ADAQ Dental Mirror - Summer 2022

YOU’VE GRADUATED – LET’S TALK ABOUT PI INSURANCE

INFECTION

CONTROL KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS

ADAQ 2022 HIGHLIGHTS (Annual Clinic Day, AGM & our visit to NQ)

CELEBRATING THE PAST AND LOOKING AHEAD

Evolution of the Association

EDITOR

Dr Kelly Hennessy

EDITORIAL

Dr Jay Hsing

Dr Gary Smith

Ms Lisa Rusten

Ms Melissa Kruger

CONTACT

24

Bowen Hills Qld 4006

PO Box 611, Albion Qld 4010

Phone: 07 3252 9866

Email: adaq@adaq.com.au

Website: adaq.com.au

Information on advertising, deadlines and artwork

are

in the ADAQ Advertising Kit: adaq.com.au/advertising

ADAQ

ADAQ COUNCILLORS

PRESIDENT

Dr Jay Hsing

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Dr Kelly Hennessy

JUNIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Dr Keith Willis

COUNCILLORS

Dr Kevin Ang (Peninsula)

Dr Paul Dever (Burnett)

Dr Peter Jorgensen (Sunshine Coast)

Dr Kaye Kendall (Moreton)

FEDERAL COUNCILLORS

Dr Norah Ayad

Dr Martin Webb

Associate Professor Alex Forrest (Moreton)

Dr Oleg Pushkarev (Western)

Dr Jiten Rao (Northern)

Mr Andrew Waltho (Skills-based)

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Dr Matthew Nangle

ADAQ SUB-BRANCHES

Bundaberg

Dr Paul Dever

Ipswich

Dr Andrew Wong

Kingaroy

Dr Man Chun (Simon) Lee

Cairns

Dr Brian James

ADAQ COMMITTEES

Conduct and Honours Committee

Convener: Dr Jay Hsing

Volunteering in Dentistry Committee

Convener: Dr Jay Hsing

Mackay Dr Peter Monckton

Sunshine Coast Dr Peter Jorgensen

Gladstone Dr Patrick Dohring

Toowoomba Dr Rob Sivertsen

Gold Coast Dr Roslyn Grant

Rockhampton Dr Kelly Hennessy

Recent Graduates and Students Committee

Convener: Dr Phillip Nguyen

Policy, Advocacy and Advisory Committee Chair

Convener: Dr Norah Ayad

FROM THE PRESIDENT: DR JAY HSING

It's a great honour to address you as the President of our Association.

Dentistry excites me, whether it’s treating patients as part of a team, mentoring recent grads or teaching students. The ability to have a positive impact on my patients, colleagues and students has been tremendously rewarding for me.

Being on ADAQ Council has given me the chance to give back to the profession that has provided me with so much joy and fulfilment. I am appreciative and enthusiastic about the privilege to now serve as President.

GRATITUDE

I am grateful to past presidents for their leadership of ADAQ. As an example, in 2019 Dr Adrian Frick led the way with modernising our organisation. The evolution of our Association’s governance (i.e. the system of rules, practices, and processes) being brought in line with contemporary best practice was continued under the leadership of Dr Norah Ayad, A/Prof Alex Forrest and Dr Matthew Nangle, all while dealing with a certain virus!

I am thankful towards my fellow Councillors, Committee Members and the amazing ADAQ staff led by our CEO, Lisa Rusten. It has been wonderful and inspiring working with them during my three years on Council so far. Their hard work, commitment, dedication, and passion is what makes me relevant now.

I am also deeply appreciative of all the personal messages of support from you, the members. Thank you!

LOOKING FORWARD

The question that I have been most asked is what I want to achieve as President. However, leading the Association is not a solo sport and success requires teamwork. It’s less about what I want and more about what will best support members and the entire Dental Team in looking after the community that the profession serves. It’s also about shaping the profession so that future generations will be proud to join it and for the right reasons. Moreover, the Association is dynamic and constantly evolving. Some changes have already been initiated, while others will regrettably take longer to come to fruition than my time as President allows. So instead of stating what I would like to

achieve, I will share with you three values that are important to me. Values are not aspirational. Values are actionable, so knowing them will be instructive to the ideas I champion.

VALUE #1 – PUT OUR PATIENTS’ BEST INTEREST AS THE TOP PRIORITY

The primary role of a health professional is to provide care to the community and to put our patients’ interest as top priority. Over recent decades we have seen the denigration of that ideal, through the commodification of healthcare. Dentistry has not been spared.

As a profession, we need to decide if we put service and people first or business and money first. Please don’t think me naive. I’m aware every profession has elements of a business. If expenses exceed revenues then no practice, however principled, will continue to exist. However, if we allow the gradual shift from health professional to businessperson to go too far, it will be patients (and future generations of dentists) that pay the price.

It’s easy to be influenced by social media and to be seduced by courses and companies that spruik treatment that, frankly, do not put our patients’ best interest as the top priority. Often the treatment promoted has the primary benefit of increased fee generation rather than a valid therapeutic benefit.

To combat this, education is key and our Association has a responsibility to deliver this with its CPD program. For it to be meaningful and relevant, the program must be modern, diverse and evidence-based. Two years ago, the strategy for how courses are created was overhauled and no doubt you’ve noticed the growth in the quality and variety of the courses. That progress must continue.

We must be a leader in this space not only because you, as a member, rightly expect it but because in the absence of it, people will look elsewhere. In a fog, ships will look for any light to be a guide even if it’s in the wrong direction. ADAQ must be the guiding light.

VALUE #2 – SUPPORT AND BUILD EACH OTHER UP

We must create a culture of service, not only to our patients but to each other. We should support and lift each other up. I am grateful that wherever I have worked, I have always become friends with colleagues of nearby practices. In a reality where the public overwhelmingly trusts the profession and sees the value of good honest dentistry, there are more than enough patients.

Our Association can also provide leadership in collegiality. This can be in the form of support for the various groups that we belong to. Often what is needed is non-financial support and engagement is key. It’s only the start but I’m pleased that in the last couple of years, progress has been made to build stronger relationships with educational institutions, study clubs, specialist societies, sub-branches, dental charity groups and student associations.

VALUE #3 – SHARE RESPONSIBILITY AND CELEBRATE SUCCESS

We all know our teams work much better when everybody, from the owner to the most junior DA, are in it together. Similarly, I hope we all view our Association not as a separate entity but rather as a collective made up of each one of us as members. We employ staff at ADAQ HQ but they need us to steer the ship. Every time you renew your membership, or encourage a colleague to join ADAQ you make it stronger. It’s not just about the numbers but also engagement. For example, by responding to the CPD survey, you get a say in what is relevant to daily practice. When you write an email to make a recommendation that is enacted, you help shape your Association and ultimately the profession in Queensland. Small changes add up.

CULTURE = VALUES + BEHAVIOUR

It’s the small habits we do every day that make a big difference, not a singular event. We may see an improving CPD program, the profession maintaining the public’s trust, or an increase in member numbers and engagement but it’s the small, persistent steps we take together that matter.

We all feel like the system is too big to change, but guess what? We are the system, and we need to help create the changes we want to see. I’m driven to make our world a better place, even if it’s only my small corner of it. I want to leave the profession in a better position. I would love you to join me in this mission. Every single one of us has the ideas and ability to make a difference. As your President, I hope to inspire you to contribute to the Association and to the profession for the collective good.

2022 GRADUATES

To the Class of 2022, I extend to you a warm welcome to the profession. I sincerely hope you get as much joy and fulfilment from dentistry as I do. I’m heartened by how many of you have said to me “I’m not worried about the money, I just want to provide good dentistry for my patients”. Keep this frame of mind. If you do, the financial returns will take care of themselves.

FINAL THOUGHT

I wish you and your families a wonderful festive season and a happy New Year! As we look forward to 2023, I leave you with a final thought. What small act of yours is going to start the chain reaction to a brighter future?

Images

Top: ADAQ Volunteering in Dentistry Committee at Annual Clinic Day 2021

Bottom left: Dr Hsing and Dental Assistant Mikayla Denehey, providing dental care at Australian Dental Health Foundation volunteer clinic day

Bottom right: Dr Hsing and ADAQ Senior Vice President Dr Kelly Hennessy at Annual Clinic Day 2022.

Centre: ADAQ President's medallion worn by Dr Hsing at Annual Clinic Day 2022

MEET DR JAY HSING

WHERE DID YOU STUDY AND WHERE ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING?

I graduated from UQ in 2007 and have been working in private practice since. I’m currently working at Westside Dentistry in the leafy suburb of Graceville. I’ve also been a supervisor at UQ since 2008. I love both dentistry and teaching so it’s almost inevitable I went back to supervise.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT BY BEING ON ADAQ COUNCIL?

When I first joined, the most surprising thing I learnt was that ADAQ Council is actually the Board of Directors for ADAQ. I don’t think many members know this. I also have a deeper appreciation of Policy and ‘Terms of Reference’ documents. They may sound dull but are so important to successful, effective and transparent governance.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED WITH ON ADAQ COUNCIL?

I joined ADAQ Council so I could give back to the profession. One of the first things I did was to consult with fellow Councillors and Management on how we could improve the quality and variety of the CPD Program. From that, I authored the briefing papers for the structural reform of how the program is developed. That change has led to incredible results. I also instigated the establishment of the Volunteering in Dentistry Committee (ViDC) to promote volunteerism. I’ve been the Chair of ViDC and the Asset Management Committee for the last two years. This past year I was the Senior Vice President and the Editor of the Dental Mirror.

APART FROM DENTISTRY, WHAT DO YOU LOVE?

I am a massive Brisbane Broncos supporter and have been a season member for 13 years. I have a reserved seat on halfway line at Suncorp Stadium just in front of the corporate boxes. When you watch sports, the people around you are usually strangers. However, the same 20 or so people sit in my little section year after year. It’s great to know everyone around you.

I read widely and watch a lot of TED talks. I like learning new things. YouTube taught me how to make balloon animals and this year I joined a local Toastmasters club. I love a good Excel worksheet. I also enjoy going on hikes and doing calisthenics. It’s good for the mind and body to stay active.

YOU’VE GRADUATED –LET’S TALK ABOUT PI INSURANCE

BY EDWARD GRIFFITH ADAQ COMPLIANCE AND ADVISORY SERVICES

Your training wheels are officially off. As an Ahpra registered dental practitioner you are now required to have Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance. But what does that mean?

PI insurance protects you against a claim alleging any negligence in your practice of dentistry and covers the costs and expenses of defending a legal claim, as well as any claims for damages or compensation payable.

Having appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance provides you with personal security and means that you are not personally liable to make payment for claims made against you that your policy covers.

Your initial Ahpra registration and ongoing renewal of your registration requires you to make a declaration confirming that you will not practice unless you have appropriate PI Insurance.

Ahpra undertake random audits to ensure that dental pracitioners have appropriate coverage. If you are practising without adequate insurance, Ahpra can take action against you which may result in suspending your registration or issuing you a fine.

ADAQ understands that New Graduates need some time to develop their skills and are pleased to offer up to 18 months of complimentary Professional Indemnity Insurance with QBE upon graduation (terms and conditions apply).

Additionally, New Graduates receive 6 months complimentary ADAQ Membership, which gives you access to support with any complaints, insurance claims and health fund audits, including general advice and regulatory updates.

A complaint can be stressful for a new graduate dentist to receive. These matters can be an in-house practice complaint, an Office of Health Ombudsman (OHO) complaint or an Ahpra complaint. ADAQ are here to assist Members in responding to these complaints and can liaise with OHO and Ahpra on your behalf.

If the complaint is primarily compensation based, ADAQ are able to manage this in-house and can include the assistance from other dentists and specialists in our community (peer reviews) or if required, independent lawyers can be engaged to provide legal advice where necessary.

If you require any assistance, you can contact the compliance and advisory team at ADAQ via assist@adaq.com.au

For full Terms and Conditions of PI Insurance with ADAQ please visit adaq.org.au/insurance

WE

Recent

DENTAL BOARD OF AUSTRALIA V NAIRN [2022] WASAT 86

FROM OUR PARTNER – HALL & WILCOX

The State Administrative Tribunal of Western Australia (Tribunal) recently delivered a disciplinary order to suspend a dental practitioner’s registration after finding that she has made a conscious choice to disregard health orders during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whilst the case occurred in Western Australia, the principles from this decision are applicable to all Queensland dental practitioners and demonstrates what factors will be taken into account when deciding sanctions in a disciplinary proceeding.

BACKGROUND

In May and June 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Perth-based dentist Natalia Nairn travelled interstate. Upon her return to Perth from both trips, Dr Nairn was given two directions to self-quarantine at home for 14 days pursuant to the Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA) (EM Act). In an interview with the police, Dr Nairn claimed that she complied with the first direction, and only admitted to breaching the second direction. But the police later found that she left her residence on 6 occasions to treat 41 patients in May 2020, in contravention of the first direction.

On 9 November 2020, Dr Nairn was sentenced to 2 months of immediate imprisonment, with another 5 months’ suspended sentence. On 9 January 2021, Dr Nairn was released from prison.

On 24 February 2021, Dr Nairn participated in a radio interview. In the disciplinary proceeding before the Tribunal, she explained that she participated in the interview because she ‘was angry and frustrated, because [she] felt that she had been unfairly treated’. During the interview, she agreed with statements put to her by the host that she was a ‘political prisoner’. She also said she had been given a ‘life sentence’ as her registration was suspended. With the help of the host, Dr Nairn later wrote a statement on a Go Fund Me page regarding her circumstances, which contained her dissatisfaction about the judicial system, and she complained of being involved in a ‘classic victimless crime’.

CHARACTERISATION OF CONDUCT AND ORDERS

The Tribunal found that Dr Nairn’s conduct constituted professional misconduct within the meaning of section 5 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (WA) (National Law) and considered that the misconduct was serious. The Tribunal found that Dr Nairn conscious choice to disregard the health

orders shows a departure from the standards of behaviour reasonably expected of a dentist of her training and experience, because of the importance of infection control measures in the profession and her dishonesty during her interview with the WA Police was a further departure from those standards.

Dr Nairn acknowledged the seriousness of her conduct and submitted mitigating evidence which included that she feared her employment would be terminated if she did not treat her patients at the clinic and she was under extreme financial stress. She also said she had no symptoms of COVID-19 and did not consider that she would pose any risk to her patients as she had taken precautions against contracting COVID-19 whilst travelling.

While the Tribunal considered Dr Nain’s behaviour to have ‘manifested in a willingness to disregard the expert health advice that had been well-publicised in the community about the risk of transmission of COVID-19’, the Tribunal justified Dr Nairn’s naivety and ignorance by attributing it to her inexperience and lack of senior supervision. The Tribunal also considered that Dr Nairn was remorseful and deeply regretful of her actions.

THE TRIBUNAL ULTIMATELY ORDERED THAT:

1. Dr Nairn be reprimanded for professional misconduct;

2. Her registration as a dentist be suspended for 7 months;

3. At the conclusion of the suspension, her registration will be subject to various mentoring conditions; and

4. Dr Nairn to pay the Board’s costs fixed in the sum of $7,500.

WHAT FACTORS WILL A TRIBUNAL CONSIDER IN DETERMINING PENALTY?

In Queensland, disciplinary proceedings against dental practitioners are heard at first instance by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). The Tribunal in Dr Nairn’s case provides a helpful summary of what the factors will be considered in order to determine the relevant penalty, including when suspension or cancellation of the registration is warranted. The following factors are important and are relevant for Queensland practitioners to consider:

1. Protect the public against further misconduct by the practitioner (personal deterrence).

a. If the breach amounts to serious professional misconduct, QCAT will consider it necessary to impose a penalty which makes clear to the practitioner that from the perspective of their professional responsibilities, the conduct substantially departed from what was expected.

b. Even if the risk of reoffending is low, there is a need for imposing a penalty which deters the practitioner from engaging in professional misconduct more generally.

c. Mitigating factors that the Tribunal will consider include any other penalties or sanctions already exposed on the practitioner (for example, mentoring and education conditions, suspension from practice and most seriously, incarceration), the relative experience of the practitioner, insight of the practitioner and access to mentoring and education.

2. Protect the public through general deterrence of other practitioners from similar conduct.

a. Penalties must be administered for a practitioner’s professional code of conduct breaches and the risks to patients because of the breach.

b. The penalty imposed must make clear to practitioners that serious consequences will follow from such departures from the standards of conduct expected of them.

c. Protect the public and maintain public confidence by reinforcing high professional standards and denouncing transgressions.

3. The penalty imposed should reflect and reinforce the high standards of the dental profession to maintain public confidence in the sector.

a. Importantly, there is a recognition that there are several other ways to maintain public confidence that do not involve cancellation of a dental practitioner’s registration. Alternatives are, suspension and conditions involving ongoing audits, education and mentoring.

b. In cases involving misleading conduct, including dishonesty, consideration is given to whether the public and fellow practitioners can place reliance on the word of the practitioner. QCAT will consider mentoring and completion of courses on ethics and decide about the likelihood of being dishonest in the future.

c. Has there been a breach by the practitioner of any Act, Regulations, Guidelines or Code of Conduct, and if so, did the practitioner do so knowingly?

4. Did the practitioner's conduct demonstrate incompetence and, if so, to what level? A breach suggesting that a practitioner is not fit for practice will impose a heavier sanction. If there is an ongoing risk, this can be ameliorated by a requirement that the practitioner have the benefit of oversight by a mentor.

5. Was the conduct isolated, such that the QCAT can be satisfied of the practitioner's worthiness or reliability for the future? QCAT will consider the insight shown by the practitioner, evidence of mentoring, character references and prospects of rehabilitation to determine whether the dental practitioner can be trusted in the future.

6. Practitioner’s disciplinary history.

7. Has the practitioner shown remorse or insight? The insight

needs to be one of accepting that the practitioner’s behaviour constituted a substantial departure from the standards of conduct expected. The insight may be present at various stages of the proceedings.

8. Does the practitioner have any special skills which it is desirable to make available to the public notwithstanding the findings as to her misconduct?

9. The practitioner's personal circumstances at the time of their conduct and at the time of imposing the penalty.

10. Any other matters relevant to the practitioner's fitness to practise, or which may be regarded as aggravating his or her conduct or mitigating its seriousness including flagrant and conscious breaches of the law and exposure to patients and the community of serious health risks.

KEY TAKEAWAY

The key takeaway from this case is that in circumstances where a practitioner has been found to have engaged in serious professional misconduct, there is an expectation based on the principle of general and personal deterrence that a penalty will be imposed which is likely to involve a suspension of their registration for a period of time. The best way to mitigate a harsher penalty being imposed is to show insight and remorse about how their conduct constituted a substantial departure from the standards of conduct expected and pre-emptively engage in education and mentoring.

HALL & WILCOX REGULARLY ASSISTS ADAQ MEMBERS BY REPRESENTING MEMBERS IN QCAT PROCEEDINGS, PREPARING SUBMISSIONS TO EITHER OHO OR AHPRA IN RESPONSE TO PATIENT COMPLAINTS, AND IN CIVIL MALPRACTICE CLAIMS.

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INFECTION CONTROL KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS

BY DAVINA BARKER | ADAQ TRAINING AND PRACTICE CONSULTANT

Have you reviewed the ADA Infection Control Guidelines 4th Edition this year?

With the end of the year fast approaching it is a good time to review your processes and make changes to practice policies. The Key Compliance points all highlighted in blue in the ADA infection Control Guidelines 4th Edition is an easy way to start identifying changes that may need to be reviewed in your practice.

We have included some of the Key Compliance points below to help you make a clean start in 2023.

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS FOR REDUCING THE SPREAD OF INFECTION

9 Keep open boxes of gloves and masks away from potential contamination areas.

9 Minimise the amount of equipment and consumable supplies kept on benchtops in the operatory.

9 Keep equipment and supplies away from the patient’s head or directly in front of the dental chair (facing toward the patient’s feet) as these are potential contamination areas.

9 Apply risk-based precautions for patients with viral influenza.

9 Transfer tweezers are no longer allowed.

9 Consult the NHMRC Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare for specific advice on other situations where additional risks are likely and where transmission-based precautions are required.

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS FOR “BARE BELOW THE ELBOWS”

9 Check that gowns, coats, and clothing worn by clinical staff have short sleeves.

9 Ensure that fingers, hands, and wrists are free of items that retain micro-organisms or hinder hand hygiene. This includes jewellery and wedding bands.

9 Ensure that nails are kept short and natural, without coatings.

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS FOR GLOVES

9 Ensure that gloves are worn as part of standard precautions during treatment and when cleaning.

9 Check that the types of gloves being used by dental team members are suitable for the purpose for which they are being used.

9 Check that the placement of glove boxes in the clinic area prevents contamination prior to use.

9 Ensure staff in the practice understand the need for hand hygiene before and after wearing gloves

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS FOR MASKS

9 Check that appropriate masks for the procedures taking place are available for use and that dental team members are trained on appropriate mask donning and doffing.

9 Ensure that masks are closely fitted to the face and neck when worn.

9 Ensure that masks are removed once treatment is complete, and not left around the neck.

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS FOR EYEWEAR

9 Both staff and patients should use protective eyewear that protects the orbit fully and has side protection.

9 Regular corrective spectacles worn by staff are not used as a substitute for protective eyewear.

9 Eyewear worn by clinical staff is decontaminated between patients.

9 Reusable eyewear for patients is treated as a noncritical item and is cleaned with detergent.

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS FOR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR

9 A layering approach is used so that street clothes worn underneath do not become contaminated with material from patient treatment.

9 Gowns worn for non-surgical dental treatment have short sleeves.

9 Shoes are closed in so they protect the foot from dropped objects.

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS FOR SHARPS HANDLING AND DISPOSAL

9 Correct sharps handling procedures are in place.

9 Sharps items are removed from the working area early in the changeover sequence.

9 Approved sharps containers are used for disposal, and these are located at appropriate locations.

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS FOR WASTE

9 Waste is segregated at the point of generation.

9 Clinical staff are aware of the jurisdictional definitions of what constitutes clinical waste, and this is included in the practice infection prevention and control manual.

9 Approved bags are used for clinical waste.

9 Clinical waste containers outside the practice are kept secure.

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING

9 Check that the practice has a cleaning schedule that covers all areas of the practice.

9 Verify that cleaning methods do not damage surfaces, nor do they generate dust or aerosols.

9 Ensure the practice uses appropriate products for handling both hard and soft (upholstery) surfaces in the dental operatory.

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS FOR ENVIRONMENT

9 Ensure that the practice has clearly defined clean and contaminated zones and that clean areas are physically segregated from contaminated areas.

9 Verify that working areas are kept free of clutter and are easy to clean.

9 Implement procedures to handle retrieval of items and supplies from clean areas, so that these do not become contaminated.

The recommended technique is to remove gloves, perform hand hygiene with ABHR, retrieve and dispense the additional materials using clean hands, and then perform hand hygiene again and put on fresh gloves.

The same ‘clean hands’ approach can be used when moving from the contaminated zone to a clean zone when the intention is to touch non-clinical items without a barrier, such as the operating controls of an intra-oral x-ray unit. It is no longer acceptable to use over-gloves or to open drawers by elbow touch and then retrieve items with transfer tweezers.

This is because such retrieval methods have inherent risks of contaminating clean supplies.

VIDEO:

EMERITUS

PROFESSOR LAURENCE WALSH DEMONSTRATES CONTAMINATION TRANSFER IN

THE

DENTAL PRACTICE. This video is supported by the Australian Dental Association.

KEY COMPLIANCE ELEMENTS FOR WATERLINES

Ensure that the practice has a protocol for testing waterlines and water quality.

If water samples reveal high loads of bacteria, undertake a sanitising treatment recommended for the chair make and model, then re-test.

Verify that any chemical treatment of the waterlines is in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for the dental chair.

KEY COMPLIANCE POINTS FOR SINGLE-USE ITEMS

Identify the single-use items at your practice and ensure that these are discarded after use.

Make sure that no attempts are made to reuse single use items.

REFERENCE

1. ADA Infection Control Guidelines 4th Edition

ADA GUIDELINES FOR INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL 4TH EDITION

ROOM TO MOVE FROM OUR

PARTNER – BOQ SPECIALIST

While it’s true that COVID has wreaked havoc on the dental fitout market, leading to delays and higher costs, it’s also true that it’s easier managing these difficulties thanks to help from BOQ Specialist.

In theory, dental fit-out companies should be immune to the staffing pressures that have plagued other firms since the pandemic. Subcontractors to these companies are generally specialists themselves in this kind of work. Nonetheless, other factors have contributed to a slowdown in the dental fit-out business, including the ongoing issues with supply of materials into the country, and efforts by the central bank to control inflation.

“We’ve seen pressure in that market since early this year,” says Tim Bowring, NSW State Manager and Head of Partnerships, BOQ Specialist. “The post-COVID supply chain challenges were starting to make it very hard. Then you have a compounding effect on top of that from the Reserve Bank raising interest rates. In particular, fixed-rate swap markets have increased by 350 basis points or 3.5% since the start of September so the cost of actually financing a practice fit-out has become much more expensive.”

According to Tim, the market for dental fit-out is usually quite stable and less exposed to such external pressures.

“The difference between a practice fit-out versus a ground-

up construction is the window of doing the work, with fit-out generally taking between six to 12 weeks. So, in terms of managing costs throughout that process, as long as you can get supply, you can more or less keep to what your forecast is going to be. When you are building a commercial premises, by contrast, the build time is 12 months to 18 months, so you are obviously more exposed to cost pressures in the market.”

However, unexpected delays in the supply of either building materials or equipment can halt projects midway through. This leads to unexpected cost rises— which are especially problematic during a period of high inflation.

Then to combat the inflation, central banks continue to raise interest rates. Tim says. “We’ve had record low interest rates for seven or eight years now, and we've become so used to fixing our home loans for five years at less than two per cent. Now you’re being told to pay up to seven per cent for your fit-out, so the gap is quite jarring.”

EASY MONEY

The way BOQ Specialist is helping clients to manage those twin headaches of delays and costs is through their escrow facility. “It’s effectively an approved line of credit,” Tim explains. “The client will send us an invoice or a progress claim for a fit-out build, and we will draw down on that facility for them.”

Once the fit-out period is finished, BOQ Specialist will convert that escrow facility into an asset finance facility. “The benefit for the client is that we can 100 per cent fund the escrow facility - they don't need to put any cash into it or start repaying it until the practice is up and running.”

BOQ Specialist also regularly runs promotions with their fit-out supplier partners that may offer cash flow benefits such as ‘no interest’ or ‘no repayments’ periods, if a particular supplier is used. This means clients could step into their practice and start generating income for six months to a year before they have to think about paying anything back.

However, the real advantage, Tim says, is the lack of limits in terms of drawdown size or number of transactions. “Many other banks will have a maximum number of drawdowns on a facility, or disallow drawdowns smaller than $2,000, or there might be $150 charge per drawdown. Ours is much more flexible; we will pay any invoice and there is no limit on the number of invoices either.”

It’s this flexibility that takes pressure off practitioners when managing and administering their fit-out, particularly in this current environment. BOQ Specialist can do this because of their decades of experience in these markets, and the long and deep relationships with these markets’ suppliers. As money management often isn’t a key strength of dental professionals, BOQ Specialist removes that burden by working with suppliers to help clients get the most out of their finance. Whether that be from their escrow facility, joint supplier promotions, taking advantage of government incentives, or knowing how to best structure invoices so the largest ones are due at the end of the project to minimise interest. It’s that kind of specific knowledge and experience that can leave practice owners reassured that their best interests are being looked after.

“The post-COVID supply chain challenges were starting to make it very hard. Then you have a compounding effect on top of that from the Reserve Bank raising interest rates.”

Tim

Bowring, BOQ Specialist

ADAQ AND BOQ SPECIALIST BURSARY FOR DENTAL EXCELLENCE

I am passionate about providing oral health care for people living in regional and rural areas where access is challenging. This bursary will allow for further CPD opportunities to better equip me and my dental team to serve our local and wider communities.

BOQ SPECIALIST EMERGING PRACTITIONERS BURSARY FOR DENTAL EXCELLENCE RECIPIENT

DR LYNLEE TATNELL

Gladstone and Central Queensland | Member since 2014

James Cook University 2018 Graduate | Associate Dentist at Island Sands Dental in Boyne Island & Senior Dentist at Royal Flying Doctors Service (QLD Branch)

CAREER

I am a second-generation dentist. My mother (Dr Narelle Eckersley) has worked rurally and regionally her entire career. She kindly treated countless patients in her local and wider communities, to help bring them to a better state of oral health. She is my inspiration and greatest influence.

Having been raised in a country town and seeing the need for health professionals in regional locations firsthand, I am committed to working regionally. Working in a rural environment has shown me the importance of providing quality dental health care, as there can often be restricted access for our patients, especially for specialist care.

At Island Sands Dental, I practice general dentistry for local families living in the wider Gladstone region. I treat young families, people working in local industries and travel to local nursing homes to see elderly members of the Boyne Island/Tannum Sands community.

My work with the RFDS is unique to any other dental situation I have had the privilege of working in. The RFDS mobile dental unit (essentially a dental surgery located within a semitrailer) travels to Western rural Indigenous communities of Queensland. This organisation provides dental services to people who otherwise would not have the opportunity to access health care without significant travel and cost. I am very excited to be a part of this team and service.

HOW WILL THE ADAQ AND BOQ SPECIALIST CPD BURSARY SUPPORT YOU?

I am passionate about providing oral health care for people living in regional and rural areas where access is challenging. This bursary will allow for further CPD opportunities to better equip me and my dental team to serve our local and wider communities.

ADAQ proudly partnered with BOQ Specialist for the sixth consecutive year, to award two exemplary dental professionals CPD bursaries, valued at $5,500 each, in recognition of their commitment to advancing the oral health of Queenslanders and dedication to learning and career development.

Learn more about this year’s deserving recipients.

After working as an associate for nearly 20 years, I became a solo dental practice owner in late 2022. This bursary allows me to refresh my knowledge and skills so that I can increase the scope of services I provide my patients while supporting my staff’s training and development needs. This bursary lightens the financial load that often prevents dentists new to practice ownership from completing face-to-face courses. I am very grateful for the support.

BOQ SPECIALIST PRACTICE BURSARY FOR DENTAL EXCELLENCE RECIPIENT

DR AROSHA WEERAKOON Noosa | Member since 2003

The University of Queensland School of Dentistry Lecturer & PhD candidate | Primary Dentist at Tewantin Family Dental

STUDY

I graduated from The University of Queensland (UQ) in 2003, with a Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours). I completed my fellowship exams with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (2007), and a Master’s in Public Health (2014). I am due to graduate with a PhD in December 2022. My PhD research project is titled, “Dentine, Adhesive Interfaces & Physiological Ageing”.

My research focuses on the effect of patient age, cavity depth, and site on dentine collagen and mineral, and how these changes affect the bond to different white adhesive restorative materials. My work is a collaborative effort with the UQ Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The Translational Research Institute (Brisbane), The University of Western Australia, and The Garvan Institute of Medical Research (NSW).

CAREER

I am a lecturer (hon) and PhD candidate from the School of Dentistry (UQ). I worked with Queensland Health before moving to private general dental practice in 2007 where I worked as a contractor Dentist, until I bought Dr Fran Wing's practice in Tewantin, in October 2022.

We are a small two chair practice in the heart of Tewantin. Most of our patient base fall into the over 50s age group, and we see a lot of young families with children. I am new to practice ownership, but once I get a handle on running the business, I would like to get involved with the University by offering more teaching and research supervision.

In addition to my clinical and research efforts, I promote dental research and dentistry to the broader public. I am the Assistant Secretary for the International Dental Ethics and Law Society, and the immediate past Treasurer for the Royal Australasian College (QLD).

ANNUAL CLINIC DAY 2022

On 25 November 2022, 128 dentists, hygienists, students, and dental team members from across Queensland gathered for Annual Clinic Day. This year’s theme was “Achieving Excellence with Contemporary Dentistry”. Seven expert presenters shared their insights and offered new solutions to the ever-evolving field of dentistry. The event concluded with the President’s Investiture.

PRESIDENT'S INVESITURE

ADAQ 2022 AWARDS RECIPIENTS

AWARDED AT THE 2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND ANNUAL CLINIC DAY 2022

DR STEVEN COCOLAS

ADAQ HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

Dr Steve Cocolas nears retirements after a successful 40+ years as a general dentist in Cannon Hill. He graduated from the University of Queensland in 1975 and has been an ADAQ Member since 1977.

During his career Steve rendered outstanding service to ADAQ and served 10 years on the executive board (some as Honorary Treasurer). He was also a foundation member of the ADA Oral Cancer Research and Education Fund and served as chair on several committees offering his knowledge and advice to advance the dental profession across Queensland.

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

For any person who has rendered honourable or substantial service to the dental profession, in any part of the world and in any of the sciences allied to dentistry.

Steve is well known across the profession as a dedicated and ethical dentist who provides excellent treatment for his patients.

Since his graduation with honours in 1975, Steve has epitomised all that is honourable about a General Dental Practitioner. To have operated a highly successful practice in the one location for 45 years is testament not only to his proficiency and devotion to ethical ideals but demonstrates dedication to a community and attributes such as reliability, integrity, trustworthiness, respect and emotional stability .

Of course, we know that these are all the hallmarks of a true health professional, not necessarily valued in the contemporary world of Tik Tok, Instagram, influencers, and social media advertising.

In his outer life as a practising dentist and an active member of ADAQ and in his inner life as a family man, Steve has been an exemplar; we salute his transition from a graduate with honours to a graceful retiree with honorary membership.

Associate Professor Peter Clark Ryan (ADAQ Life Member)

DR JULEE BIRCH

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD 2022

Awarded for her outstanding contributions to the profession and Association, notably her commitment to advancing the oral health of the Sunshine Coast community, generous leadership as an educator and mentor for the next generation of dental professionals, and service as State Chair of the Australian Dental Health Foundation (ADHF).

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

For Members who, for a substantial period, have rendered distinguished service to the Association or to the dental profession.

I could not think of a more deserving recipient of the ADAQ Distinguished Service Award than Dr Julee Birch. Julee has been a stalwart of the Sunshine Coast Sub-branch for over 30 years. She was instrumental in setting up the after-hours on-call roster for the Sunshine Coast, which provides an emergency dental service for toothache and trauma patients in the community.

In 2008, Julee was elected by her peers as the ADAQ Division 7 Councillor, a position she held until 2019. During that time Julee served on numerous committees and laid the groundwork for what our Members enjoy today.

Outside of the Association, Julee has greatly contributed to dental foundations, including holding a board position at the National Dental Foundation and subsequently as the State Chair of the Australian Dental Health Foundation (ADHF).

Julee has served on the Ahpra panel of assessors, on the Scientific Committee for the Brisbane Australian Dental Council (ADC), and on the ADA Special Purpose Committee working to improve dental sustainability.

Recently, Julee has been serving JCU as a Clinical Demonstrator for the JCU 3rd year and 4th year dental students, showing a commitment to give back to the profession and to mentor the next generation of dentists.”

ADA Federal Councillor Dr Martin Webb

DR ALICE LU

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD 2022

In recognition of her exceptional service to the community and work with the Tzu Chi Foundation. Dr Lu is a dental health care professional who demonstrates integrity, compassion, and grace, inspiring those around her.

Alice often speaks with the quietest voice in the room. It is a beautiful moment to watch an entire audience, mostly dentists and dental students, lean in to follow her words, which are almost always of love, compassion and giving.

Alice joined the Tzu Chi foundation – a Buddhist compassion relief in 1997, volunteering as a dental student helping to run rural dental fairs in Central Queensland.

Her leadership and dedication have created a wave of dental volunteers, whose number and achievements continue to grow.

Her quiet and selfless dedication to provide oral health care to the broader community, people who are often at a significant disadvantage and without a voice is incredible, exemplary, and inspirational.

ADA Federal Councillor Dr Norah Ayad

There is no other person who embodies the ideals that we (ADAQ) as an organisation hold more completely than Dr Alice Lu. Her quiet and selfless dedication to provide oral health care to the broader community, people who are often at significant disadvantage and without a voice, is unmatched.

Dr John Martin

ADAQ & ADAQUE

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2022

ADX BRISBANE

CPD EVENT GALLERY

PERIO DAY

ORAL SURGERY

ADVANCED GP MOLAR ACCESS CR2

UNDERSTANDING CEREC

TREATMENT PLANNING

INJECTION MOULDING TECHNIQUES DR IAN MEYERS

ENDODONTICS IMPRESS ME DR MICHAEL LEWIS

JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY CLINICAL DAY

On 27 October 2022, ADAQ had the pleasure of attending the James Cook University School of Dentistry and Dental Protection Clinical Day at the beautiful Cairns campus. It was a wonderful opportunity to network with the regional dental community and students.

SCAN FOR NEXT YEAR'S COURSES

A/

18-19 Botulinum

Dr

Sharyn

Restoring

Dr

Oral

Dr

GOONDIWINDI GOLD: THE STORY OF EDGAR GEORGE

MARSH, DENTURE ARTIST

GARY SMITH | ADAQ MUSEUM OF DENTISTRY HONORARY CURATOR

Born near Armidale in 1880, Edgar George Marsh was a dentist in Goondiwindi from 1909 until he retired in 1951 and sold his practice to Llewellyn “Wally” Lewis.

We know that he joined the 5th Imperial Bushmen in 1899 to serve in the Boer War, after which he settled in Warwick with his parents.

Young Edgar. Source: Ancestry.com

He completed his dentistry apprenticeship with Warwick dentist Mr Albert Clowes. When the dental act became law, Edgar registered as a dentist (104th to do so) in January 1904.

That same year, he moved to Goondiwindi, and set up a dental practice in his house in Callandoon Street. He also visited Texas, Inglewood, St George, Dirranbandi and Mungindi.

Marsh’s residence and surgery, Callandoon St., Goondiwindi. ADAQ Archives

He lived with his family in the back of the house, whilst the actual surgery was in the front of the house on the western side.

This photo shows Edgar sitting on the steps of his house with one of his five sons which means that it was taken sometime

Image

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between 1912 and 1922. The brass plaque attached to the fence says Edgar G Marsh. Dentist. Interestingly in the Australian Electoral rolls, Edgar never called himself a dentist: it was always: Artist or in later life even: Grazier.

In 1912 a lady (name not recorded), had all of her natural teeth extracted by Mr Marsh when she was eighteen years of age. When her mouth had healed her father gave some gold sovereigns to Mr. Marsh, who, using the standard technique of his day, melted these coins down into two lumps of gold and then hammered or rolled each lump out into a thin sheet, one for the upper jaw and the other for the lower jaw.

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Rolling mill apparatus for metal swaging. ADAQ MoD

This heavy rolling mill from the MoD collection would have been used for just this purpose.

Images

D345. Denture set. Swaged gold, vulcanite and porcelain.1912 circa. ADAQ MoD

Next, he made metal moulds of both of her jaws from plaster impressions he had taken, and he then swaged a sheet of the gold to fit each of the two models. Loops were soldered onto these swaged bases to hold the vulcanite and with its porcelain

teeth in place.

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D345. Xray image of lower denture, showing loops soldered onto base. ADAQ archive]

The whole of the dentures were then processed in a vulcaniser. The use of different coloured vulcanite indicates that a lot of care was taken with the production of these dentures. Indeed, he had a considerable reputation as a denture maker.

The lady in question wore the complete upper and lower dentures until the day she died in her mid-seventies, a period of over fifty years.

Mr. Marsh employed a lady named May Gilbert as his dental technician for many years. When she resigned, Gordon Douglas (Matey) Cairns became apprenticed to Mr. Marsh on 16 June 1940.

Matey continued working with Mr Marsh until the practice was sold in 1951. A short time later, the gold-based vulcanite dentures were returned to Matey: we don’t know the reason or circumstances.

In 2010, the dentures were donated to ADAQ by Dr Lorelei Carpenter, Gordon’s stepdaughter, who asked the late Dr Peter Lambert to present them to ADAQ. A condition of the donation was that they be displayed in a locked cabinet due to their gold weight, rarity and historical significance: most swaged gold dentures did not survive as the gold was melted and reused soon after the wearer’s death.

According to the Goondiwindi Historical Society, Mr Marsh, as regular as clockwork, each day at 12.00 pm, would leave his surgery, wearing his waistcoat as did all gentlemen of his day, and walk to Winchcombe-Carson Ltd. where he sat in a squatter’s chair and had a yarn for about half an hour. On his way back to the surgery, he called into the Club Hotel and the Victoria Hotel, where he would enjoy a whisky and a chat with the other regulars. He always arrived back at the surgery promptly at 1.00 pm, where he would have an Old Court Whisky and tell his apprentice, Matey Cairns: you can go for lunch now lad.

The following is Dr Lambert’s recollection of an older Mr Marsh visiting his practice:

In 1957, a new very high speed, water cooled dental drill had come on the market and I had just taken delivery of one of these very expensive toys when Mr. Marsh rang for an

appointment. He duly sat in my chair, and fearfully confided that he would like me to extract his sole remaining tooth, a lower wisdom.

Accordingly, I gave him an injection, and as I was waiting for the anaesthetic to take effect, Mr. Marsh spotted my new drill. After a pause, he said that he had read about these drills and wondered if he could try it out. “Sure” I said, and after a quick search came up with an old molar; I gave him a pair of forceps to hold the tooth with, put a brand-new diamond drill in the handpiece and showed him the foot switch. “Just be careful”, I cautioned. “Don’t use too much pressure, as the drill cuts quite rapidly, even in hard enamel”.

My warning went unheeded, Edgar put his foot solidly on the switch, the drill let out its usual banshee wail, and just as he had been used to doing all his life, he pushed the drill hard against the tooth.

At about age 80, his reflexes had slowed down considerably and before he realised what was happening, and well before he took his foot off the switch, the drill emerged from the other side of the tooth, in a shower of spray.

With a shocked look on his face, he flopped back into the chair and motioned for me to remove his wisdom tooth, which of course I did. Then, pointing to the high-speed drill, he said, “No good for me Lad, there wouldn’t be enough of the bloody tooth left to fill”.

Mr Marsh had an exemplary local service record. He was an alderman for twenty-three years including three terms as Mayor; thirty-five years as hospital board member, including two terms and chairman; thirty-five years as Goondiwindi Race Club Judge. Edgar George Marsh passed away in 1969.

In addition to the gold-based vulcanite dentures, Lorelei also donated another vulcanite denture and a card of porcelain denture teeth with gum facings as well as a Dox “denture grinder” and a Gysi articulator: on these last two objects, read the author’s recent Facebook posts in the ADAQ community page.

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS…

Edgar had four brothers and three sisters. His youngest brother Hugh Walter Marsh MC (Born 1889) was a dental mechanic with Edgar in Goondiwindi in 1912 but joined the 5th Australian Light Horse regiment in 1914 and was in Gallipoli from beginning to end, earning the Military Cross in the process. Hugh returned to Goondiwindi after the war and finished his dental apprenticeship with Edgar. They were known as the Marsh brothers dentists until 1925 when Hugh moved back to Warwick and later practiced in Redcliffe, Toowombba and Marburg.

Hugh Marsh MC employed a young dentist by the name of Percy Nagel in his Warwick practice in 1925. Forty years later Percy Nagel was my dentist in Stanthorpe, from 1965 to 1975.

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This is a photograph of Edgar Marsh at the 1912 Dental Conference in Brisbane (ADAQ Archives). It is the same one used for his mayoral photograph ten years later.

The Marsh house is no longer there. It was either demolished or moved to make way for a hall for St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. The Victoria Hotel still stands but sadly the Club Hotel has been demolished.

SOURCES

1. ADAQ Archives.

2. Diane Cairns, Goondiwindi Historical Society.

3. Recollections by the late Dr Peter Lambert, Queensland dentist.

4. Ancestry.com website.

5. Qld Gov Gazette (6 Jan 1906), Australian Electoral Rolls and the NLA Trove.

6. Images retrieved from Ancestry, ADAQ MoD, and courtesy of the Goondiwindi Historical Society.

VIEW COLLECTION

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – DR ERICA MARTIN

ADAQ & COLGATE DENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2022

GIVEAWAY WINNER | WUCHOPPEREN HEALTH SERVICE

Queenslanders living in regional and rural communities often face challenges accessing oral health education, resources, and treatments. Research identifies that financial, geographical, and sociocultural factors pose major barriers, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. But for all big-picture problems, there are people like Dr Erica Martin, who are working to find everyday solutions.

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND IN DENTISTRY, WHY DID YOU WANT TO BECOME A DENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER?

I have always been passionate about health (I also hold a Bachelor of Health Science) and people’s well-being in general. My focus is on overall health as an overarching aim. All my treatment plans take into consideration my client’s mental, emotional, overall physical health and impacts on quality of life.

I graduated from James Cook University (JCU) in 2015 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery before completing a Master of Philosophy (Health). During my master’s I researched articaine in dentistry and published two papers with the British Dental Journal.

I worked in private practice for four years then started my JCU Master of Philosophy (Health) while working for JCU as a dental clinic supervisor/lecturer and for Queensland Oral Health as a dental officer. In August 2021, I started working at Wuchopperen Health Services as a dental officer.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WORK AT WUCHOPPEREN HEALTH SERVICE?

Wuchopperen’s vision is, "improving quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples". We offer the community in Cairns a place to turn when they are having any issues in their lives – physical, dental, mental, emotional, paediatric, and much more.

We prioritise clients who cannot afford dental care elsewhere (pensioners and concessional card holders) and always give support in the case of dental emergencies, no matter what their financial status is.

My work focuses on general, preventative, and emergency dentistry.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU OBSERVE OR FACE WORKING AS A DENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IN A REGIONAL COMMUNITY?

Access to health care is difficult for those who live remotely. For this reason, our more remote clients will only make the

long journey when their issues are overwhelming for them. In these cases, the dental pathology will usually result in loss of their dentition due to lack of restorability. In cases of loss of masticatory or loss of quality of life due to aesthetics/selfesteem, we offer removable prosthodontic replacements. As in most regional and remote communities, the incidence of periodontal disease and rampant caries is very high in clients of all ages.

The largest challenge I face is educating my patients about the chronic impact that smoking and constant sugar intake can have on their dentition and finding ways to help them gradually change their habits. Many have not been educated and have already lost a majority of their dentition by the time I see them.

We desperately need to educate and provide oral health materials (toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste) to support our community and improve their knowledge of how oral health impacts their body and lives.

HOW COULD SOMEONE SUPPORT WUCHOPPEREN HEALTH SERVICES, AND WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE WANTING TO WORK IN A SIMILAR FIELD?

Funding for dental services in our communities is always needed. Our dental waitlist is over 350, with many walk-ins due to infection and pain. We triage and prioritise all our dental emergencies, which unfortunately means those needing comprehensive care and preventative treatment have to wait a bit longer.

This field is not for those who just want to come to work do dentistry, and go home. Engaging with patients, building rapport and listening are crucial skills to have in this position. Building of trust is paramount in this community.

But the completion of a treatment plan where all dental pathology has been taken care of, and function, aesthetics and self-esteem have been returned to the client is so rewarding.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WUCHOPPEREN HEALTH SERVICE: WWW.WUCHOPPEREN.ORG.AU

We desperately need to educate and provide oral health materials (toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste) to support our community and improve their knowledge of how oral health impacts their body and lives.

Wuchopperen’s vision is, "improving quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples". We prioritise clients who cannot afford dental care … and always give support in the case of dental emergencies, no matter what their financial status is.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – DR STEVIE DILLEY

FROM ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE (QUEENSLAND SECTION)

Providing oral health care to regional communities across Queensland is a major feat. Since 2013, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has been reaching some of the most remote parts of the state with the RFDS Dental Service, a fully equipped mobile-dental surgery staffed by a group of extraordinary dental professionals. We wish to highlight one of those dentists, Dr Stevie Dilley the RFDS Oral Health Services Manager.

Dental treatment can be difficult to obtain at the best of times. But for those living in rural and remote locations, long distance travel can be a costly barrier in accessing dental care. Just to attend a dental appointment, people must spend time away from home, travel extensive distances and take days off work. This can be a huge barrier to obtaining care.

WHY DID YOU BECOME A DENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER?

I didn’t always know that I wanted to be a dentist. I was working as a Dental Assistant in Rockhampton and decided that I really enjoyed the patient care aspect of dentistry.

I had a wonderful mentor Dr Greg Moore (previous ADAQ President) who encouraged me to apply at JCU in Cairns and helped me with my application. I will be forever grateful for his encouragement and the guidance he still gives me today.

There are so many wonderful dental practitioners that are so happy to mentor and provide support to colleagues – it is a wonderful profession to be a part of. I am so grateful for all the support I have received and continue to receive as a dental health care provider.

HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT THE RFDS?

I completed my studies at James Cook University in Cairns with placements in Hobart and Mackay. These were wonderful experiences which I will be forever grateful for.

Upon graduation, I started working in a lovely Queensland Health clinic in Gladstone, Central Queensland. From here I also did some work in small stints in Emerald and Biloela until I was offered a Senior Dentist position in Gayndah. This position was great. However, my husband was unable to relocate. I was offered a Senior position in Gladstone which I excitedly accepted and stayed for several years. It is such a lovely team of people and I still have very fond connections with the practice. During that time, I completed my Membership and Fellowship (General Dental Practice) with The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS).

I was offered a position with the RFDS Dental Service. This was initially as the Principal Dentist and now the Oral Health Services Manager. It has been just a wonderful experience and privilege to be a part of an organisation that is so focused on improving patient outcomes for regional, rural, and remote communities.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WORK WITH RFDS…

I’m currently the Manager of Oral Health Services with the RFDS Dental Service in Queensland.

The RFDS has been saving lives in regional, rural, and remote

Australia for almost 95 years. In Queensland, in addition to the 24/7 aeromedical retrieval services which the Flying Doctor is well known for, the RFDS also provides a broad range of vital healthcare services including telehealth, mental health and wellbeing, and oral health.

The dental team works out of a fully equipped dental surgery on wheels and provides quality, patient-centred care. It is a state-ofthe-art mobile dental unit with two dental surgeries, wheelchair access, a sterilisation room, reception room, staff room and OPG machine. We provide all forms of general dental treatment for patients living and working in the communities we service at no cost. Due to some limitations, we are unable to provide complex fixed prosthetics, complex oral surgery, or removable prosthetics, however any treatment that is outside the scope of what we can provide from the mobile surgery is referred to the nearest suitable dental facility.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE IN YOUR ROLE?

Dental treatment can be difficult to obtain at the best of times.

But for those living in rural and remote locations, long distance travel can be a costly barrier in accessing dental care. Just to attend a dental appointment, people must spend time away from home, travel extensive distances and take days off work. This can be a huge barrier to obtaining care.

The RFDS Dental Service was founded by QCoal Group, QCoal Foundation, and the Australian Government. It has been operating in Queensland since 2013, helping people living and working in rural and remote areas to overcome the barriers associated with obtaining dental care by providing access to a dentist and dental services on a regular basis.

In the past year, the team of RFDS Dentists and Dental Assistants visited 17 communities, including Mount Isa and Mornington Island for the first time.

While our yearly statistics show the RFDS Dental Service provided more than 1,600 patient consultations.

I personally get a great deal of satisfaction being able to provide care to patients who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access it easily. It is especially rewarding to remove pain for a patient and improve their quality of life.

Research shows the benefits of oral healthcare for overall health and wellbeing, and we see an increasing need for dental services across rural and remote areas, so we are always looking for opportunities to expand our services.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR ROLE?

Dentistry is full of rewarding aspects. I personally get a great deal of satisfaction being able to provide care to patients who wouldn’t otherwise be able to access it easily. It is especially rewarding to remove pain for a patient and improve their quality of life.

Working with a team of people who are passionate about improving access to quality dental treatment is extremely

You can learn so much from people who have walked similar paths previously or have done things that you aspire to do. They can also help you to understand things that you ‘didn’t know you didn’t know' … I have found an incredible amount of generosity from many different dentists and specialists over the years

rewarding. We have a wonderful team of dentists, dental assistants and administration staff that really make this all possible.

Something I feel that RFDS does extremely well in Queensland – is that when they go to complete dental treatment in a community, they don’t just go to provide emergency care and leave. The organisation makes a commitment to returning to the community on a regular basis. This commitment to the communities means that we can transition from emergency based dental care to more general preventative treatment over time. In many communities, the RFDS Dental Service is like the communities ‘local dentist’. We can build relationships with the community that extend over many years and ensure the best opportunities for patient-centred care.

Working with the RFDS Dental Service is not only an adventure, but it is a genuine privilege to provide quality and equitable care for patients in rural and remote communities.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO WORK IN A SIMILAR FIELD TO YOU?

For any new graduates I feel that it is important to have a few years’ experience under your belt in general dentistry. Especially becoming confident managing extractions with limited assistance. We can often be working a long way from the nearest referral centre.

I have been very privileged to work in some wonderful teams –and I think a fair bit of this is luck rather than skill on my part. However, taking the time to appreciate your team members is so critical. This isn’t a job that you can do well without having a wonderful support team on the ground with you. I have learnt so much from so many different people (dental assistants, reception staff, technicians, prosthetists, oral health therapists, patients, friends, and family) – everyone has something to teach us.

I also am very fortunate to have an incredibly supportive husband who has been diligently looking after my horses while I am away for extended periods. This helps significantly!

For my own professional development, I’ve found it so valuable to have mentorship from colleagues that you admire. I feel this advice is important not only in your professional life, but also your personal life. You can learn so much from people who have

walked similar paths previously or have done things that you aspire to do. They can also help you to understand things that you “didn’t know you didn’t know”; which is invaluable. I have found an incredible amount of generosity from many different dentists and specialists over the years – just by simply asking for advice/help and applying that advice within your personal values. This support can often be found within your local professional associations. I still have so much to learn and look forward to the journey continuing.

Thank you to the ADAQ for all their support and guidance. We are very lucky to have your support.

HOW COULD SOMEONE SUPPORT ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE?

There are many ways to support the Royal Flying Doctor Service. This can be through donations, fundraising, or by deciding to become a member of the team! Positions are advertised on the RFDS (Queensland Section) website when they become available visit rfds.co/careers for more information.

THE ADAQ EDUCATION AND PRACTICE CONSULTANCY SERVICES HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING DR STEVIE DILLEY, WHEN ORGANISING UPCOMING INFECTION CONTROL TRAINING.

ADAQ Education and Practice Consultancy Services team are proud to provides dental teams across Queensland support and training on a number of practice matters including infection control, record keeping and practice accreditation. Contact them directly at consultancy@adaq.com.au or scan the QR code to learn more about their services.

MORE ON THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE (QLD SECTION) ORAL HEALTH SERVICES.

YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T

KNOW!

TAKE THE CONFUSION AWAY ABOUT OWNING A DEFIBRILLATOR.

FROM OUR PARTNER – DEFIBRILLATORS AUSTRALIA

WHY DO I NEED A DEFIBRILLATOR IN MY PRACTICE?

Over 30,000 Australians suffer from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) every year. Without defibrillators or CPR, less than 5% survive. Every minute that passes without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 10%. The public perception is that all medical practices have the necessary equipment needed for emergencies, a small investment will cover you in such circumstances to possibly save a life.

WHAT IS A DEFIBRILLATOR & WHAT DOES IT DO?

A defibrillator is a lithium battery powered medical device and is used when a patient is suffering a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Once turned on by either pressing the on button or is some devices, lifting the lid, the defibrillator will instruct you on what to do. Once the electrode pads are placed on the patient’s chest the device will analyse the heart rhythm to determine if an electrical shock is required. If a shock is required, the defibrillator will deliver the shock automatically or instruct you to press the shock button on Semi-Automatic devices. The defibrillator delivers a biphasic shock of energy to the heart muscle to correct the abnormal rhythm back to a normal sinus rhythm.

CAN A DEFIBRILLATOR KILL SOMEONE?

No, a defibrillator will only deliver a shock if there is the detection of an abnormal heart rhythm. If nothing is done, the patient is not likely to survive.

WHAT LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF USING A DEFIBRILLATOR ON A PATIENT?

The risk of being sued for providing first aid or defibrillation is very low. There are no reported cases, of anyone being sued for this in Australia. You are covered under the Wrongs act 1958, legal protections from civil liability apply if the patient is injured or appears to be a risk of injury or death and you are acting with honest intent and do not expect any financial reward for aiding. These laws seek to reassure people that if they help in an emergency, they will not be liable for their honest attempts to help, regardless of the outcome.

WHAT ARE THE PRACTICES LEGAL IMPLICATIONS WHEN OWNING A DEFIBRILLATOR?

Like any medical device, you need to make sure that it is in working order with adequate battery life and usable pads. The

defibrillator comes with an OHS tag to be filled in monthly when you do your due diligence in the practice on your safety equipment. Most defibrillators have a battery indicator to let you know that it has sufficient battery life.

HOW LONG DO THE BATTERIES AND PADS LAST FOR?

The lithium battery and electrodes last for 4 years and only need replacing after use or when they expire. We will remind you via email when they are due.

HOW LONG IS THE WARRANTY ON A DEFIBRILLATOR?

The HeartSine and LifePak defibrillators have an 8-year warranty on all their defibrillators.

DO I NEED TO GET THE DEFIBRILLATOR SERVICED?

No, HeartSine and LifePak defibrillators perform comprehensive self-testing of the critical components, it will sound an alarm if it detects an error. In the unlikely event of this, a call to us will remedy any issues.

WHERE CAN I BUY A DEFIBRILLATOR?

As an ADAQ major sponsor, we offer all members a package that is affordable to purchase. For a small investment of $1990.00 you receive the total bundle package, saving you $1364.00 off the RRP.

Call us on 1300 33 11 93 to speak with our team at Defibrillators Australia, we are here to be of service.

By installing a defibrillator in your practice, you will be giving peace of mind to your staff and your patients if the worst should happen.

E X C L U S I V E O F F E R

CONSIDERING PURCHASING AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY

FROM OUR PARTNER – WILLIAM BUCK

When purchasing an investment property, or any investment asset for that matter, you should always obtain advice as to the appropriate structure. If this structure is not established from the start, it can end up costing you a fortune, and restructuring may not be a viable option.

STRUCTURING YOUR INVESTMENT

Unfortunately, there is no "one structure suits all" approach to owning an investment. You should consider several factors including the following:

• Asset protection

• Income tax efficiency

• Ability to borrow within the structure

• Tax efficiencies on disposal of the asset

• Succession planning

Popular structures for holding investment properties include:

• Personal name

• Family discretionary trust

• Self-managed superannuation fund

These structures are entitled to the general discount on any potential capital gain generated where the asset is held for more than 12 months.

PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS

As a sole trader dentist, you may expose risk to your investment assets if litigation is brought against you personally. Your investment property could be exposed as a personal asset. If you have a spouse, they may have a lower risk profile or generate lower assessable income each year, which may support the notion of acquiring the property in their name.

Alternatively, you could consider holding any investments in a family trust which also gives the flexibility to potentially direct any income each year to various family members. Each year the trustee can resolve to distribute the income and any capital gain on the potential disposal of the property to beneficiaries as they see fit. As an extra level of asset protection, a company can act as the corporate trustee of the trust. This can assist with potential succession planning as individuals such as adult children can be added as directors of the company, allowing them to take effective control over the trust. This is unlikely going to result in transfer duty whereas if you held the property in your own name and transferred it, they would likely incur transfer duty on the transaction.

POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE GEARING?

Positive gearing refers to the situation where the income received

from the assets (the rent collected) is greater than the costs of owning that property. Negative gearing conversely occurs when the income does not cover the costs of maintaining the property.

As an individual, negative rental losses can be offset against your employee, business or other income which can help reduce your tax. There may therefore be a benefit in holding the property under your name as an individual if asset protection issues and other factors are not a concern. If you are generating higher income than your spouse, you will likely see better tax savings each year holding it in just your own name or if you hold the greater percentage. However, there is not any flexibility to divert any capital gain; rather most of the gain will be taxable in your name where you may be paying the top marginal tax.

In a trust structure, any tax losses incurred due to the negative gearing are not able to be distributed to beneficiaries. The benefits of negative gearing would not be realised each year, and rather carried forward to offset future income in the trust. If your trust also invested in other investments that were positively geared such as say shares and dividend income, then the rental losses could be offset against this.

PURCHASING A PROPERTY THROUGH YOUR SMSF

Self-managed superannuation funds can also be utilised to purchase properties. There are additional complexities and regulations around holding properties in self-managed superfunds and borrowing within this structure can be challenging. This structure is often used to take advantage of the lower tax rates and concessions once you meet pension phase. You should seek financial advice around whether a self-managed super fund would be appropriate in your circumstances.

If you are considering purchasing an investment asset, feel free to contact a William Buck Advisor to discuss an appropriate structure for you.

Specialists advisors to the dental industry

Our experts in corporate finance, accounting, financial reporting and taxation have extensive knowledge, experience, and relationships within the Dentist industry sector.

We can assist with:

• General accounting, Bookkeeping, Structuring and Financial Reporting

• Starting and managing your practice

• Budgeting and Forecasting

• Taxation Advisory and Compliance

• Valuations

• Capital Raising

• Internal Audits, Controls Frameworks and Fraud Detection

• Strategic Planning, Benchmarking, Exit Planning and Retirement

For more information or to book a consultation, call or email us:

P: (07) 3229 5100

E: qld.marketing@williambuck.com

www.williambuck.com/industry/health/dentists/

CLASSIFIEDS

Stay informed of opportunities and announcements exclusive to the ADAQ community.

MARKING 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 they 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 available on request

ADAQ

WISHES YOU A HAPPY AND RESTFUL HOLIDAY.

The ADAQ office will close midday Friday 23 December, until 8:30am Tuesday 3 January 2023.

We look forward to seeing you in the New year!

Why restrict yourself to just one lane?

At BOQ Specialist, we’ve been helping doctors, dentists and vets with their banking needs for over 30 years. Not only do we understand your practice finance requirements, but your personal financial goals as well.

That’s why we offer a range of personal banking products, all with features and benefits to make day-to-day banking as easy as possible for you.

So, dive in today and enjoy the freedom of complete access to our suite of everyday banking products. Visit boqspecialist.com.au/personal-banking or speak to your local finance specialist on 1300 160 160.