In Australia, the minimum wage is reviewed annually by the Fair Work Commission and the decision is then passed on to all national awards.
Most dental assistants in private practice will be covered by the HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND SUPPORT SERVICES AWARD 2010. Dental assistants are classified as Support Services according to Schedule B of the award as either Level 1 (new employee no prior experience), Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 (qualified), Level 5 or above.
The implementation date for the changes is 1 July 2016.
DAPA members who have selected the Platinum level of membership will have received notification of the increased award including a calculated hourly rate for all classifications on the basis that they are a full time or part time employee. Any casual employee would also receive the casual loading (25%) applicable to them.
Should you have any questions regarding these changes or if you would like to receive notification of industrial changes through DAPA membership please contact us on 02 9569 3220
Those employees who are receiving “above award” remuneration should check to ensure their rate of pay does still cover any flexible agreement conditions under their contract of employment.
Further changes to this award and to Leave entitlements have been announced recently. These will affect those employed under the national system and this award. At the DAPA Conference, we will present a session on the new industrial changes as well as our most commonly asked questions and concerns about wages so register now for this event.
At this time of year, it is always advisable to download the latest copy of the award from the Fair Work Commission website. The new wage levels will be displayed after 1st July,
https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/documents/modern_awards/pdf/MA000027.pdf