FTB(A) children aged two to 17, from 1 January 2014. It also provides for the creation of Dental Benefits Rules (yet to be promulgated), which may specify the Child Dental Benefits Schedule including the services, conditions, monetary limits and time periods that would apply to these.
The Bill addresses the first component of the Government's recently announced Dental Reform Package, which also includes increased funding for state-run public dental services to deliver more services to low income adults and other disadvantaged groups, and additional investment in capital and workforce in rural and regional areas. The implementation of these components is dependent on the federal government and the states reaching an agreement. The dental reform package is also predicated on the closure of the controversial CDDS.
While the dental reform package and the expansion of means-tested dental benefits to children aged two to 17 has been welcomed, a number of challenges present themselves. In relation to the specific provisions in this Bill, these challenges include: ensuring that the shortcomings identified in the review of the Teen Dental Plan are adequately addressed so they do not re-surface in the expanded scheme; building the capacity of the dental workforce in both the public and private sectors to meet increased demand and ensuring it is better distributed, and ensuring any increased demand for services does not drive fee inflation or erode bulk billing. An additional challenge will be ensuring an equitable and coordinated transition to the new arrangements.
Regular monitoring and an annual review of the impacts of the provisions in this Bill might therefore be warranted.
Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012 15
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- So that you can determine an artwork's potential value on the second market and make informed decisions when it comes to buying and selling at the best price.
- To determine the insurance value
- With Artpricing and the 'Submit for estimate again' option, you can easily keep track of how the value of one or several pieces of your collection changes over time. It only takes a clic for your artwork to be submitted again to our team of specialists - no need to enter again the artwork specifiactions and description (the 'Submit for estimate again' option is available for each of your reports - under 'My account' in 'My Arpricings').
Can Artprice provide an estimate for all artworks?
Artprice undertakes to provide a relevant and reliable estimate report, provided that there are enough recent auction results for comparable artworks. If not, we will credit your account with an Artpricing unit -to be used at your convenience with no time limit-, or we will refund you.
How to submit your artwork(s)?
The artworks to be estimated must be submitted one by one, online using the Artpricing request form. Email exchanges should focus on subsidiary issues or requests for quotations.
(2) Payment will be made at the third step of the process. You will first submit the information about the work to be estimated and we will determine the feasibility of the estimate.


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Feel free to look through our magnificent range of 9x6 sheds at the cheapest possible prices online. We pride ourselves on delivering nothing but quality and our 9x6 sheds really do scream quality, yet the prices are unbeatable! For 9x6 sheds, see iLikeSheds.com
Our best selling 9ft x 6ft Select Overlap Shed is an ideal garden storage solution for your garden and comes with Free Delivery* and we offer an Express Delivery Service – 48HR / SAT / PICK-A-DAY to a number of postcodes (please check each product page for more details).
All our sheds are provided factory dipped which will last you 4-5 weeks before you need to treat your shed. We do though recommend you treat your shed as soon as you have built it. We sell treatment and this can be selected from the accessories on the shed product page. Once you have chosen your shed we offer a number of additional options such as Treatment, Shelving, Solar Lights and Padlocks to enhance your shed.
On a number of sheds we offer an installation service. Please check each page for further information. Delivery time for a shed with the installation service will typically be longer than the standard delivery times quoted, dependant upon the availability of an installation team.
Delivery driver was extremely helpful. The pixie playhouse is beautiful BUT absolute nightmare to build.
Outstanding quality for the price. Everything MM perfect fit, flawless. ;-)
Excellent product. The experienced shed builder found the instructions somewhat lacking, particularly in relation to the roof. However it looks good and is waterproof. After sales service was both good and not so good. Sid was good. As was the presales representative Natalie.
I visited the premises to see the sheds and quality of the product before making a decision. The company were able to make a pent shed to the specific size I wanted. Adam was very helpful and knowledgeable about the sheds they sell. My bespoke shed was delivered and erected - thanks Jamie and helper - 9 days later. Great service and product. I can recommend them.


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Gardner's negative X-rays have Yanks relieved
ST. PETERSBURG -- Brett Gardner's name was not in the Yankees' starting lineup for the occasion of his 30th birthday, but the speedster did have something to celebrate before Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Rays.
Gardner had said that he was not worried about his right hand after it was hit by a Chris Archer pitch in Friday's 7-2 loss, but on Saturday morning, the Yankees sent the outfielder for precautionary X-rays, which came back negative.
"When it got hit initially, it hurt, but afterwards, it was going well," said Gardner, who tripled in his next at-bat off Archer. "I knew it wasn't broken, so I wasn't concerned about it."
Manager Joe Girardi said that Gardner's benching had nothing to do with the hand but was instead because the Rays started left-hander David Price, against whom Gardner was 2-for-14 (.143).
Girardi pointed out that Curtis Granderson entered Saturday with four career home runs against Price (9-for-46, .196), and that Ichiro Suzuki (1-for-3, .333) seemed to have good at-bats against Price back in April.
Gardner said before Saturday's game that he would be available to pinch-hit, and he did just that in the ninth inning, flying out to center field against Fernando Rodney for the final out of the game.
"It's sore, but it's not an issue," Gardner said. "I don't think it'll be a problem swinging a bat or anything like that."


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A gentle & non-sticky moisturizing lotion with jojoba oil & vitamins that instantly conditions and hydrates your skin, enrich with the scent of our delicious apples.
Available in 95 ml, 200 ml & 400 ml.
Key Ingredients:
• Jojoba Oil - moisturize your skin for the whole day and balancing oil production, so that skin is not becoming too oily. Jojoba oil is very stable and does not lose its antioxidant property even after it is stored for long periods. It is easily absorbed by the skin, and spreads well.
• Vitamin E - is an Antioxidant, which is essential for skin protection. Vitamin E also helps to make skin look younger by reducing the appearance for fine lines.
• Whitening Agent - helps to lighten a person's skin tone and helps improve overall skin's texture to look even and balanced.
• Benzophenone-3 - works as UV filter, which helps to protect skin against UVA & UVB.
Water, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Mannitol, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Waltheria Indica Leaf Extract, Dextrin, Ferulic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Fragrance, Triethanolamine, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trideceth-9, Bisabolol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Acrylates / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3, Panthenol, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 19140, CI 16255, CI 42090, CI 14720, CI 15985.
For more intense and longer-lasting fragrance, use with other products in the Aimee Apple range.
Pour the lotion into your hand and smooth onto the skin.
Apply daily after shower or as often as required.


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Australian online retailer Kogan has drawn the covers off a new set of LED TVs in its online store. The models released include what Kogan calls "Australia's cheapest LED TV" — a 16in TV with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels, with a price tag of only $159. This is significantly cheaper than other LED TVs on the market from leading brands Samsung and Sony, the cheapest of which is a 22in Samsung Series 4 LED TV with a retail price of $649.
Here's a list of all the Kogan LCD and LED TV reviews we've put together recently.
If you're picking out a new television and want to work out what's best for you, read through our LCD vs LED vs plasma TV buying guide.
Have a look at what we thought were the best TVs of 2010.
All of Kogan's new TVs include USB ports that can record digital TV when a USB flash drive is connected. Kogan also announced the availability of what it has called "Australia's only LED TV with built-in Blu-ray", a $749 32in panel. The first LED TV on the market with a built-in Blu-ray player was the Sharp LC40LB700X, which has recently been discontinued but is still available in some stores. The prices of Kogan new TVs include free shipping around Australia.