Western Articulator - Edition Eight

AUSTRALIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION WA

EDITION 8 2024

Congratulations Dr Jacinta Vu

2025 Local Hero for Western Australia

An honour

Dr Nick Albatis on his ADAWA Honorary Life Membership

CPD Spotlight Meet Dr Priyal Shah

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Photo courtesy Kumar Chandaria Front cover photo courtesy of NADC/Salty Dingo

contents. report 4 President's Dr Gwen Chin

16 BOQ advertorial

comment 5 CEO Mr Trevor Lovelle

Spotlight 18 CPD Meet Dr Priyal Shah

honour 22 CPD Calendar 6 An Dr Nick Albatis on his ADAWA Honorary Life Membership

back to 8 Giving the community

Pioneer Health Dental on hosting ADA DHF Dental Rescue Days

dentists 10 Farming The dentists farming away from chairside

moment 14 ADrhumbling Simon Shanahan on

his ADAWA Distinguished Service Award

26 Credabl advertorial

advertorial 30 DPL Uber and Audits

36 Congratulations Dr Jacinta Vu 38 Member news 40 Professional notices 42 Directory

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The President's report Dr Gwen Chin ADAWA President

As we conclude 2024, I am pleased to reflect on a year marked by significant developments and a shared commitment to our profession’s advancement. This year, we welcomed a newly streamlined Council, following the passage of essential constitutional changes.

These updates have provided a refined governance structure that better aligns with our strategic needs, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of these modifications. Additionally, in October, we completed an intensive Strategic Review workshop, laying the groundwork for targeted action points in the coming year. This focused review will allow us to address current challenges and explore new growth opportunities for our members and our organisation.

The Young Dentists' Conference on November 30 was a valuable gathering for our recent graduates and early-career professionals.

The conference featured insightful sessions from esteemed speakers, Drs Glen Liddlelow, Martin Webb, Nishant Vaishnav and Colm Harney, as well

CEO Trevor Lovelle

President Dr Gwen Chin

Editorial Brooke Evans-Butler Designer Michelle Walker

physiotherapist, Rob Nicholls, whose passion is TMD treatment. This day served as an exceptional opportunity for networking and skill enhancement.

This event highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of dental professionals.

Furthermore, we are excited about the upcoming Australian Dental Congress, organised by ADA Ltd (Federal), which will be held in May 2025. This national event represents a unique opportunity for dental professionals across Australia to come together, exchange knowledge, and celebrate the latest advancements in dentistry. We anticipate that this Congress will not only foster professional growth but also reinforce our community’s strength and dedication.

As we move into 2025, I am confident that the initiatives set forth this year will continue to bolster our profession, guiding us towards a future of innovation, excellence, and collaboration. Thank you to our members, Council, and volunteers for your dedication throughout the year.

Advertising Business Development Manager Shaden Kanaan

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this publication and its attachments by advertisers and contributors are not necessarily endorsed by The Australian Dental Association (WA Branch) Inc. The Branch, its members, employees and agents do not assume any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in this publication, or from the use of the information contained, and make no warranties, express or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein.

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CEO update - the year in review Trevor Lovelle

As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made and share our vision for the future.

ensuring that we remain dedicated to providing meaningful experiences for our diverse membership.

Building improvements

We are thrilled to report strong membership retention rates, which could not have been achieved without your continued trust and active participation. These factors are vital to the Association’s success, and we are grateful for your ongoing support.

We’ve made significant strides in enhancing our facilities to better serve you. ADA House is now fully compliant with fire safety regulations and our newly renovated ground floor entrance offers a more contemporary setting, including a ‘member’s gallery’ for displaying hanging artworks created by members.

Over the next year we’ll also be upgrading the first-floor administrative offices to create a more dynamic space for our staff and importantly, a welcoming and vibrant experience for all members.

Governance reform As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability, we introduced key governance reforms that led to members approving a new Constitution during the year. This change will streamline decision-making, ensure better representation, enhance operational efficiency, and will help us remain adaptable and responsive to your needs.

Strategic plan review We undertook a comprehensive review of our strategic plan, which marked the completion of the first year of the plan’s 5-year scope. Council refined our focus of effort to prioritise sustainable growth, innovation, and increased member value.

The updated strategy emphasises deeper engagement, and improved services—

Strong membership retention

The important work of committees The dedication of our committees to key initiatives—ranging from member outreach to program development—has been invaluable. These groups continue to play a vital role in shaping our direction and ensuring that your voice is heard in all aspects of our work.

Plans for the next year Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans to further enhance the member experience.

We will be launching new initiatives focused on professional development, networking, and community-building. We are also exploring new technologies that will enable us to offer seamless, member-first services that align with your needs.

Thank you for your dedication and for being an integral part of our journey.

Together, we look forward to another successful year of growth, collaboration, and shared achievement.

On behalf of the ADAWA Team, I wish you all a safe, peaceful and relaxing festive season.

An honour

Dr Nick Albatis was recognised with ADAWA Honorary Life Membership at the ADAWA Annual General Meeting in October. We spoke to him about the acknowledgement.

For Dr Nick Albatis, being acknowledged with an Honorary Life Membership is an honour. “I was humbled and a bit awe struck because I sometimes feel like I have imposter syndrome,” he says. “There is a very impressive list of people on that honour board and one of my first experiences of going to the old ADA House was looking at those honour boards. To think my name will be there alongside those others fills me with a great sense of pride.”

It is little surprise that there was a great turn-out of colleagues, students and peers to support Nick at the AGM – he has a long history of quietly giving back to the

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profession – probably best known for his work as a clinical tutor at the Dental School over a period of 36 years.

“I started tutoring my first year after graduation back in 1988,” Nick recalls.

“Up until this point in time my greatest thrill was being invited to join the faculty a year after my graduation.”

Supporting the new generations of dentists has long been a passion of Nick’s, which includes his role as Co-chair of the ADAWA Recent Graduates and Student Liaison Committee – arranging the New Practitioners Program study clubs

and the Young Dentists’ Conference.

But his commitment to the profession goes much beyond his work as a clinical tutor. He was a respected member on the ADAWA Council between 2000-2004, while at the same time running his practice in Leederville and giving his time as the Alumni secretary for 15 years.

When he was asked to rejoin the ADAWA Council a few years ago, he didn’t hesitate. “I thought I could use the many relationships and friendships I had established over my professional career to try and have an impact and make a positive contribution. It would have been valid to receive criticism if I was going to voice opinions from the sidelines and not be involved at the coal face.

“I have always tried to keep things simple, and I have always been willing to help and put my hand up if I thought I could be of assistance and contribute in a positive manner. Hopefully I have achieved that more often than not.”

Nick is also on the National organising committee of the Australian Dental Congress, which will be held in Perth next year. “The program is great, the sponsorship is looking good, so we

just need to drum up support of the delegates,” Nick says. “It is going to be terrific, and I encourage our members to support the event.”

When asked what being ADAWA member means to him, Nick says it has always meant collegiality. "I have the utmost respect and regard for my profession and what it has given me over many years," he says. “The ADA is the backbone of that. It is a great source of support, information, fellowship, resources and a wonderful facility that belongs to us – and we should be very proud of what we have.

“As much as I carry on that there’s nothing that giving up dentistry wouldn’t fix, my life revolves around my profession, and I met my wife through my profession.

He adds that he recommends other dentists be engaged with their association. “I think you will just find it rewarding,” he says.

“You will find it a great source of achievement pride and fellowship – you will be making a difference, and you will get invested in what you spend every day doing.”

At the time of interview, Nick was about to be inducted as a fellow into the Pierre Fauchard Academy. It adds to his Fellowship with the Academy of Dentistry International (ADI), the International College of Dentists (ICD) and now as an Honorary Life Member of the ADAWA. All well-deserved acknowledgements.

Congratulations Dr Albatis.

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Giving back to the community

The team at Pioneer Health Dental have discovered the satisfaction that giving back brings, after hosting a successful ADA DHF Dental Rescue Day, and recommends other practices to follow suit.

Michael Jeffery, Pioneer Health Dental general manager, says for years, the practice has explored ways of giving back to the community.

“Surprisingly, it is not a simple thing,” he says.

“Having the ADA DHF liaise with the various charitable organisations in the community removes this barrier making it much easier for us to offer treatment to people in need.”

The practice recently held an ADA DHF Dental Rescue Day, where they committed 2.5 surgeries to the day – treating 20 patients pro bono. The practice also adopted four patients, who were placed on longer-term treatment plans.

Oceanic Dental Laboratory was used for their denture patients – with all Oceanic Dental Laboratory’s lab work free for the rescue patients.

He says the experience for their team was very positive. “Everyone enjoyed contributing and the patients were grateful for the help,” he says. “There was a lift in morale for everyone after the rescue day.”

Dentist Dr Sarah McPherson says participating in a Dental Rescue Day was an incredibly rewarding experience. “It offered a unique opportunity to provide much-needed dental care to underserved communities,” she says. “The atmosphere was both vibrant and filled with a sense of purpose, as we came together to make a tangible difference for the community.

“Throughout the day, I treated patients who often faced barriers to accessing 8

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dental care. Hearing their stories was humbling and highlighted the importance of our work. Many individuals expressed gratitude not just for the procedures, but for the compassionate care they received, which reinforced why I chose to be a dentist in the first place. Overall, the experience was a profound reminder of the impact that dental services can have on individuals’ overall health and well-being.”

Sarah says many patients came in with urgent issues, so the practice focused on alleviating discomfort and providing necessary treatments to restore their dental health. “We also placed a strong emphasis on dental education, which I believe is just as crucial as providing pain relief,” she says.

“While addressing immediate dental issues like extractions and fillings was essential, equipping patients with knowledge about oral hygiene and preventive care empowers them to take charge of their dental health in the long run. Overall, the day was a blend of urgent care and preventive education, aiming to improve both immediate and long-term oral health for the community.”

She adds she would strongly encourage any dentist considering dental volunteerism to go for it. “The impact you can make on individuals and communities is profound,” she says. “Not only do you provide essential care to those who might otherwise go without, but you also gain invaluable experiences that can enrich your practice and personal growth.

“Volunteering allows you to step outside your usual environment, engage with diverse populations, and develop skills that you might not typically use in a private practice setting."

"It can reignite your passion for dentistry and remind you of the reasons you entered the profession in the first place. So, if you’re considering it, I say take the leap! The rewards— both for you and for the communities you serve—are well worth the effort.”

Michael adds hosting a rescue day is beneficial for any practice. “There is an initial financial loss for the day, but the upside overshadows any loss,” he says. “There is a lift in morale for the team and giving back to the community engenders loyalty from patients. We did not use the day to promote the practice, but word does get out and it becomes a positive topic of conversation. FTAs were a concern for us before the day, but the ADA DHF and the local community organisations involved were very strong on this point resulting in very few FTAs.” The practice is in the process of organising another Dental Rescue Day, with five chairs available to treat a possible 50 patients. Thank you to the Pioneer Health Dental team for making such a difference!

If you are interested in hosting an ADA DHF Dental Rescue Day at your practice, please contact Andrea Paterson, ADA DHF WA state coordinator, by emailing: WA@adadhf.org.au

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Farming dentists

Many dentists have pursuits outside of dentistry. We spoke to dentists whose time away from chairside is spent on their farms.

Josette - Supreme Champion Dexter, Perth Royal Show 2016.

Exhibited by Albert Tan and Elizabeth Day.

Dr Chris Orloff – Alpacas Orthodontist Dr Chris Orloff used to joke with his family about having an alpaca farm and in 2014 decided that adding some alpacas would be a good hobby. They now have over 150 Suri and Huacaya alpacas.

“Our farm in Karridale, near Augusta, has sheep and cows, which is the commercial side of it, but the family gets much more involved with looking after the alpacas,” Chris explains. “It is what we do for fun.”

“We have a herd of about 120 female alpacas and about 12 registered males that we use for mating. They are registered with an international alpaca association, and we currently have around 24 kids or baby alpacas, called cria. They are really pretty.”

Chris says keeping alpacas has been enjoyable and they are not high maintenance. “They need grass and once a week we go out and feed them an alpaca muesli mix that they love,” Chris says.

“People often ask if they spit. They do not really spit but they do spit at each other when they get fed because they are greedy and try to get as much as they can,” he laughs.

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He says his family do not show the alpacas and a husband-and-wife team come to shear them once a year, with the fleece then going to a co-op. When asked if dentistry has been useful, he says he leaves the alpacas’ teeth to the shearers, as it is a different skill-set.

It is a world away from his work as an orthodontist, but Chris says it is a good work-life balance. “It is good work-life balance, but it does generate more work,” he explains.

“It is different work, and it is quite physical because you have to move the alpacas around or chase them through the paddocks. It gets you in the fresh air, makes you get exercise, and it is mentally stimulating.”

He adds what he most enjoys is that the whole family gets involved. “We were recently doing the vaccinations with the cria, so I was out there with my daughter, who is a lawyer,” he says. “She has had to develop some animal skills, along with her partner, who works in our dental lab. We all get actively interested, especially around alpaca mating decisions – deciding who gets mated with who to produce the nicest cria.”

Chris says eventually his plan is to reduce the number of alpacas they have and to retire on the property.

To other dentists who have some land and are thinking about adding some livestock, Chris says it is a good balance to the time pressures of a

dental appointment book. “Running on time and being across treatment plans is very time-structured to the nearest minute,” he says. “Whereas you get out on the farm, and you are talking to people, you are learning, and exercising but it does not have the same pressure of time of correspondence and treatment plans.

“I would encourage people to have outside hobbies and interests because it is easy to get bogged down in stresses of working with dentistry, and outside hobbies make the stresses go away.”

Adj. Professor Albert Tan AM Dexter cows Periodontist Dr Albert Tan AM never planned on breeding Dexter cattle.

He had some cows on his twohectare property, Chittering Downs, when, in 1996, noticed an ad for Dexter cattle at an auction in Gidgegannup.

It began an interest in these small, dual-purpose (milk and meat) cattle.

“Dexters are ideal for small acreage because they are not harsh on fences or the land,” Albert says.

“They are a small animal – normal cattle would go from 800kg upward, whereas Dexter cattle are usually about 350-400kg.”

When he met his wife, Dr Elizabeth (Libby) Day, this passion extended to breeding show quality Dexters. “Libby was the prime mover,” Albert explains.

“The first Christmas we were together I

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asked Libby what she would like for Christmas, and she said a cow. I said: ‘I have a lot out there – take your pick’, and she said: ‘No, I want a show cow’”.

So, they purchased their first show-quality Dexter, and then later decided to get into artificial insemination.

“We went into artificial insemination to select certain traits we wanted in Dexters, which are predominantly black and horned.

As I had a personal bias towards red Dexters (which is a recessive gene), and we also preferred them polled (no horns) for safety, we imported semen from America (USA), which had red and polled genetics. Hence over 10 years, we ‘genetically engineered’ our herd to produce predominantly red and polled animals, with good conformation (‘cattle-speak’ for structurally sound)”.

Their passion led them to showing at the Perth Royal Show for eight consecutive years, with their greatest success at the 2016 Royal Show, when their cow, Josette, was awarded Female Dexter Champion, Supreme Dexter Champion, and went on to win the Interbreed Female Champion (the ‘pinnacle’ award against other breeds).

“I said to Libby: ‘The day we get a broad purple ribbon is the day we retire’ and Josette got three purples in one day. We also got our photos in the Countryman, which completed our day as ‘the world’s best pretend farmers’.

“It is a 10-day commitment to be part of the Perth Royal Show,” Albert adds. “Show prep is huge because the animals need to be calm and halter trained – they also need to be clipped and washed. Out of the 10 days, one

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of those days will be judging for your breed and the rest is public display and education – and occasionally a sale!

Predominantly, Albert says the cows are used to keep the grass under control on his property, however, the steers are also used for meat for home consumption and for family and friends. Albert and Libby also donated some cows to The Great Southern Grammar School in Albany, to facilitate the farming program of the school-giving the students experience in animal husbandry and showing.

Albert says the experience has been a good work-life balance with dentistry. “In dentistry we work in very confined areas,” he says. “Every day I must think almost in fractions of a millimetre, so then you go into the open spaces, and it gives you a different perspective.

“We don’t make money from this, but I always say some dentists have boats, others play golf… I play cattle. That is my outlet. I get a lot of exercise because everything you do involves a walk around the property.

“Animals give you a certain calm,” he adds. “The dental profession can be very demanding, so I think the reason a lot of dentists have rural pursuits is because it gives you a totally different dimension.”

Albert and Libby’s menagerie has also expanded into Welsh ponies, which is Libby’s passion. Watch this space – we’ll talk to Libby about that pursuit in a future edition.

Do you have an interesting hobby outside of dentistry? Email media@adawa.com.au

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A humbling moment

Dr Simon Shanahan was recognised with a Distinguished Service Award at the ADAWA Annual General Meeting in October.

We spoke to him about giving back.

It’s little surprise Dr Simon Shanahan ended up in the dentistry field – with a family background in medicine and dentistry, he was the fourth generation in his family to go into the medical field (and there is another generation following).

Simon’s interest in giving back began back in his student days, with Simon beginning actively volunteering back in 1997, initially guided by the example of Denis Cosgrove. “His advice to start a new project with some interested friends lead to Equal

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Health in 1998 and our projects in India and beyond,” Simon recalls.

Indeed, Simon is well-known for his dedication to Equal Health since its inception. Helping to provide dental care for those in need overseas, he has visited countries including India, East Timor, Indonesia, Zimbabwe and Thailand. But in addition to his involvement with Equal Health, he is a familiar face in wider volunteerism circles.

He has given his time on various boards, committees and groups (including the Dental Board of

Australia, National Dental Notifications and Compliance Committee, the Academy of Dentistry International and Dental Study Group of Western Australia. He was also member, then Chair, of the ADA Federal Special Purpose Committee on Volunteering for 10 years).

He has also taken part in other volunteerism group projects, including many trips with the Kimberley Dental Team and ADA DHF Dental Rescue Days.

When asked about his motivation behind giving back, Simon says volunteerism is part of what he sees as our duty. “As members of ADAWA and living in the part of the world we do, we have incredible advantages,” he explains. “That simple chance has made us luckier than Lotto winners.

It seems to me only right to think about giving back. The big secret that all volunteers know and will often repeat – we get so much more back than we put in.”

“The two highlights of my time have been Equal Health and Kimberly Dental Team,” he says.

“Both in many places overseas and in our own state, helping groups with most need. Successfully creating one thing with good friends, successfully working in another creation with inspiring, motivated leaders in John and Jan Owen.”

To dentists who are thinking about taking up volunteering in some way, Simon says he encourages everyone to consider what they might do.

“There are so many ways to give back – not all need great fanfare,” he says.

“That said, there are many organised projects are always looking for new

volunteers. But there is also pro bono work in your own surgery, non-dental volunteering… it is an endless list.”

Simon says it was an honour to be recognised with the ADAWA Distinguished Service Award on the same evening that Dr Nick Albatis received Honorary Life Membership, and Dr Dom Longo received his 40year continuous membership pin.

“None of us do what we do expecting recognition so when it comes it is a humbling moment,” he says. “I know that without the support of Milly (Dr Millicent Woon) and my family I would not have achieved half of the things I have done. I am very proud and grateful to receive the award. “As a body the ADAWA is stand-out in its representation and advocacy for its members,” he adds. “Like any organisation, you get out of it what you contribute. Going to meetings (if you live close enough), otherwise staying in touch with fellow members helps provide a level of professional comfort that is not easy to find. If able to then actually getting actively involved is always a worthwhile idea.”

What’s on the horizon for Simon?

Two years ago, he sold his South Perth practice to Dr Louise Winters. Simon and Milly now work for Louise – and after 29 years of managing a busy practice, Simon says he is enjoying the mental space he has gained.

He is also serving on the Dental Board of Australia and serves on the ADAWA Volunteers Committee as the NonGovernment Representative on State Oral Health Advisory Committee.

Thank you, Simon, for your outstanding service to the dental community!

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Four technology trends changing the face of dentistry

From 3D printing to artificial intelligence, these tech advancements are helping dentists put patients’ needs first.

When BOQ Specialist supplier Ragy Salieb was growing up, he spent his summers in his father’s dental lab ‘between the models and the lab equipment’. Now the Dentsply Sirona team leader spends his days surrounded by the high-tech innovations of the dental industry. It’s a far cry from cleaning up clay dust from the handmade models his father painstakingly made.

a patient-facing point of view, but more importantly from a procedures point of view. The epitome of this, he adds, is the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems first introduced in the 1970s. In the dental industry, CAD/CAM systems are designed to aid primarily with prosthetics, implants and orthodontics.

The dental industry is known for being a fast-paced and innovative space where technology is embraced by practitioners and patients alike. In fact, the Australian dental industry alone is projected to be worth about $12.9 billion in 2024. It’s an exciting space to work in, says Ragy.

Dentsply Sirona’s inLab CAD Software, which was first launched 25 years ago, is in its sixth update with a new version out soon. Now dental technicians can make an impression of a tooth in less than a minute and can produce a mould in about six minutes. In the past, this process would take at least several days.

‘The core idea behind absolutely everything in the dental industry is patient safety, convenience and comfort,’ he explains, ‘and the possibilities to do things differently, faster, easier, better and safer are unlimited.’

Here are four technological trends Ragy says are changing the face of the industry right now.

‘CAD/CAM software makes it faster, easier, more accurate for dentists,’ says Ragy, ‘and it produces more aesthetically pleasing, more natural and more user-friendly moulds.’

2. Artificial intelligence

1. Digital workflow systems

Underpinning all this technology is artificial intelligence (AI), says Ragy, who describes it as the ‘core of our innovation’.

Although they have been around for some time, Ragy says the digital workflow systems in use now have revolutionised the way dental practices work from both

‘AI has simplified dental processes and made things easier and faster, as well as more accurate and more convenient,’ he says. ‘It’s slashed processing times.’

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For example, Ragy says dentists are now able to design personalised crowns and bridges. Not only is the digital workflow making the mapping process easier and faster, but AI helps create crowns and bridges that look more natural too.

‘It’s no longer like a library of moulds, where you pick and choose from a set number of styles,’ Ragy explains. ‘Now each design is unique to that patient’s needs. It's like a fingerprint.’

And despite how far AI has pushed the envelope to date, Ragy says there are more ways the industry can harness its potential. ‘We're just at the beginning of the road. AI can still do so much more,’ he says. ‘We're currently working on more complex projects where it will make a huge difference in the future.’

3. 3D printing The use of 3D printing is also changing the game in dental surgeries. In addition to printing personalised moulds, it can be used for aligners and retainers, implants, dentures and casting models.

‘In the past, making moulds was a very messy process, where you’d use plaster and casting and then you’d need to trim them,’ explains Ragy. ‘Every dental practice needed to have a ‘messy plaster’ room, but now you just need a PC and a printer.’

The 3D printing process is more accurate, personalised to each patient and comes with the added benefit of being messand dust-free.

4. Cybersecurity innovations With the digitisation of dental processes, patient records and sensitive information, Ragy says essential tech for dentists is the industry-specific cybersecurity offered by Dentsply Sirona.

‘We're giving dentists the secure option to run their practice from home so they can diagnose, design treatment plans and

delegate to other associates using our technology,’ says Ragy. Dentists can now access specially designed cloud storage from anywhere, where they can review patient images, scans and exams.

‘This is a mega project for us where we are working with Google directly to save patient records to a secure cloud platform,’ he says.

‘So far, we’re the only company doing that.

It’s a new era for the dental industry.’

Watch this space

One innovation that Dentsply Sirona’s Ragy Salieb is most excited about is the world’s first dental MRI, which is launching soon. ‘This MRI will have a better understanding of dental requirements, providing the kind of specific information dentists need,’ he says. The new MRI, which has been developed by Dentsply Sirona in conjunction with Siemens, will be able to detect tumors, infections and issues that X-rays in dental offices currently aren’t able to pick up. ‘Developing an MRI for dental application has required a lot of research and development,’ Ragy says. ‘We’re expecting it to launch in the near future; it’s going to revolutionise the dental industry.’

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Meet Dr Priyal Shah

We caught up with Dentist and Dietitian, Dr Priyal Shah, who will be presenting a course ‘All About Diabetes’ next year.

While Priyal was in high school, she wasn't certain about her career path but knew she wanted to work in health care and had a strong aptitude for the sciences. She eventually chose dentistry, seeing it as a perfect blend of science and art—allowing her to engage with patients, contribute to health care, and express her creativity.

Several years after completing her dental degree, she decided to expand her expertise by pursuing a Master's in Dietetics.

“I got interested in nutrition for my own health and became aware of the impact of diet on chronic diseases that were common in my patients, affecting their oral health,” she recalls. “I felt unqualified to discuss diet with my patients and felt like I needed a credible qualification.

“The process involved a one-year bridging course in nutrition and two years for the Masters. I graduated from Curtin University in 2023, with honours.”

Priyal says there have been many links she has found working in dentistry and dietetics – many which help her as a dentist.

“Diabetes is a major one with people altering their diet to try and improve their glycaemic control,” she says. “Poorly controlled diabetes has a major impact on periodontitis, and vice versa. I became aware that people involved in diabetes care, such as diabetes educators, were less aware of the impacts on oral health.

“Another area where there is a large gap is in the aged care population,” she adds.

“As a dietitian, I have become aware of the impacts of malnutrition on the older 18

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population, and how as dentists, we can help people by helping them maintain their teeth and function for longer. This allows them to continue to eat well as they age. It also highlights that towards that end stage, we as dentists should be more mindful about restricting foods, even if it impacts their caries risk or other aspects of oral health.

“Cancer and especially head and neck cancers involve anatomical and physiological changes that make it difficult for patients to eat well or enough. To combat this, patients are recommended to consume foods that are higher in energy, including oral nutrition supplements. These can potentially be cariogenic and as dentists we are likely to severely restrict patients’ consumption of these. However, research tells us that cancer malnutrition impacts the mortality and quality of life of patients and short-term use of these will not heavily impact caries risk.

“Another one that I wasn’t expecting to impact me much as a dentist was in the realm of eating disorders and disordered eating,” she adds. “I’m more aware of the way I talk about foods, restrictions and when I ask patients about their diet, I get a good sense of their overall diet quality instead of just focusing on the sugar and fermentable carbohydrates. When talking to young children and teenagers about their diets in terms of dental disease, we need to be aware of how this can impact their self-esteem and potentially contribute to disordered eating. Even in my day-to-day life, I am more aware about not commenting

Photo courtesy Kumar Chandaria

on people’s bodies and their weight and not commenting when people are talking about the fad diet they are currently on. Diet and wellness culture has a lot to answer for!”

Priyal has a special interest in diabetes due to its direct impact on oral health (she did one of her university placements at Diabetes WA), which is why she wanted to hold a course on diabetes.

She will be presenting ‘All About Diabetes’ in March 2025.

“I’m very excited for this course next year that I’m doing together with Diabetes WA,” Priyal says. “Attendees can expect a deep dive into diabetes including the pathophysiology, current management options including dietary advice and medications. We will also go into the impact of poorly controlled diabetes on oral health and how this can be managed for the everyday patient. The focus will be on type 2

diabetes, however, a lot of the information is applicable to type 1 diabetes as well.”

Priyal says anyone that sees patients with diabetes should attend the course.

“Diabetes does not discriminate and can impact anyone so both general and specialist dentists would benefit from this course. Diabetes is highly prevalent in Australia and as dentists, it is important for us to know how to best help these patients.

“It could also be helpful if there are any audience members that have diabetes themselves, or a family member that does, and have a better understanding of the disease and its impact on oral health,” she adds. “Whilst the course is not specially for this purpose and there are other courses for this purpose specifically, it could still be a good starting point and what better way than to earn some CPD points at the same time!” adawa.com.au

She says it is important dentists have an understanding about dietetics.

“Diet impacts oral health on so many levels – from a direct influence on caries and erosion risk to indirectly impacting periodontal disease so it is important for us to understand what we should we looking for when we ask our patients about their diet,” she says. “It’s also important for people to have a good relationship with food, as this impacts long-term oral health.

Disordered eating is very common and it’s important we are aware of current diet and wellness trends, and ensure we provide evidencebased advice to patients and not contribute to fear mongering and false information.

“Dentists should be treating people, not just the teeth,” she adds. “Having a good understanding of how diet impacts the patient overall, will help us help them achieve good general long-term health.”

Dr Priyal Shah will be presenting ‘All About Diabetes’ on Saturday 8 March at ADA House. Book at our website, adawa.com.au/product/ all-about-diabetes

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Five minutes

with Dr Priyal Shah

What three words best describe you?

Empathetic, Creative, Stubborn.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Going to the beach, hanging out with my greyhound Kibo, eating, and catching up with friends.

What is your favourite book?

I love a good crime thriller or fantasy book.

What is your favourite cuisine?

This is a tough one. Does dessert count as a cuisine?

Is there anything people might be surprised to learn about you?

I enjoy Bollywood dancing and have performed at events in Perth and Bunbury.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy so many aspects – I enjoy getting to meet different people from all facets of life and seeing how I can help them. I enjoy the challenge of a difficult case, the reaction when you’ve helped someone feel better, look better and eat better, and I enjoy working in a team with some of the best people.

ALL ABOUT DIABETES 6 CPD Saturday 8 March

8.45am-4.00pm

COURSE OUTLINE

As diabetes continues to rise globally, it is crucial for oral health practitioners to be well-versed in the multifaceted impact of diabetes on oral health and vice versa.

The workshop will commence with an overview of the pathophysiology of diabetes, its prevalence, and the physiological mechanisms that link diabetes and oral health.

Learning outcome •

Comprehensive understanding of diabetes

•

Identification of oral manifestations

•

Risk assessment

•

Tailored treamtent plans

•

Patient education and empowerment

•

Integreated care with other health professionals

•

Lifestyle interventions

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO ADAWA.COM.AU/CPD

ADA HOUSE

$701 members

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Dr Shah is a dedicated healthcare professional with a dual expertise in dentistry and dietetics. Driven by a passion for understanding the intricate relationship between diet and chronic diseases, Priyal pursued further education, recently graduating with a Master’s in Dietetics with Honours from Curtin University. This educational journey was motivated by Priyal’s desire to bridge the gap between nutrition and dentistry, recognising the significant impact that dietary behaviours have on general health and therefore oral health.

SCAN QR TO BOOK

CALENDAR 2025 Event Types

WA Dental CPD Events

S C A N Q R TO B O O K

ADAWA Meetings

February 6 THUR

15

Management of Cracked Teeth

12 Apr - 7 Apr

Practical Oral Surgery February

18 Apr - Good Friday

27 Sept - 12 Oct

21

Nitrous Oxide Friday

FRI

Dr Steven Parker TBC

22

Nitrous Oxide Friday

Dr Steven Parker TBC

March 6 ADAWA General Meeting THUR

ADA House

8

All About Diabetes

SAT

Dr Priyal Shah ADA House

29

To Prep or Not to Prep

SAT

Dr Clarence Tam TBC

30

Sexy Posterior Composites

Dr Clarence Tam TBC

APRIL 5 SAT

May 1 THUR

July 10 THUR

26 SAT

1 Jan - New Year's Day

PUBLIC SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

27 Jan - Australia Day

SAT

SUN

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Dinner Courses

Dr Graham Carmichael UNIVERSITY CLUB Various Drs CTEC

SAT

International

Practical Oral Surgery April

Various Drs CTEC

ADAWA General Meeting ADA House

ADAWA General Meeting ADA House

Management of Medical Emergencies in the Dental Practice

Cynergex Group ADA House

3 Mar - Labour Day

21 Apr - Easter Monday 25 Apr - ANZAC Day 2 Jun - WA Day

29 Sept - King's Birthday 25 Dec - Christmas Day 26 Dec - Boxing Day

5 Jul - 20 Jul 19 Dec - 1 Feb

NITROUS OXIDE 7 CPD Fri OR Sat 21/22 February

8.45am-5.00pm

COURSE OUTLINE

Many of our patients are quite anxious about seeking and receiving dental treatment. In fact, it may lead to some people avoiding dental care completely until excruciating pain gives them no choice. Dentists should be able to provide alternatives to control a patient’s anxiety and to assist them to receive treatment. This course will cover a spectrum of anxiety-relieving alternatives. It will give the caring dentist a selection of anxiolytic techniques that can be offered to their patients, including psychosedation, oral sedation and inhalation sedation.

Topics include •

The basics of fear and anxiety in the dental office

•

The utilisation of psychosedation & hypnotic techniques

•

Review of basic life support

•

The utilisation of oral sedation

•

The utilisation of nitrous oxide sedation

TBA

$1342 members

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Dr Parker graduated with honours from University of QLD in 1985. He was a dental officer in the Defence Forces for 17 years, resigned with rank of LtCol. Steve has completed post-graduate dental qualifications in oral surgery and sedation and pain control, along with qualifications in financial planning and law and is a registered lawyer in NSW. He is a director on two boards - ADANSW and Lakeview Private Hospital.

He is on many committees including the Dental Therapeutics Committee and he is the Chair of the Conscious Sedation advisory panel to the Dental Board. He is also an advisor for the next edition of the Therapeutics Guidelines – Oral and Dental (the clown book). He owns the Wisdom Teeth Centre in North West Sydney, which is a referral based oral surgery practice where he provides treatment under GA and all types of sedation. He has given lectures for the ADA for over two decades on the topics of anxiety control, pain control and oral surgery.

SCAN QR TO BOOK

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO ADAWA.COM.AU/CPD

Something new is coming!

We are excited to announce that ADAWA will be launching a new and improved website experience.

Stay tuned for updates.

Launching very soon. adawa.com.au

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Nobody beats West Coast Dental Depot on W&H West Coast Dental Depot is the largest supplier of W&H sterilising equipment to dentists in Western Australia.

For a great deal backed by the most reliable and experienced service and support team in the state, call West Coast.

View our full range of dental equipment and consumables at www.westcoastdental.com.au

Wayne Young Sales & Project Manager 0417 948 121

WCDD_18318

17A Wheeler Street, Belmont WA 6104 • Phone (08) 9479 3244 • Fax (08) 9479 3255 • Email sales@westcoastdental.com.au

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First home buyer basics: a starting point for dentists

Becoming a first home buyer in Australia can be both, exciting and slightly overwhelming. Not only are you making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, but you're also facing a complex real estate market. In this article, we’ll give you the basics around homebuying and some easy tips when thinking about getting around to buying your first property.

Understanding the first home buyer landscape Australia’s real estate market is constantly changing, especially for first home buyers.

With prices all over the place and stiff competition, it’s important to get a good grip on how things work from the get-go.

Recent data from CoreLogic shows first home buyers made up 28.6% of the value of owner-occupied lending which is well above the historic decade average.* This shows that the priority of home ownership remains the ambition of most Australians.

So how can busy dental professionals make this dream a reality?

Be financially ready Lenders may often see dentists as lowrisk borrowers due to their high income.

Although, when it comes to buying your first home, being financially ready is key.

Setting a robust budget is the first step.

This will help you understand your limits and set realistic expectations.

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Saving for a deposit is an important part and this can vary depending on your circumstances. As a general rule, it's wise to have a 10% deposit ready, plus an additional 5% to cover stamp duty and other associated costs. However, depending on your situation, you may be able to proceed with a deposit as low as 5% plus stamp duty without needing lenders' mortgage insurance, also known as LMI. First-time home buyers might also be eligible for stamp duty waivers or reductions, though these vary by state and should be verified with the respective state revenue office.

Tip: Factor in all costs - Beyond the deposit, think of other upfront costs such as stamp duty, legal fees, loan application fees, and moving expenses. Create a buffer in your budget for unexpected costs that may come up during the process.

Understand Government grants and initiatives Australia has plenty of Government grants and incentives to help first home buyers, and

knowing about them can make a huge difference in how much you end up spending. Here’s a breakdown of some key options: First home owner grant (FHOG) •

NSW: Up to $10,000 for new homes.

•

VIC: $10,000 to $20,000 for new builds, depending on location.

•

QLD: Up to $15,000 for new homes.

•

WA: $10,000 for new builds or off-the-plan properties.

•

SA: Up to $15,000 for new homes.

•

TAS: Up to $10,000 for new builds (limited time).

It may be a good idea to register your interest with a prominent agent in the area where you’re looking to buy. However, if you'd prefer someone focused entirely on your best interests, consider working with a buyer’s agent or advocate.

The home loan process Getting a home loan is a big step when buying your first home but understanding how it works can be really stressful. The good news is, as a dental professional, you may have access to unique loan features because of your solid career path and income trajectory.

Tip: In addition to the grants, some states offer additional perks, like reduced stamp duty for first home buyers. Each grant or scheme has its own eligibility rules, so it’s important to check the fine print and see which ones you qualify for. These options can be a real game-changer for you when looking to buy your first home.

Still, you’ll have to compare different loan options and lenders to find the one that fits your finances best. Interest rates, loan terms, and fees can be pretty different, so you’ll need to do your homework. That’s where our speed, service, and expertise make a difference—our team simplifies the process, providing you with quick, expert guidance to help you make an informed choice efficiently and confidently.

Choosing your dream property

Tip: Work with a consultant

This is a big one. Being close to work and nearby amenities is usually a top priority, but you've got to find that sweet spot between convenience and cost for long-term happiness. Think of the following when shopping around:

To save time and find a home loan option that is suitable for you or if you’re simply interested in getting your loan reviewed, chat with Karyn Bailey (0490 851 159) or Kym Bowker (0482 163 249) from our Credabl WA team.

•

Your lifestyle and future plans/family goals

•

Plans of turning it into an investment property down the track

•

Type of property - apartment or house

•

Transportation

•

Local amenities

•

Potential capital growth for the area

*Source – CoreLogic Disclaimer This article is a guide only and does not constitute any recommendation on behalf of Credabl Pty Ltd (ACN 615 968 100) or any of its related bodies corporate (Credabl). The information in this article is general in nature and we have not taken into account your personal objectives or financial circumstances or needs when preparing it. Before acting on this information you should consider if it is suitable for your personal circumstances. Credabl is not offering financial, tax or legal advice. You should obtain independent financial, tax and legal advice as appropriate

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An amazing opportunity

Final year dental students Peter Nguyen, Jim Rae, Liam Meinema, and David Hora recently completed a placement at Roebourne Mawarkarra Health Service. They told us about the experience.

Tell us about the placement at Roebourne Mawarkarra Health Service.

We provided a range of comprehensive treatments to all patients aged from as young as 4-years-old to as old as late 80's. Many of our patients were the local elders and community leaders in the Roebourne area.

What type of treatment were you providing?

Treatment included providing tailored oral hygiene instructions and diet advice to each patient, providing oral hygiene packs and where indicated: fissure sealants, restoring caries and cavities, replacing failing and symptomatic restorations, extraction of unrestorable and hopeless dentition, and referrals for possible oral medicine/pathology.

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What were the challenges of treating in such a remote area?

Unfortunately, given we were only based in Roebourne for two weeks and unaware of how frequent dental visits are. We were unable to provide treatment that required follow-up appointments such as endodontics or dentures. Due to our limited time in Roebourne, we were only focusing on the presenting complaint or addressing the immediate problem(s). Which commonly meant that we were unable to fully treat and eliminate caries or other dental issues that our patients had.

What were some of the highlights?

Living and being integrated amongst the Roebourne community was a great way of meeting locals and developing trust and rapport which ultimately increased our productivity in the clinic. We were rarely

quiet as a result! Our house was literally three doors down from the clinic and only 500m away from the local sports oval where we often bumped into the locals.

Another highlight was the ability to check out the local sights. We were given a 4wd and able to head out to Python Pool, Point Samson, Cossack, Karratha, and Dampier where we did a range of activities including fishing, swimming in waterholes and checking out the coast.

What sort of feedback/response did you receive from the patients you were treating?

All of our patients were extremely appreciative of the treatment they received. For many, our placements to Roebourne is some of only few opportunities these patients get to receive dental care.

Many noted having to travel long distances or wait for long periods of time in discomfort.

We were welcomed and encouraged to return, which is a fantastic feeling and has established great connections for future student placement visits.

What has this experience taught you that you think will be valuable as a future practitioner?

Being able to provide tailored treatment

specific to our patient's needs and access. Not all patients have easy access to specialist or ongoing/ follow-up care which is something that was not appreciated until our rural/remote dental placements.

Is there anyone you would like to thank?

A heartfelt thank you to Dr Jilen Patel, Dr Helen Grady and Dr Blake Davidson who have supported this amazing opportunity. We appreciate the significant amount of planning and logistics between multiple parties/stakeholders just to get the program running. Furthermore, the generous contribution to mentoring and tutoring by Dr Grady and Dr Davidson who both have families of their own and made the placement an unforgettable experience.

What would you say to encourage future dental students to take part in the program in the future?

Dental School is what you make of it.

There are countless opportunities to enrich and expand your learning and rural/remote placements are amazing examples of being able to give back to those who are among the most undeserved. adawa.com.au

Uber and audits

Colm Harney, Dentolegal Consultant, Dental Protection

Question – what do ride-hailing services such as Uber have in common with audits by third party payment entities such as private health insurance (PHI) funds and Medicare?

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Next time you ‘call’ an Uber and it meets you on the street within a few metres of where you are standing, have you ever thought about the astonishing technology at play?

Amazingly, what occurs is that a global positioning system (GPS) device taps into a constellation of satellites that orbit approximately 17,000 kms above the Earth and transmit radio wave signals to receivers across the planet. (1) The U.S. Department of Defence developed GPS satellites as a strategic system in 1978 – our phones, cars, trackers all now use data from these GPS satellites to locate a specific point on the Earth in a process called trilateration. A GPS receiver measures the distance from the receiver to three different orbiting satellites using radio signals, and from that data every point on Earth can be given its own unique address—its latitude, longitude, and height. (2).

Historically, this process of using three reference points has been used for many purposes, including surveying, navigation, meteorology and astronomy. If you like to climb hills and mountains, as I do, you will still see trigonometrical stations (trig points) on the tops of mountains in Australia, New Zealand, the British Isles and elsewhere – although no longer used for mapping and surveying purposes they remain useful to hikers as navigational aids. (3)

Nowadays this process for accurate mapping has been superseded by the GPS system, but the triangulation principle remains the same for determining the accurate location of a singular point using other known reference points.

How does this apply in audits? Just like the early mapping days, audits usually use a minimum of three reference points to determine whether the claim is acceptable to the payment entity:

1. The rules of the entity – such as PHI fund rules and documents such as Guide to Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) (4) 2. The most current descriptor of item codes used for claiming – such as the Australian Schedule of Dental Services and Glossary (published by ADA, currently Edition 13) and Appendix A of Guide to Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

3. Dental Board of Australia policies, codes and guidelines – often cited is the Shared Code of Conduct, especially 8.3 – Health records (5)

Overlaying all of this is the question or consideration of why a practitioner might be audited in the first place – it is worthwhile considering this

adawa.com.au

first before we discuss how the triangulation process might be used by the entity to determine whether the claim is acceptable.

compliance – there may be many valid reasons for this such as specific uncommon treatments you carry out or even just your patient demographic. For example, you may see elderly patients at care homes, and you do higher than average amounts of multisurface glass ionomers to stabilise at risk teeth.

In general, there are two broad reasons why a practitioner might become the subject of an audit – chance and selection / targeting.

Yes, as inconvenient and concerning as it may be, you may just be the subject of a random audit by a third party payment entity. For example, a PHI may decide to randomly audit a selection of practitioners receiving fees from the fund, to ensure compliance and demonstrate to stakeholders that they carry out their due diligence to protect the pool of funds paid by members.

More commonly though, is a targeted type of audit. There can be a number of triggers for a practitioner becoming subject of an audit such as: •

•

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Past history of being audited, especially if there were adverse findings – in Dental Protection’s experience, practitioners who have been subject of previous findings against them remain ‘on the radar’ of the entity. Many PHIs are explicit about this in their correspondence, so a previous finding should be seen as a nonnegotiable opportunity to address any deficiencies identified in the audit, going forward.

Outlier billing practices – the third party entities now have sophisticated tracking and analysis resources. Some use AI to find outliers on the ‘bell curve’ and others use dentally educated investigators to review data and identify unusual patterns of behaviour. That is not to say that outlier billing means non-

EDITION 8 ∙ 2024 western articulator

•

Working in a practice with a history of previous issues may draw a previously unaware practitioner into audit, just by virtue of past issues in the practice – for example a new associate.

•

A complaint to the entity – for example by a patient unhappy with a rebate or codes billed.

Regrettably we sometimes hear of disgruntled staff members reporting on ‘questionable’ behaviour as part of a workplace dispute.

Once the audit is triggered and the correspondence arrives, what does it usually look like?

Most audit processes we see start off with some form of ‘desktop audit’ – the entity contacts the practitioner and requests comment on particular issues of concern (as I write this in third quarter 2024, Medicare are currently selectively reviewing claiming of 88114) and / or asks for a selection of specified records to be sent to them for review.

This leads us into the three reference points, as first off, Dental Protection are often contacted by understandably indignant practitioners who want to know what right a PHI might have to access a copy of the full dental record of a patient.

The rules of the entity It will usually be specified in the rules what rights the entity has to access the information requested.

The relevant rule(s) should be cited in the written request for the records (records should never be released based on a phone request due to privacy / confidentiality / security considerations).

Of surprise to many practitioners is that use of the ubiquitous HICAPs machine means that certain agreements are enacted, and it pays to read the HICAPS Private Health Insurance Provider Agreement, notably section 4, Handling transactions. (6) Each entity will have their own rules, with individual variations – broadly speaking, the rules of relevance regarding audits are the rights of the entity to check compliance (such as by requesting records or carrying out practice visits) and possible consequences that can arise for non-compliance.

One other factor that can be invoked from PHI fund rules is claiming for family members, staff, their families and how broad or narrow this extends. Again, each PHI has some interpretation of restrictions on claiming for family / staff so it pays to read the relevant fund rules as this can be a subject of audit.

If you do treatment on CDBS, are you compliant with the administrative side such as consent forms?

The descriptor of item codes used for claiming There is much crossover with reference point 3. By way of simple example, if 022 is claimed, as well as the obvious assumption that

the image can be evidenced, there must be some recording of the interpretation of that image – as outlined in the descriptor. If not, the claim may not be compliant.

When 114 is claimed, somewhere in the records there should be evidence of removal of calculus – the easiest means of evidence is noting it in the contemporaneous record of the treatment delivered / claimed for. If not, the claim may not be compliant.

There are other means, after-the-fact, when an audit comes in that may satisfy the entity – such as showing intra-oral photos or radiographs with calculus or a periodontal screening score that demonstrates presence of calculus – however the simplest way is to describe the procedure done in the record made at the time.

Similarly, a 071 should be as described in the Glossary if a claim is to be made – there should be a physical model that can be produced, and it should not be a working model.

This list is by no means exhaustive but acts as a simple demonstration of the more common issues where non-compliance can arise.

It pays to read the Glossary and pedantically review the wording of each code you use, especially if using ‘outlier’ / uncommon codes.

The ADA is the arbiter of appropriate use of these codes and the Glossary states that “any dentist or third-party requiring clarification or interpretation of the Schedule & Glossary should contact the ADA”.

One final note of caution on item codes – if you are advised about use of a code that you are not familiar with, for example a recommendation on a dental forum or from a product manufacturer, it is your responsibility

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to do your due diligence on the appropriate use and application of that code. This is especially true if it is an ‘outlier’ code as merely using the code, regardless of the appropriateness, could alert the payment entity. If in doubt, check with the ADA.

Dental Board of Australia policies, codes and guidelines The old mantra “say it, do it, write it down” applies. These rules are not set by Dental Protection or even PHIs. We sign up to the shared Code of Conduct every year in November and part of that is Principle 8, Professional behaviour - to “display a standard of professional behaviour that warrants the trust and respect of the community”.

Embedded in Principle 8 is ‘Health records’ and this can be cross-referenced in the ‘Dental records’ section with a fact sheet and self-reflective tool to self-audit. (7) A key guiding principle here is 8.3(d) – to “ensure that records are sufficient to facilitate continuity of care”.

Your records should tell a story of each patient’s journey with you that is logical, consistent with accepted practice and adequately documented so that anyone

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taking over the treatment would be able to do so without difficulty. There needs to be an inherent transparency in what has been done and why.

As part of an audit the third party can leverage our obligations to practice to a certain standard (including record keeping) and if it can be demonstrated that a practitioner doesn’t meet the standard and this can be identified in audit – it may be used to enact consequences such as claiming fees back.

The concept of ‘professional behaviour’ can also be invoked with certain adverse regulatory or criminal matters where a PHI may claim the practitioner has behaved in an unprofessional manner or might bring the reputation of the fund into disrepute by continued association.

In summary, when the third party payment entities audit practitioners, they triangulate off the three reference points mentioned above and use this to determine where on the ‘landscape’ the claiming of the practitioner lies.

Regrettably, when the auditing party correlates the data from the three sources, despite the sophistication of tools we know

they have, they often don’t have to look very hard and at first pass they will often pick the ‘low hanging fruit’. For example, anomalies with 022, (88)114, 071, claiming for immediate family and the like.

The practitioner will of course be given right of reply, and it is very deflating for us at Dental Protection when we want to help but our hands are tied by inarguable noncompliance, referencing against the metrics above. What to do? We know that prevention is better than cure and fortunately there is plenty that can be done right now.

Simply review the information freely available on PHI websites (especially if you are in any type of ‘preferred provider’ arrangement, as you will be held to a higher standard and often more onerous rules) and Services Australia – PHI fund rules, HICAPs agreements, CDBS rules etc.

every November when we re-register, so it never does any harm to brush up on what the regulator expects of us. Then self-audit or ask a colleague. Pick 5-10 sets of records at random and ‘run the ruler’ over them with the triangulating eyes of an auditor to check compliance.

Ultimately, when it comes to avoiding audits, knowledge is power. Once you have a handle on this information and are satisfied that your systems and protocols are compliant, then you can relax and go back to practicing like you are catching an Uber – as simple as going from ‘A to B’ in the knowledge that all the sophisticated systems are running in synchronisation in the background.

References

1. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_geodesy/ geo09_gps.html 2. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ triangulation-sized/

As a minimum, be aware of their existence and understand what you have knowingly (or unknowingly) signed up to comply with by engaging with these entities. As a registered practitioner, interfacing with these entities, it is solely your responsibility.

4. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-01/cdbsguide-to-the-child-dental-benefits-schedule.pdf

Read the Code of Conduct / records standard. We sign up to comply with this

7. https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/Dental-

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangulation_station

5. https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/PoliciesCodes-Guidelines/Code-of-conduct.aspx 6. https://www.hicaps.com.au/support/hicaps-agreements/ provider-agreement-terms-and-conditions# records.aspx

adawa.com.au

Photo coutesy of NADC/Salty Dingo

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Congratulations Dr Jacinta Vu

A huge congratulations to Dr Jacinta Vu, who was named the 2025 Local Hero for Western Australia when the Australian of the Year Awards for Western Australia were announced.

Jacinta, along with the other Western Australia recipients will join those from the other states and territories for the national awards (which will be announced on 25 January 2025). Good luck Jacinta!

Watch this space for the next edition of the Western Articulator, where we talk to Jacinta about an exciting milestone for Healing Smiles.

To consider personally donating directly to Healing Smiles (which is tax deductible), please visit the website, healingsmiles.com.au/donate

To enquire about volunteering with Healing Smiles, please email: admin@healingsmiles.org.au

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member news TIMA giving back Over the King's birthday long weekend, TIMA travelled to Kalgoorlie and set up a temporary dental and medical clinic in the Salvation Army Church. Through the help of the clinical and non-clinical team, they were able to provide dental treatment and medical health screening to the Indigenous population, lower socioeconomic patients and special needs patients from Kalgoorlie and other rural areas.

Albany catch up In November, WA Dental CPD went to Albany for our Beautiful Periodontics in Beautiful Albany course, presented

by Dr Ahmed Saleh. It was also a great opportunity to host a catch up for Albany dentists, organised by our Country Councillor Dr Iris Messmer.

Thank you to everyone that attended!

Thank you Vishal Gupta International speaker Dr Vishal Gupta travelled to Perth to present courses on anterior composites and posterior composites. Dr Gupta is one of the highly respected international speakers the WA Dental CPD program has been able to bring to Perth this year.

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Corporate Partner sponsored events We are thrilled that our Corporate Partners have been sponsoring a range of CPD events.

Recently, our Premium Partner, AMA Financial Services, sponsored our Digital Orthodontics dinner and provided a great door prize for a lucky attendee. Thank you to AMA’s David Hartley, Kasey Cuff and Briony Gouldthorp for attending! A huge thank you also to Josh van Bruchem from our Premium Partner Bank of Queensland, who travelled to Albany to attend the BOQ sponsored Beautiful Periodontics in Beautiful Albany event.

The team at Bunnings (Premium Partner) also sponsored the Porcelain Veneers and Ceramics Onlays course. Thank you to everyone!

VALE Dr Ray Mann We wish to inform members of the passing of Dr Ray Mann in September. Ray worked as a General Dentist at Cottesloe Dental (where he was a partner) from 1973-1984 before moving to Margaret River. There, he worked for Dr Cliff Owen in private practice for four years, before working for the Government school dental services. Dr Mann was a keen golfer and fisherman and when he retired, worked part-time at a friend’s vineyard.

Our condolences go to his wife Robyn, family, friends and colleagues.

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Professional Notices

Dr Liz Lam – new addition to the team

Dr Dipika Mistry – new addition to the team

Dr Liz Lam commenced practice as a specialist

Dr Dipika Mistry has joined the team at Morley

periodontist with Dr Melanie McAlpine at Western

Orthodontic Centre. After spending time in general

Periodontics & Implants in February 2024. To our great

practice, Dipika completed her Doctor of Clinical

delight she has been a sensation with both patients

Dentistry in Orthodontics in Sydney in 2019. She enjoys

and staff. Liz has a passion for conservative periodontal

all aspects of orthodontics, including clear aligner

care and has demonstrated high level surgical

therapy and growth modification. Dipika brings to the

skills combining biological materials and soft tissue

practice a compassionate and cheerful disposition.

management for optimal patient outcomes.

Her evidence-based planning and clinical skills support

T (08) 9227 9002

E reception@westernperiodontics.com.au

W westernperiodontics.com.au

our efforts to provide orthodontic care in a friendly and supportive environment.

T (08) 9276 9888

E reception@morleyorthodontic.com.au

A 25 Wellington Road Morley, WA 6062 W morleyorthodontic.com.au

HIF Corporate Program ADAWA members are entitled to a 12% discount on health cover each year when premiums are paid by direct debit. Existing HIF members need only call or email to have the discount applied to their membership.

Visit hif.com.au/adawa and use the access code ADAWA Alternatively call HIF on 1300 13 40 60 or email sales@hif.com.au

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EDITION 8 ∙ 2024 western articulator

Dr Luiz Viegas Costa – new addition to the team Perth Oral Medicine and Dental Sleep Centre is pleased to welcome Dr. Luiz Viegas Costa to our team. With extensive international experience, Luiz is accepting new referrals for patients with orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, oral mucosal disease and salivary gland disorders. He is available for consultations at our West Leederville, Jandakot

Dr Anchalee Jennings-Lowe

new addition to the team

Taylor Road Periodontics & Dental Implants proudly welcomes Dr Anchalee Jennings-Lowe to the practice as a Specialist Periodontist. She is accepting referrals for all aspects of periodontics, implant surgery, and peri-implantitis prevention and management.

and Padbury locations.

T (08) 6382 0699

T (08) 9376 6789

A 3/150 Stirling Highway, Nedlands WA 6009

E admin@pomds.com.au

E admin@taylorrdperiodontics.com.au

W taylorrdperiodontics.com.au

A West Leederville, Jandakot, Padbury W oralmedsleep.com.au

Did you know As an ADAWA member, you can submit a professional notice that will be published for three editions in the Western Articulator, free of charge.

For details and requirements, email media@adawa.com.au

adawa.com.au

Directory Premium Partners AMA Financial Services Mortgage Broking, Financial Planning and General Insurance Broking. As financial planning, mortgage, and insurance broking specialists, we have a deep understanding of the unique complexities and challenges faced by businesses in your industry. Given our extensive experience working with health and medical professionals, we are pleased to offer exclusive discounts/benefits on our services to members of the ADA (WA).

Phone 1800 262 346 or email info@amafinance.com.au Bunnings

Medifit

Bunnings Trade can partner with your business to provide support with quotes, project management and product sourcing, even if it’s something we don’t stock in-store.

Benefit from exclusive pricing* on a wide range of products and services. For more info on PowerPass or to sign up and link your existing membership, email Organisationswa@bunnings.com.au

Medifit is an award-winning dental design and construction company, providing a comprehensive solution for dentists and dental specialists looking to build new premises or renovate their existing practices. Established in 2002, the company has designed and built hundreds of successful practices across Australia from their Head office in Perth. Contact Medifit and get the practice you deserve. medifit.com.au

*Terms and conditions apply. See trade. bunnings.com.au/powerpass for full details.

BOQ Specialist At BOQ Specialist, we understand that a highly personalised service is what dental professionals need. We offer a full range of finance products and services, tailored to your needs no matter where you are in your career.

With over 30 years of experience in dental finance, our focus is on building long-term relationships with our clients so that you can make financial decisions that are right for you. boqspecialist.com.au

Smith Coffey For over 50 years, Smith Coffey has specialised in providing financial services for dentists. We offer expertise in taxation, superannuation, mortgages, and personal risk insurance. Trust us to help you achieve financial freedom while you focus on patient care.

Contact us today! smithcoffey.com.au

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Panetta McGrath Lawyers We are excited to offer a member benefits program exclusive to ADAWA members. As a member of ADAWA, the member benefits program entitles you to an initial 30-minute consultation in person, by phone, or via video conference. ADAWA members are also eligible for a 15% discount on our standard hourly rates - ADAWA referral required. pmlawyers.com.au

EDITION 8 ∙ 2024 western articulator

STS Group Australia STS Group Australia is a family owned, WA business and industry leader in infection control and we have been serving the WA dental community for over 30 years. You’ll know us as Mocom Australia, offering a range of infection control and reprocessing equipment in Australia and New Zealand, STS Health, providing service and education throughout WA and STS Professional, manufacturer of infection control testing devices and related consumables. sts-group.com.au

Plus Partner Small Robot Small Robot, a boutique technology company, provide business critical services covering IT, cyber security, and unified communications. Our highly experienced team leverage technology to protect, power and simplify your business. We provide consulting, engineering & managed services. We focus on the technology so you can focus on your business success. www.smallrobot.ai

AMA FINANCIAL SERVICES Care | Understand | Protect

Commercial Solutions In the dental industry, running a successful practice means having the right financial solutions to fuel growth and secure your assets. At AMA Financial Services, we specialise in supporting dental professionals with expert financial services tailored to the unique demands of your practice.

Our Commercial Solutions approach covers everything from financing and insurance to business planning, providing a foundation for success and stability.

AMA Finance Brokers Through AMA Finance Brokers, we connect dental professionals with financing options designed to support clinical growth and operational needs. Whether you’re investing in advanced dental equipment, expanding your clinic, or enhancing cash flow, we secure funding that aligns with the unique needs of dental practices, negotiating competitive terms to support your success.

AMA Services (WA) Pty Ltd. ABN 47 008 671 458 t/as AMA Wealth is an Authorised Representative of Hartley Financial Pty Ltd. ABN 22 124 384 274 | ACL 480751 an Australian Credit Licensee

AMA Financial Planning

AMA Insurance Brokers

Our AMA Financial Planning service is tailored to secure your practice’s future. We offer key person insurance, debt protection, and buy/sell agreements—essential tools to shield your practice from financial risks associated with illness, disability, or death. These solutions are designed to keep your clinic financially stable through every phase of your career.

Our AMA Insurance Brokers provides comprehensive protection against risks that affect dental practices specifically. Cyber insurance covers digital threats to patient data, while our Practice Office and Liability policies are crafted for dental professionals. We also offer asset and equipment insurance to protect the high-value tools and technologies vital to your practice.

AMA Services (WA) Pty Ltd. ABN 47 008 671 458 t/as AMA Financial Planning is an Authorised Representative of Consultum Financial Advisers Pty Ltd. ABN 65 006 373 995 l AFSL 230323 an Australian Financial Services Licensee.

AMACIS Pty Ltd trading as AMA Insurance Brokers ABN 40 064 488 106 AFS License No. 235312

With a proven track record in supporting dental professionals, AMA Financial Services is dedicated to helping dental practices across Australia thrive. Reach out for a complimentary consultation and learn how our Commercial Solutions can empower your practice.

Phone: 1800 262 346 Email:

info@amafinancialservices.com.au

Web:

www.amafinancialservices.com.au

Disclaimer: The information above is general in nature and may not be relevant to your individual circumstances. You should refrain from doing anything in reliance on this information without first obtaining suitable professional advice. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decision to acquire a product.

PERTH 8-10 MAY 2025 Registrations are open for Australia’s premier dental event of 2025!

The Australian Dental Congress offers an unparalleled opportunity to see national & international keynote speakers, network with peers, and explore the latest dental products and services at our expansive exhibition. Exclusive pre/post workshops available only to registered attendees. Be part of the leading CPD event for dental practitioners in Australia while enjoying the host city Perth!

Early Bird pricing is available for a limited time!

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