THE PROFESSION AND TITLES
The Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians (ASDC) is a not-for-profit professional body that represents Dermal Health Professionals. The profession is experiencing rapid growth in numbers nationally, with an increase in qualifications offered around Australia. The title 'Dermal Clinician', was adopted by the first full members of the ASDC in 2001.
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Dermal Clinicians are AQF 7 Bachelor Degree qualified. The ASDC is an affiliate member of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA). This recognises the profession as an emerging allied health discipline.
As a professional body, we are working toward self-regulatory status and registration of our members. We are working with other professional bodies and governments to develop industry recognition of professional titles.
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The ASDC endorsed consistent use of titles based on qualification and scope of practice. This will ensure that consumers and other professionals working in the skin health sector have a better understanding of who is working on their skin and what their scope of practice is.
DERMAL CLINICIAN
Has evidence of successful completion of one of the recognised educational programs from the
FULL MEMBER category.
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Meets the AHPA criteria to identify as an allied health professional.
STUDENT
DERMAL CLINICIAN
Is a student of one of the recognised educational programs from the
FULL MEMBER category.
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Students of these programs must use the title Student Dermal Clinician until they have evidence of successful completion and have been accepted for FULL MEMBERSHIP
DERMAL THERAPIST
Has evidence of successful completion of one of the recognised educational programs from the ASSOCIATE MEMBER category.
STUDENT
DERMAL THERAPIST
Is a student of one of the recognised educational programs from the ASSOCIATE MEMBER category.
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Students of these programs must use the title Student Dermal Clinician until they have evidence of successful completion and have been accepted for ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
WHY IS THE ASDC WORKING TO STANDARDISE PROFESSIONAL TITLES?
At present, many titles can used by both registered and unregistered health professionals in the aesthetic sector. Most titles for medical and nursing professions in this sector as well as ours are not regulated or protected by law.
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This can confuse consumers and create fragmentation of the professionals providing skin services within the sector.
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Inconsistency in titles can impact the perceived quality of health professionals and health services.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF I MIS-REPRESENT MYSELF?
The title 'Dermal Clinician' and 'Dermal Therapist' are not protected by national or state legislation at this time. The ASDC however view misuse of these titles as lacking respect of the education and training required to be admitted for ASDC membership and endorsement to use these titles.
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Misleading or misrepresenting your qualifications is a breach of the National Code of Conduct for Health Care Professionals that is legislated and regulated in each state.
Example: Stating that you have a degree that you do not, or have not finished.
If you misrepresent or mislead the public regarding the qualifications you have, this can be reported to the Health Commissioner or Ombudsmen in each state.
WHY IS STANDARDISING PROFESSIONAL TITLES IMPORTANT?
Self-regulation is a way for all professionals working in the skin health sector to enjoy the protection of mutual recognition of titles. This includes respect for and use of titles based on qualification and scope of practice.
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The ASDC aims to increase opportunities for collaboration between skin health professionals, based on recognising the scope of practice and expertise.
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Galvanising and clarifying the scope of practice based on recognised titles also aims to improve patient safety and outcomes and this is good for consumers and the skin health sector.
CAN YOU ADVISE ON HOW I SHOULD ADVERTISE MYSELF LEGALLY AND ETHICALLY?
Yes, we can! One of the most common queries, concerns, or even complaints raised with the ASDC is advertising within the dermal sector. The ASDC code of ethics has been developed to clarify some of the areas you may have been struggling to navigate.
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You can read this blog that outlines some of the more common questions or concerns that can be raised and how this aligns with the ASDC guidance documents and other legislation.
This information is not exhaustive and doesn't replace reading the entire document yourself. Always seek further clarification if you have further questions and investigate your situation, as circumstances may vary.
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DERMAL CLINICIANS AS EMERGING ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSION
Dermal Clinicians and Therapists provide services for the assessment and management of skin health. In providing skin health services they manage common skin conditions providing non-surgical, therapeutic interventions to assist with acute and chronic skin conditions, disorders and diseases.
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The Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians recognises that in providing skin management and health services, providers can have varying education levels and qualifications. This impacts on the scope of practice for skin health professionals as well as the accepted use of professional titles. As providers of health services all of these professionals must adhere to National Codes of Conduct for Non-Registered Health Professionals and are guided by the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians Code of Ethical Practice and Standards of Practice.
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The Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians is an affiliate member of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) who are the professional body that represents and advocates for all allied health in Australia. Affiliate membership recognises our members as an emerging allied health profession.