ADAQ Dental Mirror - Autumn 2024

MEET

SEAMLESS ACCESS LIMITLESS BENEFITS

EDITOR

Dr Kelly Hennessy

EDITORIAL TEAM

Dr Jay Hsing

Dr Gary Smith

Ms Lisa Rusten

Ms Melissa Kruger

PRODUCTION

Published by the Australian Dental Association (Queensland Branch)

CONTACT

26-28 Hamilton Place

Bowen Hills Qld 4006

PO Box 611, Albion Qld 4010

Phone: 07 3252 9866

Email: adaq@adaq.com.au

Website: adaq.org.au

ADVERTISING KIT

Information on advertising, deadlines and artwork specifications are available in the ADAQ Advertising Kit: adaq.org.au/advertising

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DISCLAIMER

ADAQ

Mirror is published for the information of Members only and is not for general distribution. Copyright is reserved throughout. No part of this publication may be reproduced in part or whole without the written consent of the publisher. This publication is for the purpose of promoting matters of general interest to Members of the Association. The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of ADAQ or ADA. Publication of advertisements for products or services does not indicate endorsement by ADAQ. All material is positioned and published at the discretion of ADAQ.

ADAQ COUNCILLORS

PRESIDENT

Dr Jay Hsing

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Dr Kelly Hennessy

JUNIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Dr Paul Dever

COUNCILLORS

Dr Carl Boundy (Peninsula)

Assoc Prof Alex Forrest (Moreton)

Dr Peter Jorgensen (Sunshine Coast)

Dr Ellen Rogers (Moreton)

Dr Grace Sha (Moreton)

Dr Rachael Milford (Western)

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Dr Matthew Nangle

ADAQ SUB-BRANCHES

Bundaberg

Dr Paul Dever

Cairns

Dr Brian James

Gold Coast

Dr Norah Ayad

ADAQ COMMITTEES

Awards and Honours Committee

Convener: Dr Jay Hsing

Recent Graduates and Students Committee

Convener: Dr Phillip Nguyen

Ipswich

Dr Andrew Wong

Kingaroy Dr Man Chun (Simon) Lee

Mackay

Dr Raghu Channapati

Policy, Advocacy and Advisory Committee

Convener: Dr Norah Ayad

Volunteering in Dentistry Committee

Convener: Dr Jay Hsing

Rockhampton

Dr Chloe Sturgess

Sunshine Coast

Dr Peter Jorgensen

Toowoomba

Dr Phoebe Fernando

FROM THE PRESIDENT

BY DR JAY HSING

Council has been full of energy and excitement working together with management, led by our CEO Lisa Rusten, to make impressive gains for our members in recent times.

These encompass advancements in areas such as member support, PI insurance and continuing education, as well as advocacy for our profession and for better oral health for the community.

ADAQ'S VISION IN ACTION

ADAQ Council is happy and proud of the work that has been done. It is united in working towards ADAQ’s Vision – “We believe all Queenslanders deserve excellent oral health and access to ethical and effective dental care driven by clinical excellence". This is our aspirational long-term end goal. This is the future we envision. This is what we are working hard towards.

ADAQ DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARD

You would have noted that this exciting new initiative is the cover story in this edition of the Dental Mirror.

We are the first ADA branch to introduce a digital membership card. It provides a unique opportunity for a tangible connection and collegiality. It’s an iMIS-integrated solution which delivers digital cards to you as an e-wallet file that can be downloaded to any smart phone. If you haven’t already downloaded yours, I highly encourage you to do so.

ADAQ'S FINANCES FUEL MEMBER SUPPORT

ADAQ Council is committed to harnessing the strength of ADAQ's financial position to deliver more services to members in a targeted and responsible fashion. Moreover, by starting to utilise the income from our investment portfolio, managed by Credit Suisse Wealth Management (A UBS Group Company), we can deliver benefits that are sustainable. This has been achieved without needing to raise our state membership fee since 2017, meaning we are getting great value for our membership dollar.

CPD PRICING POLICY

I'm pleased to let you know that the new CPD Pricing Policy is now in effect. To attend an ADAQ CPD event, members will now pay 20% less than the actual cost of running the course. It is an authentic and genuine discount, and attending a couple or even just one course can offset your entire ADAQ membership fee.

After calculating the costs of a course - staffing, administrative, speaker, marketing, materials, venue (if external to ADAQ), facilities (if internal to ADAQ such as maintenance of equipment, consumables and cleaning), etc., a discount of 20% will be applied for financial members. On the other hand, non-members will pay 40% on top of the course cost.

Over the last few years steps have been taken to improve our CPD Program. Now, this is a move to make membership even better value.

CPD ADVISORY PANEL

ADAQ is committed to fostering excellence in dental practice and ensuring that dental professionals have access to a quality assured CPD program.

As part of that dedication, Council endorsed the creation of a CPD Advisory Panel a few years ago. The purpose of this panel is to assist the ADAQ CPD team by providing expert opinion into the development of high quality, evidence-based continuing professional development programs for the dental profession.

The inaugural panel consisted of one specialist from specific dental specialties. I’d like to extend my gratitude to each of the inaugural CPD Advisory Panel members, Drs Mark Gervais (prosthodontics), Rachel Garraway (periodontics), Elissa Freer (orthodontics), Bill Kahler (endodontics) and P.Y. Lai (paediatric dentistry), for their contributions over the past few years.

At its February 2024 meeting, Council endorsed an expanded CPD Advisory Panel for the next two years. I want to thank each of them for their desire to serve the profession. Their commitment to contributing to the ongoing education of the profession is truly appreciated.

• Dr Yvonne Chang

• Dr Sarah Chaw

• Dr Peter Chen

• A/Prof Alex Forrest

• Dr Elissa Freer

• Dr Rachael Garraway

• Dr Mark Gervais

• Dr Faye Goodyear

• Dr Kiran Kumar

RURAL INITIATIVE

• Dr Gavin Lenz

• Prof Alexander Moule

• Dr Premal Patel

• Dr Christine Peters

• Dr Neil Savage

• Dr Mohammed Shorab

• Dr Vas Srinivasan

• Dr Tatiana Tkatchenko

SPECIALIST SOCIETIES AND STUDY CLUBS

Increased collegiality and engagement between ADAQ, the home of our profession in Queensland, and our specialist societies and study clubs was something I hoped for. To see that come to fruition is something I’m proud of.

The guidelines for ADAQ-affiliated study clubs, revamped and simplified in 2021, has made it easier for study clubs to access both financial and non-financial support from ADAQ to carry out their events and activities.

The Bite Club Directory, serving as a comprehensive guide to dental specialty societies in Queensland, to showcase the significance of these organisations has been updated for 2024. Beyond offering educational opportunities, they foster camaraderie and networking within the dental community. Presenting its second edition, you can access the directory through the following QR code below.

CORRECTION

ACCESS THE 2024 BITE CLUB DIRECTORY

As part of the commitment to expand ADAQ’s relevance to all dental sectors and geographic regions in Queensland, a Regional Member Engagement Strategy was formulated last year. A core component of the strategy was an ADAQ Regional Event which offers ADAQ on the road, an event for the whole dental team and a networking social event.

The rural town of Emerald was chosen as the destination for ADAQ’s Inaugural Regional event on 24 May 2024. Emerald is located 270 kilometres west of the city of Rockhampton. There are several dental practices in Emerald, and many more in Rockhampton as well as HHS Dental Service facilities within the Central Queensland and Central West Regions.

The event will provide access to quality speakers and offer meaningful education which is fit for purpose in a rural/regional setting. ADAQ staff from each team will be available throughout the event to respond to questions

In my previous address I observed there have been other instances where a member served as President in multiple years. I’d also like to mention Dr Peter Ryan (1976 and 1981), whom I previously omitted from the list.

FINAL THOUGHT

As President, I strongly encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas. Your feedback is invaluable and essential in shaping the future direction of our association. Council is committed to listening to members and working together to create an organisation that remains strong and vibrant and able to provide the support, services and resources members need.

Please reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or ideas you may have at: president@adaq.com.au

REGISTER FOR THE ADAQ REGIONAL EMERALD EVENT

MEET YOUR NEW ADAQ COUNCILLORS

ADAQ Councillors are elected representatives from across Queensland. Council Members act as the vital bridge connecting you with our Association. Our council's primary responsibility entails championing the needs and interests of our profession and help guide the Association’s strategy, establish policies, and make decisions that will support the association and advance the oral health of Queenslanders.

DR ELLEN ROGERS MORETON COUNCILLOR

WHY DID YOU PURSUE A CAREER IN DENTISTRY?

I knew from a young age that I had a keen interest in the science of teeth and I’m sure my high school teachers were a little caught off guard by my year 11 biology experiment “the effect of acid on tooth enamel”. I was also passionate about changing the experience regularly described by patients about their dental visits; from one based in fear and discomfort, to an experience of health, understanding, comfort and ease.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I currently work in locum roles particularly aiming to fill regional gaps in the Public Health Sector. I’m currently in an Acting Dentist in Charge Role.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR CAREER?

I absolutely find it so rewarding when a patient finishes their treatment or visit feeling more comfortable, calmer or less anxious than when they started. To know I was able to facilitate someone’s experience with accessing and receiving healthcare is truly rewarding.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CURRENT CAREER GOALS OR ANYTHING YOU ARE WORKING TOWARDS?

I’m currently working through a 2 year professional development fellowship to further my clinical skills in General Restorative Dentistry, to refine and expand my own clinical skill set as well as communication, presentation and photography skills. My long term vision is quality oral health that people need. To inspire, to create change and to reimagine the standard. To break down the barriers to oral health, so no one is left behind.

DO YOU HAVE ANY MENTORS OR MENTEES?

My OG mentor Dr Andrew Scott, my childhood dentist and one of my first employers after graduation. He showed me the value in being part of ADAQ, the value of supporting a great team and he always had time to lend an ear or a hand when discussing cases. I have some fantastic mentors from around Australia and the world; Dr Michael Frazis, Dr Michael Melkers, Dr Lane Ooci to name but a few. I have had the privilege of mentoring several new graduate dentists through the ADAQ Mentoring Program.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF DENTISTRY?

Sometimes it feels like I live and breathe dentistry, when I find myself sketching teeth as a creative after work unwind!

Jokes aside, as a mother of 2 young boys getting outdoors when we can is essential, I love taking them on adventures exploring new places.

DR GRACE SHA MORETON COUNCILLOR k grace.sha@adaq.com.au

CAN YOU SHARE A PIECE OF ADVICE FOR DENTAL STUDENTS?

Know why you do what you do, not just in dentistry, but in how you spend your time. If you are only studying dentistry for the money, it’s time to quit and find another job, there are much easier ways to make a lot more money a lot faster. If you are looking for a career where you have the privilege of practising healthcare with care, become a leader in tight knit teams, connect with people (whether it’s your team members or patients) long term and provide care for them in some of their most vulnerable or important moments in life, watch families grow, and change the health and lives of others through your service… then dentistry is a great career path to continue your journey on.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

The short answer is I am often introduced by others as “a dentist, author, professional speaker and creative entrepreneur, passionate about good governance and revitalising organisational culture” What that looks like on a normal working week is I work in my friends’ private dental practices part time, while finishing my first book ‘Mental Wealth - How to Journey from Burnout to Abundance’, in between many meetings and events.

Since I shared with those in my network about the title of my book, I have been invited to speak at private workplaces, hospitals, universities and corporate events on topics such as:

• How to Journey from Burnout to Abundance

• How to Practice Healthcare With Care, without Burnout

• How to Prevent and Repair Fractured Relationships in Workplaces

• How to Recruit and Retain a Winning Team

• Positive Workplace Relationship, Communication and Culture Workshops

I also invest in and develop property projects, volunteer with various not-for-profits in a range of roles (including organising large events, producing theatre shows, photography, organic marketing, Chinese translation), and I am currently partnering with 2 NFPs in organising a dental volunteer trip to orphanages in Thailand in October 2024.

Some official roles in governance and leadership I hold include:

• ADAQ Council Member

• President of Southside Dental Study Group

• ADA Dental Health Foundation Committee Member

• Board Intern of CMA

WHY DO YOU VALUE YOUR ADAQ MEMBERSHIP?

For many years I just paid my membership fees because I believe it was the right thing to do and I always believed in supporting my profession and belonging to the professional associations to stay in the loop with official updates, continuing education, guidelines and advocacy efforts.

However, when I had a marriage breakdown a few years ago, my Ahpra registration was affected by false claims from my ex-husband. That was the first time I became aware of all the different facets of membership benefits I had as an ADAQ member outside of just good quality CPD.

The ADAQ Compliance and Advisory Services team were invaluable in helping me through the process of having my Ahpra conditions removed and my reputation restored. A lot of the Ahpra processes can be full of legal jargon that a regular health practitioner would find stressful to respond to, and it was immensely helpful to have a team which reassured me, assisted with refining my responses, and helped me progress my case so that a speedy and positive outcome could be achieved.

I have also had great experiences with the Membership and Engagement team who assisted me in having the correct insurances in place and collaborated with me as the President of Southside Study Group to engage with members who were looking for regular quality CPD or study club communities.

WHY DID YOU JOIN THE ADAQ COUNCIL?

One of the biggest blessings that came out from what could be perceived by most, as a horrendous and traumatic experience with my first marriage, was I became much more familiar with all the staff that ADAQ employs to support members like myself, as well as the presence of an organisational structure. I was privileged to be surrounded by many ex-ADAQ Presidents and Councillors since joining Southside Study Group in 2013, and when I became the president of the study club in 2022, several of the older members whom I have great respect for, kindly encouraged me to consider other leadership opportunities as well.

In early 2023 I stumbled into an opportunity to become the board intern of CMA, a NFP which holds education and conferences on good governance, and accredits Christian charities, schools and churches against the ACNC Standards. This accelerated my personal knowledge of what good governance means and what a board member does. So when the ADAQ Council elections occurred later in 2023, I felt like I could contribute productively and helpfully to the governance of ADAQ. I am very grateful to be voted into the ADAQ Council by the members, and thankful for my friends who encouraged me to apply for the ADAQ Council when I was unsure of myself.

SEAMLESS ACCESS LIMITLESS BENEFITS

Moving into the digital age has revolutionised the way we communicate, work, and practise, shaping an interconnected society. At ADAQ we understand the importance of digital transformation.

INTRODUCING THE ADAQ DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARD

DARREN TREDGETT | ADAQ MEMBERSHIP OFFICER

We're thrilled to unveil our latest innovation – the ADAQ Digital Membership Card. It's not just a card; it's your digital companion on your exciting membership journey with us.

WHY DIGITAL?

The ADAQ digital membership card is not a piece of plastic at all - it's digital; it's a symbol of your connection with the dental community. It's like having a little piece of ADAQ in your pocket, ready to make your membership experience smoother and more accessible.

The purpose of the ADAQ digital membership card is to provide and offer our Members with the sense of belonging to their association, representation of a member’s relationship with our association and with the dental community. ADAQ is able to engage more with our Members and to give back to the Members, to offer recognition of their support throughout their years of membership with ADAQ, the digital membership card is another support link for our Members.

WHAT IS A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARD?

A digital membership card is an electronic version of a traditional membership card, that allows you to access your Member benefits and resources through a digital device, such as your smartphone or tablet.

Once added to your smartphone’s digital wallet, you can access services, resources and updates anywhere at any time.

With a digital membership card, you can easily show you are a Member of ADAQ to access special discounts, promotions and other member benefits.

You can also receive instant updates through push-notifications.

BENEFITS THAT MATTER, INSTANT ACCESSIBILITY.

Your ADAQ digital card securely stores all your essential membership information. Need to check your ADAQ Member number, membership category, or renewal date? It's all just a tap away!

CPD MADE EASY

9 Forget the hassle of keeping track of your ADAQ CPD points manually, present your digital card at ADAQ CPD courses and events to sign in and effortlessly accumulate your ADAQ CPD points.

9 Your certificate of attendance via your Member Portal? Click on the Members login link at the back of your card.

LIFESTYLE PERKS

9 Your ADAQ membership isn't just about professional growth; it's also about enhancing your lifestyle. Show your digital card at participating retailers for exclusive discounts – because being an ADAQ member has its perks!

REAL-TIME UPDATES

9 Stay in the loop with the latest from ADAQ. Receive crucial updates and alerts instantly through push-notifications. Your digital card isn't just a card; it's your ticket to staying informed.

SUPPORT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

9 Need assistance? We've got your back. Find ADAQ support links and contact information conveniently placed on the back of your digital card. Because we believe in making things easy for you, our Members.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LOGIN INTO ADAQ AND DOWNLOAD YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD

WHAT IS DISPLAYED ON YOUR DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARD?

FRONT OF YOUR CARD

Full Name Member Login

ADA Member Number

Membership Category

Member Since & Paid Through Date

Sub-Branch (if applicable)

ADAQ CPD Points Only

BACK OF YOUR CARD

ADAQ CPD & Events Contact

ADAQ PI Insurance

Contact Us Links

Updates Received from ADAQ

Personalised Messages from ADAQ

HOW TO GET YOURS?

Recently all active and student members received an email from the ADAQ Membership team with their direct link to add their Digital Membership Card to your iPhone or Android phone. You can also directly add your Digital Membership Card to your device through your ADAQ Member Portal, just make sure you use a mobile device as the Membership Card will not add to a computer.

Elevate your membership experience by accessing your Digital Membership Card today.

For any questions or assistance, reach out to our friendly membership services at membership@adaq.com.au or call 07 3252 9866. Your more connected and digitally empowered membership journey starts here!

We're excited about this digital transformation, and we hope you are too. Here's to a future of seamless membership experiences with ADAQ!

I believe this digital transformation will elevate your membership experience, providing you with a more streamlined and efficient way to enjoy all the benefits ADAQ has to offer. Here's to a more connected and digitally empowered membership journey!

Dr Jay Hsing, ADAQ President

Your digital membership card is another way to connect with your professional home, ADAQ.

REQUIRE ASSISTANCE?

CONTACT THE ADAQ MEMBERSHIP TEAM

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ASSOC PROF DAVID THOMSON AWARDED ORDER OF AUSTRALIA HONOUR MEMBER PROFILE

ADAQ congratulates Associate Professor David Thomson BDSc (Hons) MDSc FRACDS MRACDS (Pros) FICD FADI FPFA, on being appointed a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division.

Earlier this year at the 2024 Australia Day Honours ceremony, Assoc Prof David Thomson was awarded this honour for significant service to dentistry, particularly in the field of prosthodontics.

This award is richly deserved. Over his long career of over 50 years, David has worked tirelessly for our Association, for the dental profession worldwide, and through his involvement in research and the education of dental students over many years.

Thank you for carrying the torch of Queensland dentistry high and all the way to the Governor-General this year and our most sincere congratulations again Assoc Prof Thomson!

A LIFETIME OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO DENTISTRY

Assoc Prof Thomson opened a practice in fixed prosthodontics on Wickham Terrace in 1983, after serving in the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps (RAADC) and four years of general practice in England.

Assoc Prof Thomson is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, as well as past president of the College. He is a member of the Australian Prosthodontic Society. His academic appointments began in 1978 with lecturing at the University of Queensland in restorative dentistry and Crown and Bridgework. He continues to be involved in research at the Dental School, University of Queensland, his most recent co-authored publications being interesting studies on the structural biology of dentin.

Importantly, Assoc Prof Thomson brought Queensland excellence and expertise to the worldwide dentistry arena with his involvement at the World Dental Federation (FDI) and Asia Pacific Dental Federation, and contributions to the work of the Australian and New Zealand Dental Councils. In addition,Assoc Prof Thomson was Chairman of the Scientific Programme Committee for the FDI Congress held in Sydney in 2003.

His achievements and qualifications are too many to be all listed here. We will just mention a few essential statistics on his involvement with the Association, with some historical snippets thrown in…

ASSOC PROF THOMSON & ADA – ESSENTIAL STATISTICS

• 1987 ADAQ President

• 1988-2000 Federal Councillor for Qld

• 1996 ADAQ Distinguished Service Award

• 2000 ADA Federal President

• 2001 ADAQ Life Membership

• 2003 ADA Honorary Life Membership

With Dr WR parker (1928-1930), Dr NL Henry (1984-1986) and Dr Rick Olive (2014-2016), Assoc Prof Thomson is one of the few Queenslanders to also serve as ADA Federal Presidents.

Assoc Prof Thomson led various ADAQ committees from the 1980s through to the 2000s, including workplace matters and oral health education. He was editor to the ADAQ Newsletter in the 1980s.

FROM THE ‘MEET YOUR PRESIDENT’ COLUMN, ADAQ NEWS, DECEMBER 1986

[…] Educated at Cavendish Road State High School, he entered the University of Queensland Dental School in 1966. His final year saw him as year representative and his organisational skill was evident in the fact that all staff were present for the year photograph.

[….] Following graduation, he began a career that has seen him experience just about every field of dentistry. The only lottery he has even won saw him take up an appointment in the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps with service in Townsville and Brisbane…

Eighties editorial humour aside, in the 1970s Dr Thomson served as Captain in the RAADC. He was then Dentist-inCharge at Mt Isa Base Hospital with itinerant duties at Boulia, Camooweal, Burketown, Doomadgee Mission and Mornington Island, lastly was Dentist-inCharge at Mackay Base Hospital.

Assoc Prof Thomson led various ADAQ committees from the 1980s through to the 2000s, including workplace matters and oral health education.

FROM THE CITATION FOR THE HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP

Assoc Prof Thomson has, for the past thirty-four years [in 2006], rendered conspicuous and continuous service to dentistry. From his first involvement as a Councillor of the Queensland Branch in 1983, he has devoted himself to the betterment of his profession.

Assoc Prof Thomson has given an extraordinary apportionment of his life to the promulgation of the profession of dentistry.

Profession is a word - but it is one that he not only believes in, but also exemplifies.

FULL REGALIA

Did you know that ADAQ is custodian of a beautiful 75x59cm oil portrait of Assoc Prof Thomson in full regalia? It was painted in 2006 by renown Queensland artist Michael Nicholas (1942- ). More famous for illustrating Dorothea Mackellar’s poem My Country in an iconic 1995 edition, Nicholas also worked on many commissioned portraits for esteemed Queenslanders.

The portrait was one of many that hung in the boardroom until we started renovations of ADAQ’s offices at Bowen Hills. We may need to add the Order of Australia medal painted in, to complete Assoc Prof Thomson's regalia!

DO YOU KNOW OF A MEMBER WHO DESERVES RECOGNITION? TELL THEIR STORY

MARKETING@ADAQ.COM.AU

Queensland appointed him as the Adjunct Associate Professor, a

TAX EFFICIENCY IN DENTISTRY: NAVIGATING DIGITAL RECORD KEEPING FROM

OUR PARTNER - WILLIAM BUCK ANGELA

JEFFREY | DIRECTOR

In the rapidly evolving landscape of dentistry, practitioners are continually exploring avenues to enhance efficiency and streamline operations within their practices.

A pivotal focus area that demands attention is tax management. As the demands of compliance and tax obligations persist in running a practice, the integration of digital record-keeping tools has revolutionised how dentists approach tax efficiency and meet their financial responsibilities.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL RECORD KEEPING

Digital record keeping transforms the way dental practices manage their financial information. Traditional paper-based systems are not only time-consuming but also prone to errors and inefficiencies. Dental practitioners that have been early adopters of digital tools or changed over to a digital tool, benefit from a comprehensive and user-friendly platform to store, organise, and access their financial data securely.

One key advantage of digital record keeping is the immediate access to real-time financial information. Dentists can track expenses, income, and other financial transactions effortlessly, allowing for quick decision-making. This instant accessibility is particularly beneficial during tax season, where time is of the essence, and accurate financial records are crucial.

Additionally, emerging software provides analytics on practice data, offering insights into patient demographics, fee structures, and overall practice performance, aiding in identifying areas for improvement and allowing for their monitoring.

LEVERAGING ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE

Accounting software stands as a cornerstone in the digital transformation of tax management for dental practices. These specialised tools offer a range of features designed to simplify financial tasks, from tracking income and expenses to generating detailed financial reports.

Choosing the right accounting software is essential for optimal tax efficiency. Look for platforms that are easy to use and accessed by multiple people and ensure they align with the unique needs of dental practices. In most cases, software providers will offer training sessions for practice owners and practice managers to reduce downtime for a business. These tools often integrate seamlessly with other applications, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimising the risk of errors.

The most common software we see being used are Xero and MYOB. Both offer a great solution to the accounting and reporting needs and requirements of a practice and are easy to use and access. Software also has add-ins to make practice management efficient such as integrated payroll processing, invoice scanning and reporting options.

STREAMLINING TAX PROCESSES

Digital record-keeping goes beyond basic organisation; it actively contributes to streamlining tax processes. As tax regulations evolve, staying compliant becomes increasingly challenging. Digital tools can automate many aspects of tax preparation, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that the practice adheres to the latest tax laws.

Additionally, these tools often offer features such as expense categorisation, which simplifies the identification of deductible expenses. By automating this process, dentists can maximise their deductions, leading to potential tax savings.

These tools often integrate seamlessly with other applications, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimising the risk of errors.

ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH EASE

Compliance with tax regulations is non-negotiable, and digital record keeping significantly facilitates this aspect of practice management. With the ability to generate accurate and detailed financial reports at the click of a button, dentists can easily provide the necessary documentation during tax audits or reviews. The software also allows ease of sharing and access with your accountant so that timely advice can be provided on the information at hand.

Furthermore, the security features embedded in reputable digital record-keeping tools ensure the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive financial information. This is particularly crucial in healthcare, where patient confidentiality and data security are paramount.

The digital transformation of tax management is a powerful ally for dentists navigating the complexities of financial compliance. Embracing digital record keeping, utilising accounting software, and leveraging other tools can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and ultimately contribute to the financial health of dental practices. As the dental industry continues to embrace technological advancements, dentists who adopt these digital solutions will find themselves better positioned for success.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with advice and a transition to digital accounting software please reach out to William Buck.

William Buck is an association of firms, each trading under the name of William Buck across Australia and New Zealand with affiliated offices worldwide. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

Angela Jeffrey | Director

William Buck

QUEENSLAND'S DISPARATE ACCESS TO FLUORIDATION EXACERBATES HEALTH INEQUALITY

CHRISTOPHER SEXTON | SENIOR BIOSTATISTICIAN

POCHE CENTRE FOR INDIGENOUS HEALTH

Recent biostatistical research has confirmed why current disparities in access to public fluoridated water affect the most vulnerable.

We interviewed the lead author, Christopher Sexton, to find out more about his recent study published in the MJA and why biostatistics is essential for better patient outcomes.

WHAT WAS THE PROCESS AND INSPIRATION BEHIND THIS WORK?

The inspiration behind this work would be that Queensland has the lowest rate of access to fluoridated water than other Australian states and territories and that the unique political conditions within Queensland have led to disparate access to fluoridated water in regions across the state. Recognising the impact of socio-economic status on oral health outcomes, our team sought to explore how this disparity in access to fluoridated water might exacerbate existing health inequalities. Our investigation was driven by a desire to understand whether areas with lower socio-economic status, which often face greater oral health challenges, were receiving equitable access to this proven preventive measure.

ANY UNIQUE DETAILS OR CHALLENGES ABOUT THE RESEARCH PROCESS?

Area level environmental analyses are not overly common and this was evident in the peer-review process. As to other issues, they were minimal due to publicly available data from Australian Bureau of Statistics and Queensland Health Water Division being helpful with understanding the data that was applied for.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES IT SO SIGNIFICANT?

Could be from an applied and/or theoretical perspective. The research findings are the most significant aspect of this research. The results show that lower socio-economic areas have lower access to fluoridated water than higher socio-economic areas. This means that the residents of Queensland that are likely to have the higher burden of dental disease are more likely to not have access to a proven public health measure that can reduce this disease. We argue that this is a result of State Government policies over a long period of time that have resulted in this inequity.

Further, the disparate access to fluoridated water has effects on the public health system in Queensland as there is a higher than necessary level of disease that their services needs to treat. We argue that the Queensland State Government should provide access to fluoridated water for all residents.

WE’RE INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT A BIOSTATISTICIAN DOES. As a biostatistician, I work with a research team to guide the collection, analysis and reporting of data gathered for health research. This process works best when a biostatistician is engaged at the planning stages of a research project so that they can inform the research team on possible opportunities or limitations with the research project. These opportunities could be maximising the type of research questions that are answered or implementing innovative methods that are efficient and save resources.

Biostatistics plays a crucial role in dental research for several reasons. Firstly, it enables researchers to employ advanced and efficient methods to address their research inquiries accurately. Biostatisticians are equipped to determine the optimal sample size needed to yield statistically meaningful results, ensuring the research is both ethical and rigorous. This is essential for safeguarding participants from unnecessary exposure to interventions while ensuring the study collects sufficient data to draw reliable conclusions. In essence, biostatistics serves as a cornerstone in dental research, providing the analytical framework necessary for robust and evidence-based findings.

Our investigation was driven by a desire to understand whether areas with lower socio-economic status, which often face greater oral health challenges, were receiving equitable access to this proven preventive measure.

Biostatisticians are using observational data to establish causal relationships in dental research. Unlike clinical trials, observational studies allow researchers to observe naturally occurring exposures and outcomes in real-world settings. We can then use statistical methods to estimate the effect of an intervention if it had have been given to the control group.

Biostatistics plays a pivotal role in data linkage studies that integrate information from multiple sources, including government agencies like the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) or the UQ BioBank. By combining dental health data with sociodemographic, environmental, and health service utilisation data from government sources, we can address complex research questions. Biostatistical methods are utilised to analyse linked data and explore multifaceted relationships between various factors and dental health outcomes.

WE READ IN YOUR UQ PROFILE THAT YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO COMPLETE A PHD IN DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH ON THE TOPIC OF WATER FLUORIDATION. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR STUDIES IN GENERAL?

I am contributing to a Queensland-wide study on the effectiveness of water fluoridation in reducing dental caries in children. The data collection is ongoing and is a collaboration between The University of Queensland and Queensland Health Office of the Chief Dental Officer. This project is being led by Prof Loc Do.

I recognise that my latest paper has weaknesses especially compared to previous research that has shown strong evidence that water fluoridation prevents dental disease. My current paper shows that lower socio-economic regions within Queensland are more likely to be missing access to fluoridated water than higher socio-economic regions.

Biostatistical methods are utilised to analyse linked data and explore multifaceted relationships between various factors and dental health outcomes.

SHOULD ALL CLINICIANS BE CONVERSANT IN THE BASICS OF BIOSTATISTICS?

A basic understanding of the terms and interpretation of presented figures in publications are paramount biostatistical skills for any health profession including dentistry. There are increasing numbers of publications and health professionals need to read and comprehend the findings and results that are presented.

Clinicians need to integrate the best available evidence from research with their clinical expertise and patient preferences to make informed treatment decisions. Biostatistics provides clinicians with the foundational knowledge to understand and apply research findings effectively in clinical practice, leading to improved patient outcomes.

To me, the situation in Queensland is re-enforcing oral health disparities rather than attempting to address them. My hope would be that the State Government changes their current water fluoridation policies but that would be based on a wider body of evidence and other stakeholder and community participation rather than my research alone.

To me, the situation in Queensland is re-enforcing oral health disparities rather than attempting to address them.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW ADAQ ADVOCATES FOR OUR PROFESSION

ANY IDEAS ON HOW DENTISTS COULD ENGAGE THEIR COMMUNITIES ON WATER FLUORIDATION MORE EFFECTIVELY?

Local dental practitioners play a pivotal role in engaging with their communities about the benefits of water fluoridation. The evidence is strongly in support of water fluoridation being a safe and effective health intervention for preventing dental disease.

Dental practitioners can write to their local councillors and engage with educating on the benefits for the community of water fluoridation. Local practitioners should know their community water fluoridation status and can engage with their respective associations (ADA, ADOHTA and DHAA) to advocate for access to water fluoridation in their regions.

DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR AREA LACKS WATER FLUORIDATION?

The evidence is strongly in support for water fluoridation being a safe and effective health intervention for preventing dental disease.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO ENTER THE FIELD OF BIOSTATISTICS?

The main reason I was motivated to become a biostatistician is that I enjoy investigating and finding solutions to problems. The opportunity to delve into complex issues, analyse data, and derive meaningful insights excites me. I enjoy working with colleagues and discussing their projects to identify how I can contribute. I thrive in environments where I can engage with colleagues, discuss their projects, and contribute my expertise to enhance research outcomes.

The prospect of working with large datasets, exploring patterns, and uncovering meaningful associations to inform evidencebased healthcare practises is immensely fulfilling. Being able to play a role in generating knowledge that can ultimately improve health outcomes for individuals and communities is incredibly rewarding.

Christopher Sexton Senior Biostatistician

WHAT KIND OF PATIENT ARE YOU AT THE DENTIST?

I am a very compliant patient. I am one of those patients that the dental practitioner has to say “just close a little”. I think this is because my dad was a dentist in regional North Queensland and my wife is an Oral Health Therapist. I have been used as the guinea pig in training videos to receive local anaesthetic.

I have fantastic oral health practitioner friends and colleagues and I have heard of the difficulties they face working in a small, sensitive cavity where some patients can be hesitant to receive treatment. So, I try to open wide and let the practitioner do what they need to do.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS CHRIS'S FLUORIDATION ARTICLE

ADAQ'S WATER FLUORIDATION POSITION STATEMENT

This position is an integral part of ADAQ’s vision for all Queenslanders to enjoy excellent oral health regardless of where they live. It is based on the overwhelming evidence about the safety of regulated fluoridation in the Australian context

About 90% of the Australian population has access to fluoridated water, but only about 72% of Queenslanders do. Community fluoridation is one of the simplest, safest and most inexpensive preventative health measures known to unquestionably work at every life stage.

ADAQ supports the re-introduction of state government-led water supply fluoridation in Queensland now. The Queensland government should reverse the 2012 changes to the Water Fluoridation Act 2008.

While these changes are legislated, ADAQ urges all local councils who do not currently fluoridate their water supplies to consider doing so as a priority, for the immediate benefit of their constituents.

Sufficient funding should be made available to local government as soon as possible, to fund construction or maintenance of fluoridation plants and training for qualified operation staff. Premier Steven Miles should honour Labor's 2016 commitment to support Councils’ fluoridation capital costs and promote fluoridation where it’s currently not provided.

Local councils should be supported in the design and procurement for new infrastructure, performing checks and testing, training personnel, and inform their constituents on the benefits of fluoridation. Any infrastructure grants should be tied to the requirement to maintain or implement water fluoridation in the most appropriate way for the type of water supply and local characteristics.

CONTEXT OF POSITION STATEMENT

ADAQ is open to work with Queensland Health and other public health stakeholders on a public education campaign to inform Queenslanders and their local councillors about the safety and efficacy of fluoridated water, and debunk harmful myths.

Most health organisations in Australia and internationally, including the World Health Organisation, and the FDI World Dental Federation, continue to support and encourage water fluoridation as a public health measure.

This support is based on a substantial body of scientific evidence from studies around the world. The following organisations publicly support water fluoridation in Australia: all branches of the Australian Dental Association, Australian Medical Association (AMA), Public Health Association of Australia, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, National Rural Health Alliance.

Queensland Health supports fluoridation; however, the current Labour has so far fallen short of committing to mandatory fluoridation, to reverse the 2012 changes to legislation that put back decision-making to local councils.

A 2011 Queensland Government factsheet quoted that: for each $1 invested in water fluoridation, the estimated saving for an individual is between $12.60 – $80.00, with greatest benefit to the most disadvantaged.

In 2019, AMAQ estimated the reintroduction of water fluoridation would cost less than $1 per person. However, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) disputed this estimate because it did not allow for capital costs.

LGAQ’s official position remains that councils should be allowed to decide on the issue, in consultation with their communities. However, in Australia oral health is a state government responsibility; therefore, should fluoridation be made compulsory, relevant capital and recurrent costs should be fully funded by the state.

FLUORIDATION MYTHS

Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that filters from rocks to water sources.

Scientific evidence to date has consistently debunked all antifluoridation arguments and conspiracy theories on the effects of fluoride on human health and the environment.

After over 75 years of water fluoridation, there are many studies worldwide that prove that children growing up in unfluoridated areas have higher dental decay rates than those who had access to fluoridated water, regardless of fluoride toothpaste availability.

The dangers of over-exposure to fluoride are low. High levels of fluorosis from naturally occurring fluoride are not as prevalent in Australia as in some Northern Hemisphere countries.

Regulations already allow for modulating maximum allowed amounts. Moreover, high fluoride products are age restricted in Australia.

Reported increases in the prevalence of fluorosis in recent years are likely due to inadvertent ingestion of topical fluorides from toothpastes.

REFERENCES

1. Akers HF & Foley MA. Fluoridation advocacy in Queensland: a long and winding road. Int Dent J. 2012 Oct;62(5):262-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1875-595X.2012.00120

2. Do, L. & Spencer, A. J. (2015). Contemporary multilevel analysis of the effectiveness of water fluoridation in Australia. Aust. N. Z. J. Public Health 39, 44–50 (2015).

3. Do, L. et al. (2017). Effectiveness of water fluoridation in the prevention of dental caries across adult age groups. Community Dent. Oral Epidemiol. https://doi. org/10.1111/cdoe.12280

4. Moore D, & Poynton M. (2015) Review of benefits and costs of water fluoridation in New Zealand. Available from https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/reviewbenefits-andcostswater-fluoridation-new-zealand.

5. Queensland Health. Water fluoridation. (2021, 29 Nov.). Queensland Government Department of Health. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/industryenvironment/environment-land-water/water/fluoridation.

6. Testa, C. (2022, 15 Oct). Dentists concerned as Queensland lags nation of fluoride in drinking water. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-15/queensland-lagsnation-on-fluoride-in-drinking-water/101534980

YOUR ONLINE AND DIGITAL SECURITY OBLIGATIONS

ZOE DEREK | ADAQ COMPLIANCE AND ADVISORY SERVICES

Dental practitioners strive to provide positive treatment outcomes for their patients and ensure that they have the best experience possible.

An often-overlooked part of the patient experience is ensuring that the patient feels that their health information is being stored securely and can be accessed by them at any time through consistent data protection measures.

The Dental Board’s Code of Conduct sets out the National Law expectations, obligations and requirements for dental practitioners and other disciplines. The privacy requirements for dental practitioners falls within the scope of the Privacy Act 1988 as referenced within the Code.

As a dental practitioner, all personal information that you collect when providing a health service is considered health information and health information is ‘sensitive information’ under the Privacy Act which means that there are stricter requirements for handling it.

HOW SHOULD I BE STORING ELECTRONIC HEALTH INFORMATION?

When handling and storing sensitive information such as health information, it is important that you protect the data you collect and ensure that it is stored securely. We recommend the following to safeguard your practice from a potential data breach:

9 Have a robust practice data and information management plan in place;

9 Educate staff around privacy and cyber security issues;

9 Ensure passwords and credentials are strong and protected;

9 Use multi-factor authentication;

9 Monitor for unusual account activity; and

9 Have sufficient anti-virus protection in place.

WHO GOVERNS PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY?

A breach of privacy and confidentiality can have serious consequences. There is a risk that a breach can result in notifications and action being taken by regulatory bodies such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency ('Ahpra') and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner ('OAIC') who govern these to protect the public from harm. Possible consequences include but are not limited to monetary fines and conditions placed upon your Ahpra registration.

CAN I SEND PATIENT RECORDS ELECTRONICALLY?

When sending patient records electronically, it’s important that you have written consent from the patient to do so. If the patient has provided their consent for their records to be sent by email, then you have permission to send the records electronically. Through your ADAQ membership, you will find resources in relation to policies and release of records. These resources include a Records Release Form.

ACCESS ADA'S RECORD RELEASE FORM

The use of password protection or encryption of emails when sending records is not currently mandated under the Privacy Act but this will be dependent on individual practice policies around the use of digital records and release of this informationprovided they don’t conflict with the provisions of the Privacy Act. In some cases, the dental practice may want to charge a patient for the release of records. This is something that can be imposed by the dental practice; however, it is important to note that these charges must not be excessive and must be reasonable and justifiable charges for time and labour that was needed to release and send the records. Things such as staff costs for searching for a practice's address, copying or postage costs would be considered reasonable.

HOW DO I ENSURE THAT I’M COMPLIANT WITH NATIONAL LAW?

Keeping up to date with regulatory requirements and changes is incredibly important to maintain compliance. Knowing your obligations as a dental practitioner means ensuring that you are regularly checking for changes within the industry and the relevant legislation that governs your practice.

Did you know?

A requirement of the Privacy Act is that all dental practitioners must have a privacy policy that is available to the public upon request.

A privacy policy should explain:

9 How personal information is collected, used and disclosed within the practice;

9 How a patient may access and correct their information;

9 How privacy complaints can be made and how the complaint will be dealt with; and

9 Whether information is likely to be disclosed overseas and, if so, where.

YOUR PRIVACY POLICY SHOULD EXPLAIN

CREATE YOUR OWN PRIVACY POLICY USING OUR TEMPLATE

How personal information is collected, used and disclosed within the practice.

How a patient may access and correct their information.

How privacy complaints can be made and how the complaint will be dealt with.

Whether information is likely to be disclosed overseas and, if so, where.

Among the many resources the ADAQ website holds, members also have access to a privacy policy template that can be used as a guide.

If unsure as to whether your current privacy policy is sufficient, or you wish to implement one and want reassurance that it is compliant within expected standards, we recommend sending this through to our team at assist@adaq.com.au who can review the policy and provide effective advice.

If unsure, use the checklist below to see whether you meet the minimum standard for managing health information under the Privacy Act.

PRIVACY COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

Implemented and well-maintained privacy policy within your practice.

Sufficient data management plan in place for storing health information.

Staff are trained on managing health data securely and patient confidentiality.

Understand what to do in the event of a data breach.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A 'NOTIFIABLE DATA BREACH'?

For a data breach to be considered notifiable, certain elements need to be established. If there has been unauthorised access, disclosure or loss of the sensitive information and it is likely to result in serious harm to an individual or group of individuals then a data breach has occurred. If your practice hasn’t been able to use remedial action to prevent the likely risk of serious harm, then it would be considered a notifiable data breach.

CONCLUSION

Understanding your obligations around online and digital security and taking measures to safeguard your patient’s health information significantly lowers the risk of a potential data breach or privacy complaint being made. Your patients can be assured that you are taking all steps necessary to manage their health information safely and securely.

You can contact the ADAQ Compliance and Advisory team for further information and assistance on 07 3252 9866 or via email at assist@adaq.com.au

DIGITAL SECURITY SCENARIO

HELP! MY PRACTICE COMPUTER SYSTEM HAS BEEN HACKED AND DATA HAS BEEN STOLEN. WHAT DO I DO?

1. Contact your professional indemnity insurer for any advice they can offer. Our Compliance and Advisory team can assist members who have experienced the theft of their data by advising on the process and regulatory requirements.

2. If the breach is considered ‘notifiable’ such as in this case - notify the breach to the OAIC through their online form available on their website and follow their recommendations and instructions on how to manage the breach.

3. The OAIC notes the following steps as being instrumental in managing a data breach:

I. Contain the data breach to prevent any further compromise of personal information.

II. Assess the data breach by gathering the facts and evaluating the risks, including potential harm to affected individuals and, where possible, taking action to remediate any risk of harm.

III. Notify individuals and the Commissioner if required. If the breach is an ‘eligible data breach’ under the NDB scheme, it may be mandatory for the entity to notify.

IV. Review the incident and consider what actions can be taken to prevent future breaches.

REFERENCE

1. Responding to data breaches - four key steps | OAIC

LEARN MORE VIA THE OAIC WEBSITE

If you require any assistance with privacy complaints or have enquiries regarding policy compliance, please contact ADAQ Compliance and Advisory Team at assist@adaq.com.au

ADAQ EVENTS

AUTUMNWINTER

With 20% off the cost price of ADAQ courses for Members, explore new and loved courses at ADAQ for 2024.

Scan the QR codes with your mobile device to view the course page and register before it's too late.

APRIL 16 WEBINAR

Regulatory AffairsDentists behaving 'Very' Badly

20

Oral SurgeryModule 4 | Cadaver Course

20 NEW

Orthodontics 101

MAY 3

Recent Developments in Infection Control

4

Nitrous Oxide and Oral Sedation

10

Anterior Composite Workshop

Image

Pulpotomies and Stainless-Steel Crowns

WHEN DID YOU LAST REVIEW YOUR PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE?

ALICIA CLARK | ADAQ MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR - INSURANCE

You’ve received your renewal notice; the premium is increasing or there are changes to the policy terms that impact on the dental services you provide. It's time to consider switching to ADAQ Insurance.

ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH?

We can all be guilty of just renewing what we already have in place, after all insurance can be confusing and you’ve been with your current insurer for years. However, with cost-of-living increases across the board, it has never been more important to assess if you are paying too much for your professional indemnity insurance. We're here to make the switch to ADAQ Insurance easy.

First, you need to consider whether switching is right for you. We’ve developed a checklist to support you in making an informed choice.

SWITCHING INSURERS CHECKLIST

Review your current cover and determine your insurance needs.

Review the policy terms of your current cover.

Research new insurers, focusing on areas such as their reputation, cover offered specific to your practise, and premiums charged.

Purchase a new policy to cover all the dental services you provide, with competitive premiums and customer service that meets your expectations.

Cancel your old cover making sure it ends the same day your new cover begins.

READY TO SWITCH? CONSIDER ADAQ INSURANCE

ADAQ in partnership with PSC Mediprotect, are proud to bring members comprehensive Professional Indemnity (PI) and Public Liability (PL) insurance and best-in-class risk management solutions with ProfessionalEdge underwritten by AIG.

AIG is a leading global insurance organisation operating in approximately 70 countries and jurisdictions. Operating in Australia since 1957, AIG combine international experience with local expertise.

Our experienced Compliance and Advisory Services Team consists of clinical and compliance professionals who offer customised support to help you make sense of complaints, health funds and other compliance matters.

Our team know the ins and outs of the often-stressful process of responding to a complaint. So, rest assured, you’re in good hands. The ProfessionalEdge policy offers unlimited retroactive cover meaning AIG will indemnify you for any previously unknown claim made against you and notified during the period of insurance, provided the claim is covered by your policy.

REQUEST AN OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE TODAY

Our team know the ins and outs of the often-stressful process of responding to a complaint. So, rest assured, you're in good hands.

'I'VE MADE CLAIMS - IS IT SAFE TO SWITCH?'

Everybody's situation is different, but there are a four main scenarios that we see when Members apply for ADAQ Insurance.

Review the scenarios to know where you sit and what to do before you switch.

SWITCHING SCENARIOS

YOU HAVEN’T MADE ANY CLAIMS IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS

YOU HAVE MADE CLAIMS IN THE PAST BUT HAVE NO CURRENT, OPEN CLAIMS.

YOU HAVE CLAIMED WITHIN THE PAST FIVE YEARS.

YOU HAVE AN OPEN CLAIM WITH YOUR CURRENT INSURER.

9 Request a claims history from your current insurer and submit it with your application.

9 You can likely switch with standard rates.

9 If it has been more than five years since you lodged a PI claim, you can likely switch with standard rates

9 Request a claims history from your current insurer and submit it with your application.

9 Request a claims history from your current insurer and request a no obligation quote from ADAQ.

9 We encourage any member with an open claim to remain with their current insurer until that claim is closed.

If you require any assistance with ADAQ Insurance please contact ADAQ Membership Team at membership@adaq.com.au

THE POWERFUL IMPACT OF VOLUNTEERING

NATASHA DAGLEY

ADA DENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION

Changing lives one smile at a time, Dr Paul Ansell and Dr Zen D’Souza from CP Dental Mater Hill have been volunteering with the ADA Dental Health Foundation since March 2023. Read about why Dr Paul and Dr Zen volunteer with the ADA Dental Health Foundation.

WHAT'S YOUR MOTIVATION TO VOLUNTEER WITH ADA DENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION

DR ZEN D'SOUZA

I joined the practice fairly recently and was approached to join the ADA DHF program and thought it was a great opportunity to give back. The practice as a whole benefits from being able to provide this service as it is quite rewarding for us as clinicians, and obviously it is immensely beneficial for ADA DHF patients.

The vulnerability and financial instability of people in DV situations can stop them from being able to access dental care as their needs shift considerably. Doing "routine" work can be life changing for some patients, and being able to provide this is motivating in itself.

DR PAUL ANSELL

For many people, there is such a high barrier to accessing dental care. Those that have suffered additional hardship, financially, physically and emotionally, or in DV circumstances can really find themselves stuck. To be able to partner with the ADA DHF means we can provide more comprehensive treatments that the patients may not be able to normally afford, or be provided for in a timely fashion publicly.

More importantly, the role the ADA DHF provides works like a concierge service for vulnerable people who may not feel confident to reach out to dentists, or know where to start. The case workers provide logistical and emotional support for the patient and manage this process in a dignified way.

CONTACT THE ADA DHF TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP PATIENTS

The motivation is pretty simple. It is rewarding to help, and the impact it has on the individual can be profound. It is also a huge morale boost to the dental team who feel proud to be part of a service. As you become more skilled and experienced as a dentist, providing more complex services is less demanding, so what might seem only a small task for us, is really valued by the patient. Finding hundreds, or thousands of dollars for dental work is simply not possible for many.

HOW HAVE YOU IMPACTED A PATIENT'S LIFE WITH TREATMENT YOU'VE OFFERED THROUGH THE FOUNDATION

DR ZEN D'SOUZA

We recently saw a young woman, barely out of her teens, who had experienced significant trauma to her front teeth due to a DV incident.

This seriously impacted her confidence in addition to the psychological effects of being a victim of violence. It also changed how she was perceived by others in society at large as she was missing several front teeth.

She had never had any dental procedures done before, and we were slowly able to get her comfortable and provide her with the care she needed. The end result was a brand new smile that hopefully will result in a boost to her confidence and self image.

DR PAUL ANSELL

In 2023 we welcomed a recent immigrant who was a victim of domestic violence. Fortunately she had not suffered dental trauma as a result of this, but still required a range of simple dental procedures to be back to optimum oral health. The whole team adapted our approach (as I'm sure many do for all patients) to be welcoming, comforting and to give the patient a feeling of control.

Over a few appointments, we began to learn about her current work, and future education, and career goals and it was that process we really enjoyed as it displayed her confidence and optimism.

WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAMS WITH ADA DHF?

DR ZEN D'SOUZA

Simply put, the work is incredibly rewarding and hardly a burden. Our practice has enough flexibility for us to manage our regular patients as well as the ADA DHF patients quite effectively. I would highly recommend that dentists who have the skills to be a part of the program do so, as it works towards a greater good.

DR PAUL ANSELL

We have a workable level of ADA DHF patients so we can manage the amount of time devoted to their care. The staff at ADA DHF make the process pretty simple, and they are responsive, organised and engaged.

I do feel that more experienced and compassionate dentists are better suited to meeting the needs of the patients, and I hope to be able to continue to participate in the program and encourage lots of like minded dentists and practices to do the same.

CONTROVERSIES IN CONTEMPORARY DENTISTRY

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR RYAN LEE | UQ

CLINICAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY

Edentulous ridge dimensional changes following tooth extraction

are common physiological processes, posing surgical and restorative challenges in implant-supported crown restorations.

Introduced in 1998 by Artzi and Nemcovsky, Alveolar Ridge Preservation (ARP) has gained popularity, with an estimated global annual cost of $190 million (Adams, 2022). Despite its popularity, doubts persist in the literature regarding ARP's clinical significance, and a lack of clear guidelines on techniques and material choices. Join us on Clinic Day 2024 at The University of Queensland as we unravel controversies surrounding ARP, exploring its technical challenges and clinical significance.

THE DYNAMICS OF ALVEOLAR RIDGE PRESERVATION

ARP plays an important role in implant dentistry by upholding the structure and integrity of alveolar ridge post-tooth extraction. However, this seemingly routine procedure is not without controversies.

We will be examining clinical cases to discuss clinical indications for ARP. The dynamic nature of ridge preservation demands a comprehensive understanding of the post-extraction timeline. While some argue for immediate procedures to maintain the socket's architecture, others favour delayed intervention, allowing for natural healing and subsequent implant placement.

While some argue for immediate procedures to maintain the socket's architecture, others favour delayed intervention.

CONTROVERSY 1: BIOMATERIAL SELECTION FOR ALVEOLAR RIDGE PRESERVATION

The choice of biomaterials for alveolar ridge preservation sparks ongoing debate. Autografts, allografts, xenografts, synthetics, and blood derivatives such as Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) present unique advantages and limitations. Autografts, being the patient's own tissue, may offer optimal biocompatibility but involve additional surgical sites and fast resorption of the materials. Synthetic materials offer convenience but may lack the biological properties of natural grafts. Allografts and xenografts are widely used, but not without limitations. PRF, with its rich growth factors, introduces another dimension to the debate.

Our Clinic Day will unravel these complexities, providing evidencebased insights for practitioners to select optimal biomaterials for their unique cases.

CONTROVERSY 2: TIMING OF IMPLANT PLACEMENT FOLLOWING ALVEOLAR RIDGE PRESERVATION

Debate surround the optimal timing for implant placement following alveolar ridge preservation. Conventionally, it was recommended to wait to heal for 6 months postoperatively, and this additional delay in the treatment time was one of the disadvantages of the ARP procedure. Histologically, it was demonstrated that remaining biomaterials were hindering the socket healing, delaying subsequent implant placement. However, more recently, there have been several clinical trials, demonstrating successful implant placement and osseointegration 4 months after ARP procedure both clinically and histologically. We will explore the evidence supporting both perspectives, fostering a profound understanding of factors influencing the timing of implant placement post-ARP procedure.

CONTROVERSY 3: IMPACT OF ALVEOLAR RIDGE PRESERVATION ON IMPLANT SUCCESS

Questions linger regarding ARP's actual impact on long-term implant success. Clinic Day will feature in-depth analyses of clinical studies and case presentations, shedding light on correlations between ARP techniques and subsequent implant outcomes. Researchers have sought to determine whether ARP significantly influences implant stability, peri-implant soft tissue health, and overall implant success rates. We will explore the latest findings and discuss the practical implications for daily clinical practice.

NAVIGATING CLINICAL CHALLENGES:

Beyond controversies, our event addresses practical challenges in ARP procedures, including anatomical variations, complication management, and optimising patient communication. Anatomical variations, such as thin or deficient buccal plates, require tailored approaches for successful ARP. Complication management strategies, ranging from infection control to managing graft resorption, will be discussed, providing attendees with practical insights for their clinics. Effective patient communication is essential for informed consent and post-operative care, and we will share strategies to enhance communication and patient understanding.

CONCLUSION

UQ Clinic Day will provide a comprehensive overview of the ARP procedure. This will be an unique opportunity to engage and share clinical experiences, with experts, allowing participants to gain clinical insights in this crucial aspect of implant dentistry. We eagerly await your participation and shared exploration on July 20th, 2024, at The University of Queensland, Oral Health Centre.

REFERENCES:

1. Adams, R. Is there clinical evidence to support alveolar ridge preservation over extraction alone? A review of recent literature and case reports of late graft failure. Br Dent J 233, 469–474 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4967-2

2. Geistlich. (n.d.). Treatment Concepts X-Sockets.

Researchers have sought to determine whether ARP significantly influences implant stability, periimplant soft tissue health, and overall implant success rates.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO CONTACT UQ

SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER FOR UQ CLINIC DAY 2024

MY PLACE

FROM OUR PARTNER - BOQ SPECIALIST

Owning your practice premises offers many benefits that simply aren’t available when leasing.

Owning the premises of your practice is a common goal of many dental professionals. The benefits of ownership include possessing an asset that can increase in value, having complete control over the design and fit-out of your practice, and the ability to place your business in a better tax position.

The right time to strike out on your own, establish a practice and purchase the premises is largely dependent on where you are in your career life cycle.

“It’s always a good idea to get some first-hand experience under your belt, then look at purchasing your practice premises,” says Michelle O’Hanlon, BOQ Specialist Commercial Partnerships Manager, who has more than 13 years’ experience in healthcare finance.

“Through their degree and training, younger dental professionals are well-versed in the clinical side of their profession, but they may not have the financial knowledge required to make this next career move.

At BOQ Specialist, our extensive experience means we are able to help guide our clients through this unfamiliar process so as a buyer, they feel comfortable with their position.”

PROS AND CONS

No matter what your profession is, you need a good general understanding of the pros and cons of practice ownership before making any decisions. BOQ Specialist has a set of informative publications called Guides to Purchasing Your Practice that are designed to help you navigate the process of owning your own practice, and help you to weigh up the option of either buying or renting your premises.

“The guides are very thorough,” says Michelle. “The general information we offer is an important part of forward planning before making any kind of commitment.”

It’s always a good idea to get some first-hand experience under your belt, then look at purchasing your practice premises.

Michelle O'Hanlon, BOQ Specialist

Deciding to rent your premises instead of purchasing can be a perfectly sensible option for some professionals. You can lock in a long-term lease so you have the security that you can stay in that space. The downside is that you don’t own an appreciating asset and you are paying rent that generally increases every 12 months. Owning your premises is a long-term investment that provides a financial safety net. It also allows you complete freedom in designing and fitting out your practice. After all, this is where you are going to spend the majority of your working life so why not make it your dream practice.

“One of the big issues, often overlooked by younger professionals starting out in practice ownership, is retirement,” says Michelle. “Selling or renting the premises you purchased years or decades previously can help fund your retirement lifestyle. Utilising a selfmanaged super fund (SMSF) to buy your premises can also offer attractive tax benefits.”

Ensuring that the space itself is right for your needs is essential. It has to be big enough to allow growth but not so big that it can’t be filled. It’s also important to do some research on the local region. Is it a growth area? Is there competition? Is the family demographic growing?

COUNT THE COSTS

Whether you’re purchasing an empty building or converting an existing practice, there’s going to be additional costs involved. Part of the joy of owning your premises is the ability to stamp it with your personality and business ethos. Refurbishing an existing practice can range from a new coat of paint to a full redesign. Starting a practice from scratch requires a fit-out, new equipment and effective marketing. All of these costs are manageable, provided you have a realistic expectation of the final total. It’s important that over-capitalisation is avoided.

“We work with our clients so they have an idea of what their cash flow will look like,” says Michelle. “If a fit-out and equipment are required, then we can provide options to enable that large investment.

“For dentists, being technologically up-to-date is key—and that means investing in the appropriate equipment and processes. It is self-defeating to fit old technology into a new practice. While the latest digital technology is expensive upfront, the longerterm investment and efficiencies it provides make good financial sense.”

HANDY WORKSHOPS

It can be quite overwhelming when considering whether to purchase the premises for your practice. However, with good financial advice and guidance, the benefits over renting make it a very attractive proposition. Not only do you own an appreciating asset but also the equity in that property. This equity can be used as a guarantee for whenever you need to establish a loan.

It’s essential to collect as much information as possible before making any financial commitment. Even if you’re just idly wondering if you’re brave enough to start the process, accurate and timely facts can help you to make an informed choice. Fortunately, BOQ Specialist runs a series of workshops that offer valuable general information.

“We host workshops that cover purchasing your practice premises, setting up your practice, and the variety of finance options that are available,” says Michelle. “Alongside our industry partners, we can help explain all that’s involved in order for you to make the best decision. We want to make sure that our clients are informed, they've done their due diligence and we can work together to make their practice a success. Choosing to purchase your practice premises can be a huge step in the right direction.”

One of the big issues, often overlooked by younger professionals starting out in practice ownership, is retirement. Selling or renting the premises you purchased years or decades previously can help fund your retirement lifestyle.

Michelle O'Hanlon, BOQ Specialist

OBITUARY DR PETER

MARTIN

1939 - 2023

In the heart of Far North Queensland, a pioneer and stalwart of dentistry recently bid farewell to a remarkable 40-year journey dedicated to the oral health and well-being of the community.

With immense sadness, we reflect on the passing of a revered dentist whose commitment and passion for the field left a mark on the region.

EARLY YEARS

Born in 1939 in Cairns to Stanley Martin, the local dentist, and Ethel (nee Thomason), Peter grew up in North Queensland but completed his education at Brisbane Boys Grammar, where he distinguished himself as an excellent student and rugby player.

Peter followed his father Stan and his uncle Ken Martin into dentistry and lodged at Union College while completing his studies at the University of Queensland.

Unfortunately, rugby games had to be abandoned due to the risk of finger damage, which would have no doubt compromised his dentistry skills!

Upon graduation, Peter joined his father’s practice in Abbot Street, Earlville, Cairns. He went on to practice for more than 40 years. For a period of approximately 20 years, he serviced the village of Tembagapura, for mining company Freeport Often, in the Indonesian part of Papua. He would travel from and back to Cairns for a week’s stay each month.

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

This wasn’t a chore for Peter: he fell in love with Indonesia, became fluent in Bahasa, and made many friends there. For many years after this arrangement ended, he especially kept in touch with his dental assistant there, Inn, and her husband Wendy. His charity work also brought him and his second wife Gail (a highly qualified midwife) to Cambodia and Myanmar.

Peter loved camping and fishing, and many trips to local islands and reef were enjoyed with his family on his beloved boat, named unsurprisingly: ‘Fang’.

Peter was a very active member of the Far North Queensland Sub-Faculty, and was granted Life Membership of Australian Dental Association, Queensland Branch, in 2012, an award of which he was extremely proud.

He was elected a Fellow of the International College of Dentists in 1986, in recognition of conspicuous services rendered to his profession.

We have a great photo of him accepting his award, from his uncle Ken, who was Dean of the UQ Faculty of Dentistry at the time.

PROFESSIONAL REPUTATION

As a dentist, Peter always prided himself on keeping up with the latest technologies and practices. He was instrumental in the organisation of many local dentistry events such as various North Queensland Conventions held in the 1960s through to the 1990s.

In 1938, the North Queensland Convention of Townsville was the first ever dental conference held in a regional town in Australia. The organising committee included Peter’s father, Stan. The NQ Convention would go on rotation between the three major regional towns of Townsville, Mackay and Cairns.

For the 1996 Cairns Convention, Peter managed to secure highcalibre international lecturers such as Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark, who delivered the George Christensen Memorial Oration. Brånemark is recognised today as the ‘father’ of modern dental implantology.

LATER YEARS

In his later years, Peter successfully recovered from prostate cancer, and used his experience by getting involved in the local prostate cancer support group, to counsel many men who were going through the disease.

Unfortunately, rugby games had to be abandoned due to the risk of finger damage, which would have no doubt compromised his dentistry skills!

On 24 August 2023, at the age of 83, Peter died peacefully at Herberton Hospital with family by his side. We wish to pass our condolences to his family and thank his younger brother Harry – ‘from the non-dental side of the family’ as he put it – for kindly providing Peter’s photos.

Dr Peter Martin accepting his award from Dean of the UP Faculty of Dentistry, 1986.

NURTURING PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY IN DENTAL PRACTICES DURING CRISIS

FROM OUR PARTNER - WORKPLACE WELLNESS AUSTRALIA SUSAN LONG | CLINICAL DIRECTOR

As with many workplaces, in the fast-paced environment of dental practices, unexpected crisis can arise. These can range from medical emergencies, unexpected deaths, natural disasters or even public health crises like pandemics.

During periods of unexpected crisis, patients are likely to experience heightened anxiety, while employees will face increased stress levels. Clear communication, empathy, and transparency are essential elements to create a sense of psychological security among both patients and team members. Ensuring physical safety protocols are in place is essential, however maintaining psychological safety is also crucial not only for the well-being of patients but also for the mental health of employees in the workplace.

For psychological safety to be provided, the dental practise leadership needs to focus on providing support, reassurance, and address concerns openly to alleviate anxiety and build trust when times are uncertain. Additionally, offering support resources such as counselling through the Member Assist Program can contribute to maintaining psychological well-being during challenging times.

WHAT IS PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY?

Psychological safety refers to the belief that one can speak up, express opinions, and take risks without fear of retribution or negative consequences. During crisis, individuals may experience heightened anxiety, fear, and uncertainty.

Patients may feel vulnerable and apprehensive about receiving dental care, while dental professionals and staff may face increased stress levels due to the demands of managing emergencies and ensuring safety protocols. In the context of dental practises, psychological safety encompasses creating an environment where patients and employee’s feel safe, respected, and supported. This is pivotal even in times of crisis.

Clear communication, empathy, and transparency are essential to create a sense of psychological security among both patients and team members.

WORKPLACE STRATEGIES THAT WILL SUPPORT PATIENTS AND EMPLOYEES IN CRISIS

1. Prioritise communication. Even though there may be many issues that require addressing, ensure patients are informed about relevant changes to the practice, their appointments, safety protocols, or treatment plans. Similarly, ensure that staff are kept updated on relevant information and protocols and address any questions or concerns they may have. Scheduling times when information will be provided can be an effective strategy to provide certainty and security to your team in an otherwise uncertain time.

2. Be aware that everyone responds differently during difficult times. Check in with each team member and make enquiry as to what personal supports they have and encourage them to reach out to these supports. Clearly let employees know that you are there to support them. Some members may access support immediately while others may prefer to be alone. Encourage team members to also look out for each other. Regularly reach out to team members to remind them of your support. Encourage team members to take care of their wellbeing – such as sleep, rest, drinking water, avoiding alcohol, and eating well.

3. Be present and provide emotional support. Offer empathy and understanding to patients and employees who may be experiencing heightened emotions during crises. Take the time to listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and offer reassurance.

4. Implement safety measures that support psychological wellbeing. Patients and employees can feel more comfortable and assured by physical safety protocols. Examples of these include infection control procedures, regular sanitisation of equipment and surfaces, and enforcing physical distancing measures in waiting areas (such as occurred during pandemic outbreaks).

5. Educate leadership and employees in psychological first aid techniques to provide immediate support to individuals in crisis. Psychological first aid involves offering practical assistance, emotional support, and information to help individuals cope with the immediate aftermath of a crisis.

6. Provide opportunities for employees to meet as a group with a professional to discuss their experiences in a safe and confidential setting. This may be helpful after they have had the opportunity to process initial shock and have had some time to access their personal supports. It is important that when this is offered it is offered as a voluntary offering and that team members are not mandated to attend.

7. Encourage self-care practices among your team and let them know that they may experience changes in their sleep routine, appetite and moods in the immediate future. Focusing on taking care of themselves can assist these aspects of life to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Offer access to factsheets and resources from your Member Assist Program (MAP) to support their mental health and well-being.

While many people will demonstrate resilience and recover from a crisis in due time, there are times when employees or members of your team may need additional professional support. It is important to encourage individuals to seek professional help if they are struggling to cope with the crisis or if they feel they are not returning to their previous levels of coping.

The ADAQ Member Assistance Program and portal provides support in times of crisis. The ADAQ wellbeing portal has a list of resources and referral contacts to mental health professionals and support organisations for dental practice employees to access. It can also be helpful to encourage any team member you may be concerned about to visit their GP to discuss a mental health plan.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS ADAQ'S MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MAP)

THE ADAQ MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CAN BE ACCESSED AT ADAQ.ORG.AU/MAP TO DISCUSS SUPPORT FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES OR FOR INDIVIDUALS TO ARRANGE SUPPORTIVE COUNSELLING.

THE MARVELLOUS IMPORTS OF R L MEARNS, ACCI-'DENTAL' QUEENSLAND PIONEER

BY DR GARY SMITH ADAQ MUSEUM OF DENTISTRY

It is easy to forget that what looks to us today as basic or gruelling was once state of the art and hailed as a great advancement.

As we introduce the first digital membership card to our members this year, the ADAQ history group reflected on how the greatest technical advances in dentistry have largely been about efficiency and convenience, and how difficult it must have been for early Queensland dentists.

In the early days of the Colony, technical innovation in dentistry came mostly from the United States or England. It reached Australia quite slowly; Queensland towns would have been the absolute last to be kept in the loop.

There were very few trained (‘licentiate’) dentists. Even fewer practitioners had the means to travel back and forth to England regularly and keep abreast of the newest developments. Some returned from studies at the prestigious Philadelphia or Chicago schools, with skills in the latest techniques and amazing prototypes borne out of the famed American ingenuity.

Any new equipment or material was imported via cargo. Space for imported goods was very limited on the sailing ships that attempted the treacherous route to Australia. Importing goods must have been very expensive. After the 1880s, compound steam engines were developed, and transoceanic travel became cheaper and faster.

Our honorary curator and historian Dr Gary Smith, prosthodontist, sought to find more about the ‘accidental pioneers’ of Queensland dentistry. These practitioners did not invent or develop anything new in their field (to our knowledge). They advanced dentistry in Queensland merely by embracing innovation earlier than their peers. They introduced new technology and took financial and reputation risks in dealing with the new and unconventional.

One name so far stands out in the early Queensland dental landscape: Robert Livingstone Mearns DDS (1841-1919). His unwavering confidence in technology must have been great, and so his enthusiasm in taking every opportunity to acquire and immediately show off state-of-the-art ‘new toys’ and boost his world-class reputation.

Sifting through newspapers on the National Library of Australia’s Trove website, Gary found evidence that Livingstone Mearns may have been one of the first, if not the first, to introduce or advertise two key advances in dentistry to the Sunshine State: the pedalpowered dental engine and the electro-magnetic mallet. He was also one of the first practitioners to install a telephone in his practice.

BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED & PERFECTLY NOISELESS

On 28 September 1875, an interesting article which described Morrison’s Dental Engine appeared in several newspapers: the Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertister. This is the only description found in the Queensland press about this ‘marvellous’ machine reaching our shores.

The power is supplied by the foot and by means of a cord suspended from the ceiling working on sets of pulleys. In this form the driving power is belted directly to the handpiece, in which is inserted burs for cutting and excavating. The operator is enabled to use the bur in any and every direction, thus being able to cut at right angles, and to reach places in the mouth hitherto inaccessible.

The hand piece is so beautifully balanced and can be worked with such ease and freedom, that the operator may walk from one side of his patient to the other without interfering with the motion of the engine in the slightest degree. The dental engine is of invaluable service to the dentist in the preparation of stumps for the reception of artificial crowns and can scale and clean the natural teeth with an efficiency and expedition that is truly astonishing.

The motion is perfectly noiseless, there being nothing to raise or increase those dreadful fears which generally take possession of one when in a dentist’s chair. This beautiful piece of mechanism is of American design and manufacture and is about the most perfect piece of workmanship that we ever have had the pleasure of seeing. Mr Mearns has also imported an approved and complete nitrous gas apparatus of about fifty gallons capacity) for its manufacture and administration.

The ‘ingenious article’ thus described is the foot-powered drill, possibly in the form of Morrison’s Improved Dental Engine, as found in Claudius Ash & Sons 1875 catalogue listing, for example. It had been in the market only four years.

The development of a foot engine for dental use actually hails back to the 1790s. According to his son, the American dentist John Greenwood—famously George Washington’s dentist— developed one from an old sewing spinning wheel belonging to his grandmother. It was only for their family practice, and Greenwood father and son both used it to speed up bone and ivory denture preparations. It was never patented. Almost 80 years later, James Beall Morrison, watchmaker and dentist, was able to patent the foot-powered drill in 1871 and distribution began soon after. It was so fast that manufacturers had to scramble to produce bur heads that would withstand its “truly astonishing” 2000 revolutions per minute (rpm). By comparison, the hand-powered drills all dentists used at the time reached about 100 rpm.

Image Morrison's Improved Dental Engine, Claudius Ash & Sons, A catalogue artificial teeth, dental materials, instruments, tools, furniture, etc., London, 1875, p. 110.

SEE GARY SMITH'S ATTEMPT TO USE A LATER MODEL OF FOOT-POWERED DRILL

OF MORE THAN ORDINARY IMPORTANCE

In the late 1870s, Livingstone Mearns travelled back to Aberdeen, Scotland, then to the United States, where he graduated in Dental Surgery at the prestigious Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery.

On 29 September 1883, for the first time in Brisbane [according to The Queenslander], he demonstrates Bonwill’s Electro-magnetic gold foil mallet.

William Gibson Alington Bonwill (1833-1899) was an American dentist and inventor.

His name is linked to the so-called ‘triangle principle’ and resulting articulator device, the partial denture brace, and of course, the electromagnetic dental mallet or plugger, patented on 21 July 1873 [US170045A - Improvement in electro-magnetic dental pluggers - Google Patents]

Curiously, Bonwill was also a firm believer in air as anaesthetic! He introduced a breathing technique that may have inspired Russian and French techniques for conscious breathing in labour popularised in the 1950s. Bonwill is recorded in 1894 to have said to other dentists and surgeons:

Crazy claim. But we digress. Here is the article transcript: Scientific & Useful Improvements in Dental Machinery

An exhibition of the use of the electro-magnetic mallet for teeth stopping was given on Saturday morning by Dr R. L. Mearns at his consulting rooms. The electromagnetic mallet is the invention of Dr Bonwill, an American dentist, who has the reputation of being one the most expert manipulators of gold in the operation of filling teeth. Some years ago, he got his ideas from the ‘sounder’ in the electric telegraph instrument, and set to work to construct the electric mallet, which is capable of impacting gold with an accuracy and rapidity immeasurably superior to any instrument hitherto used by dentists for similar purposes.

The mallet consists of a pair of magnets, an armature, and a device for regulating the length of the stroke of the same, a handpiece in which the packer is placed, the same resting against a piece called the plunger, which is so adjusted by a screw as to have the end of the mallet-head drive the packing instrument only to a certain extent. Then there is a most ingenious piece of mechanism which constantly break the electric current when the mallet is being operated, the result being the delivery of a series of distinct blows amounting to over 2000 per minute. The mallet is operated by a four-cell Bunsen battery, which is simple and easily managed.

The practical use of the mallet was illustrated before those present, who could not fail to observe its immense advantages over the older instruments. Professor Pepper [JH Pepper, a British scientist, inventor and entertainer], who was present, remarked upon the great strides made in dentistry, more especially in respect to toothstopping, and pointed out the necessity for only pure materials being used. He paid a high compliment to American dentists, who it was admitted had surpassed all others in the art.

“In an experience of twenty years [of dentistry] I have not used an anaesthetic in my office…. My opinion is that if I could have introduced rapid breathing as a pain obtunder before nitrous oxide came out, you would all be using it.” Image File:William Gibson Arlington Bonwill. png - Wikimedia Commons

He then technically explained the novel little instrument, much to the interest and advantage to those present. The introduction of the dentists’ electric mallet into Brisbane is a matter of more than ordinary importance. To all who have seen it deftly used it bears its own recommendation.

Livingstone Mearns was at the Dental School in Philadelphia at the same time as Bonwill: it is entirely possible that Mearns attended one of Bonwill’s demonstrations while in Philadelphia. The ADAQ Museum of Dentistry in Brisbane has an 1896 version of Bonwill’s mallet in the collection. Another curiosity: Bonwill’s mallet inspired Thomas Edison’s electric pen and Samuel O’Reilly’ first tattoo machine. These dental devices were often converted for use as tattoo guns.

1896 improved version of Bonwill’s mallet. SS White manufacture. ADAQ Museum of Dentistry collection. https://ehive.com/collections/8794/ objects/1140180/ss-white-improved-electro-mallet

ON THE LINE

By January 1887, Mearns moved his practice in Brisbane to Albert Street. He advertised this move in a small notice which appeared multiple times through 1887. The notice also subtly boasted about another important innovation for his dental practice: the telephone!

Image REMOVAL. Dr MEARNS, Dentist, has Removed to First Floor J. Young’s Grocery Establishment, Albert street. Consultations as usual – 9 am. Till 5 pm. Telephone No. 218. Advertising, The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 18721947), 4 January 1887. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175124228

Nowadays, patients make first contact with the dental practice almost always by phone—and more recently even get whole consultations through teledentistry.

Before the telephone took off, no-one was able ‘to call’ for emergency appointments. Patients with toothache would turn up in the early morning hours at your door for assistance. Although one is generalising, any organised appointments probably started at 10:00am until noon and then again from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, with more emergencies to deal with into the late evening. The telephone changed everything, for patients and dentists.

In his blog article Hold the line please - Brisbane Telephone Exchange, Simon Miller, State Library of Queensland, wrote that the early telephones in Brisbane could only be used for communication between two fixed points until January 1878, when the first commercial telephone exchange opened. By 1883 a continuous 24-hour service connected 175 telephones, including some private subscribers. According to the Pugh’s Queensland Almanac Directory and Law Calendar for 1887:

“The telephone has been in use for some time in Brisbane, Maryborough, Rockhampton and Townsville; and is in course of Construction at Bundaberg”.

Mearns’s advertisement listed one of the first telephone numbers used by a dentist in Queensland: 218. This ‘flex’ points out to Livingston Mearns possibly being a practitioner of choice for government officials, merchants or the otherwise wealthy. However, it is also possible Livingstone Mearns simply made use of Young’s business line when he moved to their ‘establishment’. Either way, none of his colleagues were recorded to use a line, not even the most renown Brisbane dentist at the time, the hospital official dentist and father of the first Odontological Society of Queensland, Mr David R. Eden.

Unfortunately, Livingstone Mearns’ penchant for embracing novel ideas did not help his personal fortunes in the long run; it turned into risk seeking. He invested heavily in land at the new Railway Estate, which was declared insolvent by 1891, and all his fancy dental equipment was auctioned. Abandoned by his family, he died at the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum, for the destitute, North Stradbroke Island, in 1919.

The telephone has been in use for some time in Brisbane, Mayborough, Rockhampton and Townsville; and is in course of Construction at Bundaberg

DISCOVER MORE HISTORY AT ADAQ'S MUSEUM OF DENTISTRY

CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN DENTAL PRACTICES: PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED

LYNNE MCLEAN & MARICEL MOSS | ADAQ

TRAINING AND PRACTICE CONSULTANCY TEAM

“ Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.” – Maya Angelou

The dental industry, just like all others, is no stranger to unexpected events and crises. They can occur while we go about the everyday business of providing care for our patients or can be caused by external forces beyond our control.

It is highly recommended that every dental practice should develop a Crisis Management Plan that can be activated in the event of an emergency or when something goes wrong. A crisis can refer to any disaster or emergency event; any issue that impacts the normal operations of the dental practice might require crisis management.

The purpose of a Crisis Management Plan (CMP) is to summarise how your practice will react to a crisis, while its goal is to reduce crisis impact in the practice.

It should have several elements, including:

9 Risk analysis for each individual practice – identify the specific crisis/emergencies that your practice may experience

9 Actions required to respond to those crisis

9 Allocation of crisis management roles – who is responsible for what in the crisis management team and how to reach them outside of normal operating hours if required

9 Register of emergency services and contacts

9 Emergency and evacuation plans – how often these will be tested e.g. fire drill and evacuation procedures

9 Criteria for documentation and record keeping - how you will review, report and how records will be kept in the event of a crisis

9 Training – information regarding training and instruction provided to staff members regarding their roles and responsibilities in implementing procedures.

A crisis can refer to any disaster or emergency event; any issue that impacts the normal operations of the dental practice might require crisis management

SO, WHAT COULD/SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A DENTAL PRACTICE CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN?

PANDEMICS & COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

On 20 October 2023, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer declared that COVID-19 was no longer a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) following the end of winter in Australia.

However, World Health Organisation has warned that Covid-19 is here to stay, and “the world will continue to need tools to prevent it, test for it and treat it.”

As mandatory isolation requirements for persons who test positive to COVID-19 have been lifted, it will be a matter for each individual practice to decide how they manage COVID-19 positive staff and patients, in accordance with the current recommendations from Queensland Health. It is recommended that protocols be included for other contagious respiratory viruses such as Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Your crisis management plan should include reference to transmission-based precautions which are to be implemented in times of increased contamination risk, such as pandemics.

AHPPC STATEMENTEND OF COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE

SHARPS INJURIES

ADAQ'S COVID-19 AND PANDEMIC MEMBER PORTAL

ACTION PLAN FOR INFECTION CONTROL BREACHES

Infection control breaches occur when there is a failure to follow established infection control procedures. A breach could be a significant threat to patient safety, such as the use of a non-sterile instrument on a patient in a surgical procedure.

Dental practitioners and staff have a common law legal duty of care to their patients and must ensure that effective infection prevention and control measures are in place and are complied with in the practice.

An Infection Control Action Plan should be followed in the event of a breach, or suspected breach in the cross-infection control process.

ADAQ INFECTION CONTROL PRACTICE RESOURCES

Each dental practice should have a clear set of written instructions on the appropriate action to be taken in the event of a sharps injury occurring. These instructions should include emergency contact numbers for expert advice (including the name of a medical practitioner experienced in dealing with such cases). These instructions must be easily accessible and understood, and all staff must follow them.

Key areas of management are:

First Aid

Stop work immediately, regardless of the situation (e.g., even if administering local anaesthetic or undertaking a surgical procedure).

Allow the wound to bleed and clean it thoroughly with a soap and lukewarm water wash. There is no benefit in squeezing the wound. Do not apply disinfectants as some are irritant and retard healing.

Further management of the wound is dependent on the nature of the injury.

Recording the Incident

A full record of the incident must be made, including details of:

Who was injured

How the incident occurred

Type of exposure

Presence of visible blood on the device causing the injury

Whether a solid sharp object, hollow bore object, or needle was involved, and gauge of that needle

Time the injury occurred

What action was taken

Who was informed and when

Details of the patient being treated Testing

Testing should be offered following all occupational exposure to blood or body substances, particularly all ‘contaminated’ sharps injuries (e.g., those involving exposure to blood or blood contaminated saliva).

Baseline testing is required from the injured staff member AND the patient (where the source is known). The injured staff member should be tested as soon as possible: at least within 24 hours.

It may be the case that the patient may refuse to be tested. If so, this needs to be documented, and management in this case should be under the assumption the patient

Follow up testing for the injured individual is required at one, three and six months. Pre and post operative counselling should be offered to the staff member involved.

NATURAL DISASTERS

Queensland has a high risk of natural disasters, higher than most other states in Australia. Unfortunately, we are becoming all too familiar with the devastation and disruption that natural hazards such as bushfires, cyclones and flooding can cause.

Being prepared for any such natural disaster event is essential to ensure an effective response and functional recovery.

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT'S FLOOD WARNINGS AND ALERTS

ADAQ PRACTICE ADVISORY SERVICES

GENERAL CONSULTATION

ADAQ consultants can visit your practice to discuss and assist on a range of topics, including:

• Accreditation

• Documentation

• Infection Control

• Dental Assistant Training (CERT III and CERT IV)

INFECTION CONTROL SERVICES

• Review and develop infection control documents, customised for your practice

• On-site visit to conduct infection control Health Check (approx. 2 hours)

• Provide staff training on infection control

• Provide additional infection control documentstemplates for risk register, sharps and immunisations

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT'S SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER HUB

As previously mentioned, a crisis management plan should include key contacts, meeting places, phone numbers and medical information so that everyone in the practice knows what to do in an emergency.

An evacuation plan needs to be developed so all staff members are aware of an assembly point/safe area.

If your practice is situated in a flood or bushfire-prone area, planning for evacuation will save you crucial time when the official advice is given to evacuate.

It is important to stay informed about severe weather warnings and other emergencies so that you can respond quickly when required - find out what is the most effective way to receive warnings and updates, where to get information online and what signals to listen for.

The ADAQ TPC team provides practices with support and consutlancy services through a team of skilled professionals with experience in infection control, practice accreditation and practice management.

To find out how the ADAQ TPC team can help you, contact consultancy@adaq.com.au

ACCREDITATION DOCUMENT DEVELOPMENT

• Review of current accreditation documents (if available)

• Customisation of accreditation templates for your practice

• Dedicated advisor will liaise with your practice to ensure accurate customisation of documents

• Assist practice with accreditation policies

PRACTICE HEALTH CHECK-UP

• On-site visit by ADAQ staff member (approx. 2 hours)

• Verbal discussion on findings with dentist and practice manager

• Written report on findings and/or recommendations to dentist and practice manager.

OBITUARY DR DON O'DONOGHUE

1936 - 2024

Don was born in Bowen and grew up in country Queensland. He attended Downlands College in Toowoomba as a border on a CWA scholarship for high school.

Image Fellowship of International College of Dentists with Robbert Norton.

EARLY YEARS

Don was awarded a State Government Fellowship to study dentistry and graduated from the University of Queensland in 1959 with honours, winning the James Egerton Carey prize as Class Dux. He then spent 2 years in Toowoomba with the School Dental Service. He was accepted as a full-time post-graduate student in Chicago, at the University of Illinois Orthodontic School with Dr Allan G. Brodie during 1961-63, acquiring both a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science (Orthodontics) Illinois. He was registered as a dental specialist in Queensland on 5 May 1964 and spent another 4 years in the public sector at Maryborough and the Children’s Dental Hospital Brisbane where he was Senior Dentist in charge of the Orthodontic Department. During this time he gained his FRACDS and MDSc (Qld).

PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY

Don also reconnected with his Goondiwindi childhood neighbor Deann when she came to Brisbane to study at UQ. They were married in 1966. Focusing on his growing family, Don opened his orthodontic practice in Queen Street, in 1967, moving to 141 Queen Street in 1973. Between 1973 and 1978 the practice grew to a 4-orthodontist practice, known as Brisbane Orthodontic Group, later Brisbane Orthodontics. Don retired from practice in 2000. 57 years after Don established it, Brisbane Orthodontics is flourishing.

SERVICE TO THE ASSOCIATION

Don’s service to organised dentistry began in 1969. He served on Australian Dental Association Queensland Branch (ADAQ) committees from his start on the Dental Health Education Committee. In 1972 he was State President of Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO), Federal Treasurer of ASO in 1974-77 and Treasurer of the 1977 ASO Congress. He was elected as a Councillor for Division 1 of ADAQ 1979-81 and served a year on the ADAQ Executive in 1981. He chaired the Members’ Services Committee in 1980. From 1979 to 1992 Don was the ADAQ – Dental Protection Limited Liaison Officer and then from 1992 to 2002 Chairman of the ADAQ Cases Committee. These roles involved Don in taking phone calls from patients who were concerned or dissatisfied with their dental treatment and mostly in the days before the Health Ombudsman or its predecessors such as the Health Care Complaints Committees were set up by Governments. These phone calls required a delicate and sympathetic touch and Don was a master of finding solutions.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

In 1985 Don was Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the 24th ADA Congress. This Congress was held in the brand-new Brisbane Performing Arts Centre and was the first event staged there. From 1982-91 he was a member of the Committee managing the ASO Foundation for Research and Education (ASOFRE) completing this term as Chairman in 1989-91. The ASOFRE raised funds to support orthodontic research in the Australian universities. Its main revenue base was surpluses from running a 2-day national orthodontic meeting every second year alternating with Australian Orthodontic Congresses. During his busy career Don also was Honorary Orthodontist at the Montrose Home for Crippled Children from 1967 to 1985 and from 1984 was a member of the Rotary Club of Brisbane. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2004. He was a longtime member of the Cadmus Dental Study Club and particularly enjoyed their annual pilgrimage to Fraser Island to fish for tailor.

LATER YEARS

For his services to dentistry, Don has also been awarded the Fellowship of the International College of Dentists in 1988, the Distinguished Service Award of the ADAQ in 1995 and Honorary Life Membership of ADAQ in 2001. At the Canberra meeting of ASOFRE in 2016, Don was presented with the ASO Meritorious Service Award. With Don’s passing, after an extended battle with a series of health challenges, which he faced with a remarkably positive attitude, dentistry and orthodontics have lost one of their Greats. I can speak for many of his former partners in practice and staff when I say we shall miss him dearly.

Image Dr Don O'Donoghue fishing, a favourite past time activity.

CLASSIFIEDS

Stay informed of opportunities and announcements exclusive to the ADAQ community

MARKING OVER 45 YEARS OF DENTISTRY UTILISING GENERAL ANAESTHESIA IN BRISBANE

Dr Anthony Speed, in association with anaesthetists from the Wesley Anaesthetic Group, wishes to advise that he can facilitate treatment for patients requiring general anaesthesia in our outpatient facility at Holland Park. This is particularly useful for patients who have no private hospital insurance.

With an extensive range of experience, the team is willing to undertake wisdom tooth removal, implant placement and perform routine restorative dentistry on all age groups including children aged 3 and above.

Anxiety sufferers, local anaesthetic problems, severe gag reflex sufferers, special needs patients, and dementia sufferers have all been successfully treated over the years.

Additionally, we are now able to offer Cerec single visit crowns so that the patient does not have to return for subsequent cementation. Patients who are medically compromised can be treated at St Andrew’s Private Hospital by arrangement.

CONTACT

If this service can be of assistance to some of your patients, please phone the reception staff on 3397 1339 for further information. Referral booklets are available on request.

SEEKING A DENTIST TO JOIN THE TEAM DUE TO EXPANDING SERVICES

Durack Dental is a well-established family-owned dental practice in Brisbane Western Suburbs.

We are a supportive, friendly team with a strong family-based patient base seeking a part time, experienced dentist.

• Initially 2 days per week

• Negotiable working hours

• Attractive percentage/hourly minimum remuneration

• Strong existing patient base

• Clinical autonomy

• Interest in restorative, crowns, bridges and dentures

• Bright, modern, comfortable facilities

APPLICANTS MUST

• Have at least 2 years' experience

• Hold Ahpra registration

• Hold Queensland radiation licence

CONTACT

If you feel you would like to be a part of our great team please forward your resume and cover letter to finette@durackmc.com.au or call on 07 3372 4577

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