Western Articulator - Edition 01 2023

Page 36

CPD SPOTLIGHT

Meet Special Needs Dentistry Specialist, the inspiring Dr Trudy Lin

My first year as a dentist

Recent grads share their stories

How practices can give back

Volunteering options with the Australian Dental Health Foundation

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adawa.com.au 3 4 PRESIDENT'S REPORT Dr Amit Gurbuxani 5 FROM THE MOUTHS OF MEMBERS Dr Sally Tan 6 ADAWA HELPLINE The new support for our members 8 MY FIRST YEAR AS A DENTIST Drs Xin Jie Tan and Charles Tricoli 10 HOW PRACTICES CAN GIVE BACK Volunteering options with the Australian Dental Health Foundation 12 THE MANY WAYS TO GIVE BACK Dr Andrew Heap’s commitment to volunteerism 14 CREDABL ADVERTORIAL 7 tips for social media advertising 16 VALE Dr Mark Francis Davis 18 CPD SPOTLIGHT Meet Dr Trudy Lin 22 CPD CALENDAR 25 EDUCATION AND TRAINING 28 DPL FEATURE Hindered by the decisions of others 30 DESERVING RECIPIENTS Tzu Chi International Medical Association’s grant success 34 CLEAR ADMIN PEOPLE ADVERTORIAL 38 GOOD NEWS STORIES 40 WADA GOLF 43 PROFESSIONAL NOTICES
Cover photo courtesy of Richard Wright

President’s Report The

Dear members,

I trust everyone had a restful break and you are looking forward to new beginnings and new hope in the coming year. I am sure many of you would have utilised this opportunity to travel, as I did to see my family in India, which was the first international trip for me since the start of the COVID pandemic. Here’s wishing everyone a very happy and successful 2023. This year at your ADAWA we have hit the ground running in 2023.

I am delighted to advise that we had a tremendous response to the member survey, and preliminary results indicate that overall, more than 80% of members are either satisfied or very satisfied with the Association. The importance of this result, while outstanding, means that Council can now approach the ADAWA strategic planning process, which is scheduled to commence in February, with a high degree of confidence knowing what members want and expect of their Association.

Following on from the governance assessment review undertaken late last year, Council will be inviting the ADAWA Constitution Committee to review the current Rules of the Association (the Constitution) to ensure our governance framework is fit for purpose and will meet the challenges of a growing Association.

At the Council level, I am delighted to welcome Dr Gino Cirillo representing the Dental Health Services of the Public Health Department and replacing Dr Martin Glick. Dr Glick represented the Dental Health Services on Council for over 13 years and his expertise, dedication and wisdom will be greatly missed but we wish him a long and happy retirement.

In these exciting times, we encourage our members to take an active role in the association by participating in the ADAWA committees, as the expressions of interest closed today at 5 pm.

An email for EOI has been sent to all our members but feel free to reach out to our CEO or any of our councillors for further information. Diversity is what drives creativity and innovation and I hope that you can take the opportunity to participate.

At the national level there are also quite a few exciting things in store for members this year. After four long years, the FDI World Dental Congress is returning face-to-face, in Sydney from 24 to 27 September 2023. I am looking forward to an exciting platform that encompasses leading scientific programmes, interactive forums, and the dental exhibition.

Stay tuned for further updates throughout the year and looking forward to an amazing and productive 2023.

Best wishes,

Our values, unity, and our members are the cornerstone of the association. This is the solid foundation on which we continue to build for our future.
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From the

MOUTHS OF MEMBERS

The ADAWA team are foundational to the WA dental community with their endless and unwavering support, and they will always be an organisation I will keep in arms reach as I advance onto my professional career.

CEO Trevor Lovelle

President Dr Amit Gurbuxani

Editorial Brooke Evans-Butler

Designer Michelle Walker

ADVERTISING Please supply display advertisements as a high-resolution (PDF file embed all fonts) or a JPEG file to media@adawa.com.au. Please ensure any graphics are of a high quality. Articles should be submitted as a WORD document with any graphics attached as separate files.

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.

All correspondence to E media@adawa.com.au A PO Box 34 West Perth WA 6872

Dr Sally Tan

COMING SOON

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We’re just a call away

ADAWA will soon launch the ADAWA Helpline, which is an exclusive Member only service.

Sometimes it helps to have someone to talk to – whether it's as a sounding board after a challenging day in the clinic, seeking recommendations about a work situation from someone who understands, or just a quick query about an item number.

ADAWA has long provided professional support to our members, so we are excited to launch a new service to further enhance the member experience – the ADAWA Helpline.

Staffed by experienced professionals including ADAWA councillors, respected retired dentists and our CEO, the Helpline will leverage the knowledge, skills and expertise of our members and stakeholders, all for the benefit of our members.

ADAWA members are welcome to call the Helpline for information and support on a range of topics, including:

• Audits

• Item number queries

• And more

All calls will be treated in confidence.

We look forward to bringing this new member experience to our valued ADAWA members.

adawa.com.au 7

MY FIRST YEAR AS A Dentist

We chatted to new practitioners about life after Dental School.

XIN JIE TAN

Where did you start your career as a dentist? I made the move to Geraldton for my first job out, working full-time at a private practice in town.

Have you benefited from a mentor/or anything else that has made the transition easier? I am extremely lucky to have an incredible mentor/boss (shout out to Tom!) who has guided me through my first year out – dedicating time every day after work for the first few weeks, and weekly thereafter, to discuss not only clinical cases but other important aspects of a career in dentistry. Having someone there at the start who is always happy to pop in to lend a hand or provide a second opinion has really helped build my confidence in practising independently.

What has surprised you most about your transition from student to dentist? How quickly you develop your patient management skills – largely due to the sheer amount of patients you get to meet every day!

What have been some of the challenges and the most rewarding aspects of starting your career? Some of the greatest challenges at the start were learning to manage my time efficiently (going from seeing 1-2 patients a day at Dental School to 10 or more!) and making clinical decisions independently.

The most rewarding aspect of practising dentistry has been the genuine gratitude of patients who you’ve been able to help. Starting my career out in a regional town has also been so fulfilling and full of adventure!

Have you taken part in any volunteering since graduating? Healing Smiles is a female-run and lead program, which I have been lucky to be a part of since graduating. We provide pro-bono dental treatment to women who are survivors of domestic violence.

What advice would you give to soon-to-graduate dental students?

• A good mentor is so important in your first year out! Keep this in mind when looking for your first job.

• Specialists are an awesome resource and are generally so happy to discuss cases with you. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for advice!

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DR CHARLES TRICOLI

Where did you start your career as a dentist? I commenced work in January 2022 at two different practices, Anchorage Dental Care and Banksia Grove Family Dental. I am still working at these practices and have really enjoyed working at both so far.  Have you benefited from a mentor/or anything else that has made the transition easier? I’ve been fortunate enough to have experienced dentists at both practices that have been able to mentor me throughout the year. This has included both going through complex cases and helping out clinically when needed. I’ve also been paired with some experienced DCAs that have helped me just as much at times. It has also been nice to chat with my graduating classmates to make sure we are all having similar experiences in our first year out. All these things have made the transition into full-time dentistry much easier.

What has surprised you most about your transition from student to dentist? That I really belong at this level. When you’re in final year as a student, you tend to doubt whether you can make that step to become a practicing clinician on your own and complete procedures with a certain speed and precision. While there are definitely challenges here and there, I was surprised with how well I adapted early on.

What have been some of the challenges and the most rewarding aspects of starting your career? The biggest challenge initially was keeping up with the pace and timing of each day, and additionally being able to think on your feet as to not lose any extra time during appointments. This was difficult for the first couple of months until I found a good rhythm for each appointment. So far, the most rewarding aspect has been seeing patients leave my chair with a smile on their face – whether this is because they are out of pain, happy aesthetically or simply felt content with their appointment.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were at Dental School? How common some common presentations are, for example lost fillings, fractured teeth or hot/cold sensitivity. I think towards the end of Dental School I became so fixated on completing my larger requirements of crowns and dentures that I didn’t devote enough extra energy to work on my basic restorative dentistry and hence I’ve had to actively work on this quite a bit since graduating.

What advice would you give to soonto-graduate dental students?

• Remember to know your scope of practice. If you aren’t comfortable doing a procedure, then always remember you have the option of an internal or external referral to someone with more experience.

• Don’t ever feel shy to ask questions. Dentists enjoy sharing cases and are normally more than happy to provide advice.

• Make sure you have some templates ready to go when writing clinical notes!

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So far, the most rewarding aspect has been seeing patients leave my chair with a smile on their face.

How practices can give back

Would you and you staff like to give back to the community?

There are many ways to get involved via Australian Dental Health Foundation volunteering options.

No matter how much time you have, there are options available depending on what suits your practice and staff. Each option is a rewarding experience and can make a huge difference for the patients involved. Consider some of the following volunteering opportunities:

DENTAL RESCUE DAY

If you are looking for a great team-building experience that makes a big impact, you can’t go past a Dental Rescue Day at your practice. A practice can allocate a full day or half day to treating referred patients (or one chair can be dedicated so the practice can still accommodate their regular patients on the day).

ADOPT A PATIENT

When you adopt a patient, a volunteer dentist completes a course of treatment for a referred patient. If a Dental Rescue Day isn’t possible at your practice, this is a way to really make a difference to a patient’s life, and appointments can be scheduled at a time convenient to the practice. A practice can adopt as few or as many patients as they choose. A practice can also Adopt a Patient they have seen from a Dental Rescue Day if the patient requires a course of treatment that cannot be finished during the Dental Rescue Day.

REBUILDING SMILES PROGRAM

This Rebuilding Smiles program treats survivors of domestic violence. A patient is referred to a practice to complete a course of treatment.

SUPPORT FOR PRACTICES

Practices don’t go about these programs alone – they have the support of the state ADHF coordinator, who liaises with the patient’s case worker or charity. These programs also have the support of generous sponsors towards some materials, lab and denture services.

Interested in finding out more about the ways your practice can make a difference in 2023? Please contact WA State Coordinator, Andrea Paterson – adminwa@adhf.org.au

WHY VOLUNTEER?

Great team building activity

Boosts staff morale

Positively impacts your community

Helps someone in need

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A REWARDING EXPERIENCE

Dr Jack Brazel from 123 Dental and his team have found hosting Dental Rescue Days and subsequently, adopting two patients, a rewarding experience.

“The local community have supported us so much, especially during COVID, that we wanted to find a way to give back to them,” Jack recalls. “When we heard about the Dental Rescue Days, we jumped at the chance to help out.”

Jack says on each of the two Dental Rescue Days they provided a variety of treatments for patients, including cleans, general restorative work, cosmetic treatment and dentures. The practice also decided to adopt one patient from each of the Dental Rescue Days, to complete a course of treatment.

Jack said the experience of adopting the patients was fantastic for him and his staff. “All of our staff were really excited to be able to provide this service to people in need and has really increased their sense of purpose and job satisfaction in their roles,” he says.

“It’s been amazing to see the transformation in these patients. You could see the increase in their confidence even before they left the practice; giving people the ability to smile again (sometimes for the first time in decades) is why we love our job so much!

“I would really encourage any practice that has the capacity to try a Dental Rescue Day; it’s something that we all look forward to as it approaches.”

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It’s been amazing to see the transformation in these patients. You could see the increase in their confidence even before they left the practice; giving people the ability to smile again (sometimes for the first time in decades) is why we love our job so much!

The many ways to give back

Dr Andrew Heap is well-known in volunteerism circles, giving his time over the years to a number of worthy causes – and he urges others to give back too.

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Dr Andrew Heap says he was interested in volunteering right from his graduation. “I was very fortunate to be able to study dentistry and become a dentist and had a compelling feeling of wanting to give back,” he says. Andrew has volunteered with dental volunteering groups and causes, including Equal Health, the Kimberley Dental Team, and most recently, St Pat’s.

EQUAL HEALTH

Andrew committed many years to dental volunteerism overseas with Equal Health – making a difference to the oral health of many who otherwise would not have had easy access to a dentist.

“My first trip to India with Equal Health was back in 2005 and it was a real life-changer for me,” he recalls. “It opened my eyes to other cultures and another country that was very different from our own. India was somewhere that I really loved, and I loved the people, I loved the culture and really enjoyed being a part of that.

“After that trip I became involved as a team leader and as the years went by, I became the person that was coordinating the dental effort for Equal Health – I thoroughly enjoyed that experience.”

“A time I will always remember from India 2006 was when we treated an old lady for severe pain by extracting her tooth,” he recalls. “Following the extraction, with no spoken English in her grasp, she burst into tears. Greatly concerned I asked the interpreter if we had hurt her and he said: “No you didn’t, she’s just incredibly happy, relieved and grateful to be out of the pain she had suffered from this tooth for five years’. My dental nurse and I just had to turn away and have a little weep ourselves. It makes volunteering all worthwhile!”

Andrew’s last trip with Equal Health was in 2017, but he continued as a coordinator from Perth until the trips were cancelled due to COVID restrictions in 2020. “The trip in 2020 was the last time Equal Health went away to India and that just scraped in,” he says. “The trip was in February and the team managed to get home just as things were starting to ramp up.”

KIMBERLEY DENTAL TEAM

Andrew started volunteering with the Kimberley Dental Team in 2010 and tries to do one trip a year.

“It is fantastic experience, and we always have a great time,” Andrew says. “We are very fortunate that we are able to take a couple of final year dental students as well, which is very nice to be able to mentor them and show them that different aspect of dentistry.”

ST PAT’S

With the Equal Health trips cancelled, Andrew was looking for another volunteering option, and started volunteering with St Pat’s in late 2021. “I had always intended to volunteer with St Pat’s, but when I was still involved with my own clinical practice that regular commitment wasn’t possible,” he says. “When I retired, I was able to commit and volunteer once a month, and it is great.”

Andrew says at St Pat’s he is doing extractions, basic restoratives and denture work – and the feedback from the patients he treats is always very positive. For Andrew, he is also always pleasantly surprised by the broad spectrum of patients he gets to treat. “They are all very nice people, and it is rewarding to be able to be able to help them out in this way,” he says. “When I am doing dentistry at St Pat’s you don’t have to worry about anything other than just providing close to the optimum treatment that you can for those patients.”

CALL-OUT TO OTHERS

For dentists approaching retirement (or those at any stage of their career) who are thinking about volunteering, Andrew says to give it a go. “Speak to one of us who have volunteered over a number of years, and we can give you an idea of what to expect.

“Volunteering is a nice way of enjoying dentistry in a different way,” he adds. “You don’t have to necessarily worry about the business aspect of dentistry or the cost aspect, but can just enjoy the experience of helping people, using the skills we have been given.”

To enquire about volunteering at St Pat’s contact Deb McLeod, dmcleod@stpats.com.au

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top tips for social media advertising

A great strategy to win local area domination

Dental practices are increasingly turning to social media advertising –we’re talking Facebook and Instagram – as part of their core patient acquisition strategy. But for many, it remains an underutilised channel and therefore, something new to get your head around.

Credabl’s Ali Joyce sat down with Ankita and Brendan Lewis, dental marketing specialists and owners of Searchbox, to find out why social media advertising is a blue ocean for dental practices seeking new patient growth.

Social media advertising is therefore a perfect strategy for practices seeking to be more visible within their local area – often referred to as “achieving local area domination”, right through to cosmetic dental practices wanting to attract more high-end treatments, via targeted advertising.

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“For every person who turns to a search engine to find a solution to their desires for [insert reason] – perhaps a better smile, more confidence, less pain –there are another four to five people who haven’t yet taken the step to do something about their problem. This is the blue ocean,” they say.

HERE ARE 7 TIPS TO CONSIDER FOR SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISING FOR YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE

Tip 1

Know the difference between organic content and paid advertising. Ads are for lead generation i.e. bringing new enquiries to your clinic. Organic content helps to build knowledge and trust with your page followers. However, paid ads give you targeted reach. Organic content builds trust. They both work together but serve completely different purposes.

Tip 2

Know your target audience. Right down to the benefits and anxieties of that specific target market that you’re going after. Your advertising messaging and offer then must align with this. Getting this right can mean the difference between 5 to 10 times returns on your advertising investment and, well... nada.

Tip 3

Be different. Imagine your target market seeing exactly the same ads and the same offer from you and your competitors. Where's the differentiation? Your advertising is your opportunity to build brand awareness and connection with your local audience.

Tip 4

Respond to your enquiries quickly, within five minutes. If you want leads to answer their phones when you call, then make sure to call them within five minutes of their enquiry.

Tip 5

Use scripts and follow a process to understand the needs of your prospects, including what it was about the ad that made them decide to reach out, before offering to book them in for an appointment. Not every practice takes five minutes to learn more about their patient’s current situation and what they’re looking for prior to offering to book them for a consultation. Your patients will notice the difference.

Tip 6

Use personalised booking reminders to contact your leads at least 48 hours before their appointment. It helps to lift show up rates but also builds towards a 5-star client experience.

Tip 7

Use a lead management tool or CRM for collecting the valuable details of all the enquiries that are generated from your ad campaigns. Not only will a CRM help you to track your ROI from case acceptances, but you can later use emails and SMS campaigns to reactivate prospects and generate new booked appointments without spending money on ads. As an example, Searchbox provides its clients with exclusive access to its RAPIDconvert platform.

Whether you’re new to seeking finance or ready for a review, we’re available to chat live on our website credabl.com.au or you can call Ali J (0411 602 084), Deb (0413 427 601) or Kym (0482 163 249) in the WA team any time, they’d be happy to help!

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 considered 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.

ADVERTORIAL

Vale Dr Mark Francis Davis Endodontist

In this edition of the Western Articulator, we pay tribute to past President, Dr Mark Davis.

Mark graduated from UWA in 1980 and went on to study Endodontics as his specialty: He was a long serving Dental Officer in the Australian Regular Army and served in that position from 1976 to 1996.

He operated an Endodontic Practice in West Perth from 1996 to 2000 and during that time, tutored in Endodontics at the University. He was President of the Australian Society of Endodontology for a year and then a Councillor for the Society.

Mark joined the ADAWA Council in 1995 and in 2000 became an Executive Officer. He was voted

Mark was passionate about health care and the training and employment of Dental Assistants and support staff. He was the ADAWA representative on many external committees including Department of Training and Employment, Chairperson of the Community Dental Needs and Auxiliaries Committee for over four years. Standards Committee, Industrial Officer and TAFE Curriculum Advisory Committee for setting the syllabus for the DAA course. He also was the ADAWA representative for a number of Federal Committees during his time serving on Council.

During his Presidency, the Preferred Provider Arrangement was introduced by one of the large Private Health Funds with no consultation with the Association. This was a huge project for the ADAWA Council and Executive to navigate and ensure the correct information was provided to the Membership so that informed decisions could be made by them for the benefit of their practices.

Mark was also heavily involved in many of the ADAWA Committees, sitting as Head of the Advisory Committee to the Head of School of Dentistry, Infection Control Committee, Media and Public Relations Committee and Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee for The Oral Health Centre of Western Australia.

In 2001, there was a change over when the CEO resigned, and a new dentist was appointed to the position. The support of Mark, along with Executive and Council during this time was paramount to the continued smooth running of the ADAWA.

Personally, Mark was very thoughtful and kind to ADAWA members and staff. He was always available to talk and approachable about anything professional or personal. He will be very missed.

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in as President of the ADAWA in October 2002 and served the ADAWA for three years in this position.

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Dr Trudy Lin Meet

Prior to her trip to Perth to present a Special Needs Dinner course, we caught up with Special Needs Dentistry Specialist and 2022 South Australia Young Australian of the Year, Dr Trudy Lin.

The WA Dental CPD dinner courses are always popular, but if you want to attend a course that will make an impact on you, then you cannot miss out on the Special Needs Dinner in March, presented by Special Needs Dentistry Specialists, Drs Trudy Lin and Jee-Yun Leung.

Trudy’s passion for creating more equitable access to oral health care is infectious, and this mission stems from childhood.

“Growing up, I watched my father struggle with his oral health,” Trudy recalls. “He has severe tetracycline staining and I saw how that held him back from living the life that he wanted to lead – from withdrawing from social situations, not wanting to pursue job opportunities and the impact it had on his self-esteem. This is what drove my passion to become a dentist and help prevent a smile or oral health from being a reason people can’t live to their true potential.”

Trudy’s interest in special needs dentistry firstly came because she feels so passionately about every person having access to oral health care, so wanted to have the skills to look after any person that made it to her dental chair.

“The second influence comes from drawing more from my family’s lived experience,” she adds.

“My youngest brother Arron has autism and my grandma passed away from cancer. I was very close to my grandmother and being alongside her during her cancer journey played a big part in wanting to help others who were experiencing similar challenges to her.”

Trudy is one of only 24 Special Needs Dentistry specialists in Australia and has taken the mission

of spreading the word about the importance of equitable oral care seriously. Her dedication was recognised when she was awarded the 2022 South Australian Young Australian of the Year, and later in the year, received an invitation to attend the Queen’s funeral. “It was an honour to receive the invitation to promote Special Needs Dentistry and our profession; I also feel like it was a defining moment for all specialists in Special Needs Dentistry and for oral healthcare professionals because it was a recognition of how valued the contributions of oral healthcare professionals are in our country. I was so humbled to happen to be the person selected to represent that and I felt this strong sense of duty and responsibility to be a worthy representative of the importance of our profession and as a really proud Australian citizen.”

Trudy has only been to Perth once before, in a fleeting visit in 2021 to volunteer with a camp for children with cancer through Camp Quality. This means, the Special Needs Dinner she will be presenting alongside fellow Special Needs Dentistry Specialist, Dr Jee-Yun Leung, will be the WA dental cohort’s first opportunity to see Trudy lecture. “I really enjoy giving CPD lectures and helping to upskill General Dentists because it is the way we will be able to create more access to care for marginalised populations, who experience the greatest burdens of oral disease,” she says. “It comes back to believing that every person deserves the right to oral health care.

“Special Needs Dentistry is quite a broad speciality and encompasses a broad range of different patients including various types of disability, complex medical issues, and psychosocial

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complexities,” Trudy adds. “In the course, Jee-Yun will cover managing medically-compromised patients and I will cover caring for people with disability, which includes physical, intellectual and psychiatric conditions.

“I like to make the content as applicable and useful to General Dentists as possible, so I’ll cover treatment philosophies, approaches and techniques, which can be universally-applied for patients typically cared for in the private practice setting. This includes the techniques which apply to anxious or phobic patients, paediatric patients and geriatric patients, such as communication techniques, decision making frameworks and also sensory approaches to clinical care. I always like to have a lot of interaction and so there will be lots of opportunities for attendees to ask any questions they have specifically.”

To General Dentists who think Special Needs Dentistry skills do not apply to them, Trudy’s message is that every person that seeks your care is likely to fall under the Special Needs banner at some point in their lifetime. “Any one of us, our loved ones or our patients, could end up with some sort of physical, medical or mental condition and that might be through accident, illness, injury or ageing,” she says. “This is why equitable access to oral healthcare for people with Special Needs should matter to all of us, because any one of us could fit into that banner at any point in our lives. Imagine if every General Dentist extended their skills to care for just a few more patients who have those additional needs and the impact that would make.”

Trudy says she enjoys the ripple effect that comes from teaching and equipping others, not just with knowledge and skills, but the mindset to want to extend themselves and step outside their comfort zones to learn and evolve as a clinician.

It is clear Trudy’s work as a clinician is just as rewarding. “Nothing compares to that feeling you get from making a positive impact on someone’s life and I feel we are so fortunate as oral health professionals that with our very own hands, we can take someone immediately out of pain,” she says. “Oral health has such a strong influence on a person’s ability to participate and be included in society that we also get to experience the satisfaction through helping someone improve their ability to eat, to speak and to smile. We then experience a flow-on effect which leads to them being able to live life on their terms and just reach their full potential,” she says.

“I had patients who once they had their dentures inserted developed the self- confidence to go and find the love of their life, go for job interviews and change their financial status. The impacts are even greater when you are caring for people from marginalised identities. For example, Australians with an intellectual disability die 20 years younger than the general population and the leading cause of their premature death is lung disease, 50 percent of which is aspiration pneumonia, which we as oral health professionals know is linked to inhalation of dental plaque. It is profound to have that realisation that the next time you clean someone’s teeth, you could be saving their life – that is how important our work is.”

LIN WILL BE PRESENTING
Dinner
DR
Special Needs
March 16 University Club
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Oral health has such a strong influence on a person’s ability to participate and be included in society that we also get to experience the satisfaction through helping someone improve their ability to eat, to speak and to smile.

5 MINUTES WITH Dr Trudy Lin

What three words best describe you?

The most common words that people have said describe me is that I’m passionate, caring and determined. I feel like the three of them are very interlinked. I am driven by this strong belief in inclusion – every person matters, and every person deserves to live to their true potential. This drives this strong sense of social justice and care for people from marginalised identities and that drives my passion for my work and my advocacy. Then I become determined to do the best that I can to make a difference.

If you weren’t in the dentistry field, what would you be doing for a living?

I truly feel called to my work in oral healthcare; I can’t imagine not being involved in the dental profession in some way. I do find myself being drawn to the ‘one-to-many’ impact and that is what I enjoyed about the time I spent before specialty training in leadership and mindset coaching, so perhaps that might be what I would be doing.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I haven’t had much time in the last year with all my spare moments being used with voluntary advocacy for oral healthcare as a result of the SA Young Australian of the Year Award. I am looking forward to the pace potentially slowing down a little bit to allow me to spend my spare time outdoors in nature.

What is your favourite book?

My favourite book is called The Brain: The Story of You by David Eagleman. I believe our brains are the most powerful tool that shapes our lives and that is what drew me into mindset coaching. What I love about this book is it sheds so much light on understanding how our brains are wired and how we make decisions.

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

I completed a 105 kilometre ultra-marathon on the Heysen Trail to fundraise for the Cancer Council. That usually surprises people and it surprised myself because if you meet me you’ll see I don’t have the height to be a runner – I am quite small and short. But that is the reason that drew me to it – to develop my mindset and break through a self-limiting belief. The amazing thing about this experience was when I broke through that belief it really changed my concept of what I believed was possible in other areas of my life.

What future plans are on the horizon for you?

I have been asked this question a lot, and it has allowed me to gain clarity about my personal mission statement – what I aim to contribute is summed up as trying to help people move to their full potential – that is why I am working towards creating more equitable access to oral health care for marginalised people in our community.

I see three pillars to this mission – the first one being raising awareness around the importance of oral health in the general community, secondly – advocating for solutions at government policy level, and thirdly – building capacity supporting and upskilling dentists.

I would like to focus more on that third pillar and invest more time in supporting clinicians. It is important to support clinicians in their wellbeing because at the end of the day, clinicians are the critical asset, which then drives patient care. This passion I have comes from my own near-burnout experience during my specialist training and what I found was when I sought mindset coaching it had a huge impact on my capacity and resilience to then thrive. I would like to empower other dentists to thrive in their professional and personal lives in some way, shape or form through mindset coaching in the future.

20 EDITION 1 | 2023 W ESTERN ARTICULATO R
P: 1800 262 346 E: info@amafinance.com.au www.amafinance.com.au 1. ADA (WA) members are eligible for a cashback per application successfully settled during the promotional period. 2. Promotional period – The loan is lodged and settled between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. 3. ADA (WA) members are entitled to receive the cashback in addition to any bank/lender cashback offers (if eligible). 4. ADA (WA) Members will be eligible to a cashback on home loans successfully settled during the promotional period as per the below schedule under the following conditions: i. Net loan value $400,000 - $750,000 receive $500 cashback. ii. Net loan value $750,001 – $1,500,000 receive $1,000 cashback. iii. Net loan value above $1,500,000 receive $2,000 cashback. 5. The net loan value used to calculate the cashback is calculated after considering any offset balances or redraw facilities, as AMA Finance Brokers receives their share of commission after the aggregator/ licensee split on the net loan amount. 6. The eligible cash back is calculated on total consolidated loan value per loan settled. 7. The eligible cashback will be paid within 12 weeks from the date of successful settlement by AMA Finance Brokers directly to the member’s nominated bank account only. 8. Refer to the bank/lender cashback terms & conditions. ^Terms & conditions. GET UP TO $5K CASHBACK ON HOME LOANS Australian Credit Licence 389087 CASHBACK OFFER EXTENDED UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2023 If you’re not an ADA (WA) member, join and you will receive the ADA (WA) cashback offer and the other benefits of membership. Net loan value $400,000 - $750,000, receive $500 cashback Net loan value $750,001 - $1,500,000, receive $1000 cashback Net loan value above $1,500,000, receive $2,000 cashback from the bank or lender (if eligible) on home loans successfully settled between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023.^ $2K CASHBACK ON TOP OF THE CASHBACK OFFER Australian Dental Association (WA) members are eligible to receive up to adawa.com.au 21

6 SAT

Drs Amanda Phoon Nguyen & Tom Huang

Drs Graham Carmichael and Glen Liddelow The Brånemark Center

Oral Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons CTEC

Practicing Safe and Efficient Endodontics for Long-Term Success

Dr Gaurav Vasudeva

UWA Dental School

13 SAT Socket and Ridge Preservation

19 FRI

20 SAT

16-17

Drs Leticia Algarves Miranda and Mahnaz Syed

ADA House

Smart Brain – Nutrition Workshop

Ms Julie Meek ADA House

Simple Predictable Posterior Composite Restorations

Dr Michael Chan

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons

Drs Paul Gorgolis & Asheen Behari

W/Professor

Bookings & Enquiries Additional information and bookings at adawa.com.au/cpd
Event Types WA Dental CPD Events ADAWA General Meetings Other FEBRUARY 15 WED CPR Refresher ADA House 17 FRI Dental Sleep Medicine ADA House 22 WED NPP Study Club 1 Dr Sally McMullen ADA House 24 FRI Hands-on Rotary Endodontic Course Australian Society of Endodontology ADA House 25 SAT To Prep, or Not to Prep Dr Clarence Tam UWA Dental School 26 SUN Sexy, Simple Posterior Composite Restorations Dr Clarence Tam UWA Dental School MARCH 8 WED ADAWA General Meeting ADA House 15 WED NPP Study Club 2 Dr Trudy Lin ADA House 16 THURS Special Needs Dinner Drs Jee-Yun Leung and Trudy Lin University Club 18 SAT Practical Oral Surgery Oral and maxillofacial surgeons CTEC 24 FRI Anterior Composite Workshop Dr Michael Mandikos UWA Dental School 25 SAT Perfect Posterior Composites Dr Michael Mandikos UWA Dental School April 1 SAT The Primary Dentition Dr Vanessa William UWA Dental School
FRI Oral
Rojak
CALENDAR 2023
28
Medicine
Holtel, Singapore
WED ADAWA General Meeting ADA House
THUR
Cariology
University Club
Carlton
MAY 3
4
Updates in
Dr Jilen Patel
5 FRI Restore My First Implant
Practical
6 SAT
UWA Dental School
JUNE 10 SAT Practical Oral Surgery
CTEC
FRI-SAT Biomimetic Minimal Prep Restorations
WED
ADA House
UWA Dental School 21
CPR Refresher
23 FRI Simplified Clinical Endodontics
Dental School 22 EDITION 1 | 2023 W ESTERN ARTICULATO R Fully booked Fully booked Fully booked
Paul Abbott UWA

29 THUR

july

1 SAT

The Halitosis Pathosis: Diagnosis, Prognosis & More

Drs Amanda Phoon Nguyen & Melanie McAlpine University Club

Minimally Traumatic Tooth Removal and Socket Preservation

Dr Luan Ngo & Dr Cindy Nguyen

UWA Dental School

7 THUR

The Bite Stuff - Occlusion for the General Practitioner

Dr Asheen Behari University Club

16 SAT Practical Oral Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons CTEC

Advanced Single Implants & Introduction to Short-Span Bridges

2 SUN Crown Lengthening for the General Dentist

22 FRI

Dr Luan Ngo & Dr Cindy Nguyen

ADA House

5 WED ADAWA General Meeting

6 THUR

8 SAT

21 FRI

ADA House

Silver Diamine Fluoride: Use vs Abuse

Dr Jilen Patel University Club

Restorative Rubber Dam

Drs Bec Penco, Greg Crane and Maheer Shah

UWA Dental School

Hands-On Extraction

Professors Raymond Williams & Dieter Gebauer

CTEC UWA

Drs Graham Carmichael & Glen Liddelow Brånemark Center

October

7 SAT Suturing Workshop

Dr Lee Kaing ADA House

13 FRI Practical Oral Surgery for Your Practice

19 THUR

Dr Barbara Woodhouse

ADA House

Innovation in Virtual Implant Treatment Planning and Guided Implant Surgery

Dr Adam Hamilton University Club

22 SAT Stress Management

Ms Alex Hof

ADA House

August 4 FRI Anxiety Control in the Dental Practice

Dr Steven Parker

UWA Dental School

5 SAT Anxiety Control in the Dental Practice

Dr Steven Parker

UWA Dental School

11 FRI Restore My First Implant

Drs Graham Carmichael & Glen Liddelow

The Brånemark Center

18 FRI

Predictable and Easy Root Canal Instrumentation and Filling Techniques

W/Professor Paul Abbott

UWA Dental School

September

6 WED ADAWA General Meeting

ADA House

25

Oral

21 SAT Practical Oral Surgery

W/Professor Paul Abbott Hilton Garden Inn, Albany

November

3-4

Porcelain Veneers & Ceramic Onlayss

Drs Paul Gorgolis & Asheen Behari UWA

and maxillofacial surgeons CTEC
WED
Meeting
ADAWA General
ADA House 27 FRI Managing Those Pesky Problems
FRI-SAT
Public Holidays 6 Mar – Labour Day 7 Apr – Good Friday 9 Apr – Easter Sunday 10 Apr – Easter Monday 25 Apr – ANZAC Day
Jun – Western Australia Day 25 Sep – King's Birthday 25 Dec – Christmas Day 26 Dec – Boxing Day
Holidays 7 Apr – 23 April 1 July – 16 July 23 Sep – 8 Oct 15 Dec – 30 Jan adawa.com.au 23
Dental School
5
School

COURSE OUTLINE

This course is designed especially for dentists looking to get started or who are already on their way in their dental sleep medicine journey. Presented by dentists, clinicians and sleep scientists, these comprehensive lectures will cover the fundamentals of sleep and sleep disorders in adults and paediatric patients and focus on dental sleep medicine theory with practical pointers that attendees can implement immediately in practice. The lecturers will share relevant research, pointers for managing cases and provide resources for ongoing learning.

TOPICS INCLUDE

• An overview of sleep disorders

• Oral appliance use and combined therapy

• Topics related to device and patient selection

• Troubleshooting challenging clinical cases.

Dental Sleep Medicine

6.5 CPD Friday 17 February 2023

Registration from 8.30 am

Course 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

ADA House

54-58 Havelock St West Perth

Lunch, morning and afternoon tea

$ 682 inc gst

MEMBERS

PRESENTERS

• Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen – Oral Medicine Specialist and Chair of the Australasian Sleep Association Dental Sleep Medicine Council

• Clinical Prof. Shyan Vijayasekaran – ENT Surgeon

• Dr Adelaide Withers – Respiratory and Sleep Paediatrician Physician

• Dr Anam Khan – Dentist and lecturer at OHCWA in Dental sleep medicine and co-chair of ASA DSM

• Dr Ivan Ling – Respiratory and Sleep Physician

• Dr Kath Maddison – Respiratory Sleep Scientist

LEC T URE
book, visit
The fundamentals of sleep and sleep disorders in adults and paediatric patients.
To
adawa.com.au/cpd
SPONSORED BY

5HOURSFREECPD

WADU RETURNS IN 2023

Western

Update

Australia Dental

Join Dr Nabil Khzam at the 2023 Dental Update conference at ADA House on SUNDAY 18 JUNE 2023

9:00am - 5:00pm

PRESENTED BY:

Dr Janice Kan

Evolution from All on 4 to AUDENTES –

Instant final full arch implant bridge at implant surgery

Dr Nabil Khzam

Lasers in Periodontics

Professor Camile Farah

Real-time digital biopsy: Endless possibilities

Dr Tim Silbert

A Simple Diagnositc Matrix and Tips and Tricks to make your endodontic treament easier

Dr Lee Kaing

Dentoalveolor Surgery: Clinical cases and discussion

RSVP TO reportsnkperio@gmail.com

Extracted natural teeth needed

Extracted natural teeth, including Upper Molars, Lower Molars and especially Upper Anterior natural teeth are needed for the production of Student Endodontic models for 2023 and WA Dental CPD endodontic courses. The teeth will need to be saved in saline or bleach and can be dropped off when attending events at ADA House or OHCWA (marked for OPTECH). Alternatively, arrangements can be made for their collection. For further details, please contact

Christine Ludgwick | OHCWA

christine.ludgwick@uwa.edu.au 08 6457 7679

Dr Jenny Ball | ADAWA

jenny@adawa.com.au

0419 044 549

Education & Training

COURSE OUTLINE

The first and foremost aim of providing quality restorative dentistry is to eliminate disease and preserve healthy tooth structure. Modern Endodontics is no different. It is a philosophy that encourages using disinfection and instrumentation techniques that are not only designed to eliminate disease but also preservation of dentine. The aim of this course is the best enable dentists perform root canals using magnification, enhanced illumination and working with modern disinfection and instrumentation techniques for long term success in a safe and predictable way

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Concepts of conservative and safe mechanical preparation and instrumentation - newer rotary/reciprocating systems and how to use them safely using enhanced magnification and illumination

• Importance of Disinfection in Endodontics and how to improve irrigation techniques and efficiency of your disinfectants with different protocols

• Understanding and practicing restorative driven endodontics with techniques for post endo restorations that best reinforces and retains its biomechanical structure.

• Assessing and interpreting 2D and 3D radiographs in endodontics, assessing case difficulty/complexity and understanding limitations.

• Introduction to Bioceramics

The focus of this course will be on modern access preparation designs, finding a balance between hand and rotary instrumentation for safe and effective preparations and trying various disinfection techniques including activation devices like ultrasonics. Participants will have the opportunity to work with microscopes.

Practising Safe and Efficient Endodontics for Long-Term Success

7 CPD Saturday 6 May 2023

Registration from 8.15am Course 8.30am to 5.30pm

UWA Dental School

17 Monash Avenue, Nedlands

Lunch, morning and afternoon tea

$ 1,100 inc gst

MEMBERS

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Dr Gaurav Vasudeva is a Specialist Endodontist. He graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery from India in 2001 and went on the gain his specialist masters’ degree in Endodontics. He was awarded a diplomate membership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in the specialist field of Endodontics by examination and in 2016 was further inducted into their Faculty of Dental Trainers and examiner in the field. Besides clinical endodontic work, Gaurav has a keen interest in mentoring and teaching. Between 2014 – 2018 he had adjunct Sr. Lecturer appointments with University of Queensland and James Cook University. Gaurav also served as a Clinical lead with the Oral Health services Tasmania and played a key role in establishing endodontic treatment protocols, policies, and operating microscope for the public system in Tasmania.

Gaurav has a special interest in the management of oro-facial pain, dental trauma, complex root canal anatomy and using newer technologies like CBCT in diagnosis and treatment planning. He moved to Perth nearly five years ago and has his endodontic practice in Applecross WA.

HAN
To book, visit adawa.com.au/cpd
DS-ON
SPONSORED BY

ADAWA works closely with a number of partners and affiliates, resulting in strong relationships with like-minded organisations and associations. We also work with par tners to provide member benefits for ADAWA members, including discounts on advantageous products and services.

DENTAL STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Access unique and accurate dental images for your presentations and all your practice marketing via Dental Stock Photos. ADAWA members are eligible for a 20% discount off the Recommended Retail Price to purchase photographs. Go to dentalstockphotos.com/pages/adawa to find out more.

BUNNINGS TRADE

Bunnings Trade and ADAWA are delighted to announce a partnership which gives you the opportunity to join the PowerPass Membership Program. To sign up or link your existing PowerPass account, please contact OrganisationsWA@bunnings.com.au

WA ENERGY

Local company WA Energy is stepping up to offer ADAWA members big discounts on dental practice energy bills. ADAWA members are eligible for new energy pricing and to have smart solar installed for $0 upfront. Email sales@wa.energy or call 08 6141 3252.

INVEDENT

ADAWA wants to support your practice with an easy to use and easy to implement system that enables you to manage your supply ordering and stock hassle-free. That’s why you’ll get 10% off Invedent as an ADAWA member. Visit invedent.com

AMA FINANCE BROKERS

ADA members are eligible to receive up to $2,000^ cashback on top of the cashback offer from the bank or lender (if eligible) on home loans successfully settled between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023. Phone 1800 262 346 or email info@amafinance.com.au to find out more.

ONDA

As one of ADAWA's valued corporate partners, ONDA provide timesaving services to our members, which are tailored to the busy dental professional.‍ Until the end of the financial year, ONDA are offering our members a 15% discount on all new sign-ups to their financial admin services. Contact george@ondagroup.com.au to book your free consultation.

VPG

Boutique commercial property company, VPG Property, is partnering with ADAWA to look after our members’ business and personal property needs. VPG Property is offering a free initial property consult to ADAWA members. vpgproperty.com.au

Partner Index

Complaints resolution

Hindered by the decisions of others

Receiving a complaint from a patient can be worrying and stressful. Navigating this road to resolution can be inherently different, and this is compounded when hindered by the decisions of others. Staying the course and achieving an amicable outcome can require of us both professional and personal fortitude. Mrs Anita Kemp, Case Manager at Dental Protection, considers this through the lens of a recently reported matter.

Dr B had taken over the care of Mr M’s dental health, from his practice principal, Dr A. Of late, Mr M had become unhappy with the appearance of his current implant retained upper denture and requested that Dr B make him a new one, to which Dr B agreed.

The new denture was fabricated, and Mr M was happy with the final result. At a routine check-up and clean appointment, when replacing the denture (after cleaning) one of the implant screws fractured. Dr B explained to Mr M what had happened and made the appropriate referral (after recommendations from colleagues) to the periodontal specialist to assist with its retrieval. He had also called the specialist and confirmed that the screw could be removed. Dr B assured Mr M of his assistance and support throughout this time and Mr M advised Dr B that he was not concerned at all, adding he was happy to utilise his health fund benefits if needed.

Mr M attended his appointment with the specialist and whilst at his appointment the denture and bite were adjusted and his periodontal condition was treated but the screw was not removed. Later that month Mr M returned to Dr B, as he noticed that another of his lower implant crowns (44) had loosened,

and Dr B completed the necessary treatment to tighten the implant. Mr M was charged for this appointment and when leaving the practice, he disputed the fee. In his mind, 44 crown had become loose as a direct result of bite, which he now believed had changed since the screw fractured.

A few weeks later a letter of complaint was received, and it was addressed to Dr B’s principal dentist Dr A. The letter outlined Mr M’s discontent with his treatment, and the fit of his denture and bite. He also attributed the cause of these concerns to Dr B and the fractured screw. He mentioned that he had been sent to the specialist to have the screw retrieved –which hadn’t happened – and he had incurred further costs when the lower implant became loose which he found completely unacceptable. He believed the fractured screw had changed the fit of his denture and bite and caused the lower implant 44 to become loose. Furthermore, after his recent appointment with Dr B, Mr M had returned to the specialist and was told they were unable to remove the screw and referred him to ‘another specialist’ for further care. He advised that in order to avoid escalation of his complaint or legal recourse, he did not want to see Dr B again and requested that he return

28 EDITION 1 | 2023 W ESTERN ARTICULATO R

to the care of the practice principal Dr A for remediation and all future treatment and care, because Mr M held Dr A in very high regard. Unbeknown to Mr M, Dr A had made it very clear to Dr B, that he would not manage Mr M’s care and that it was up to Dr B to facilitate and manage his complaint.

In reality, Mr M felt abandoned through no fault of his own. He had been bouncing between practitioners and began to scrutinise and question all treatment that had been provided to him both past and present. Mr M’s perception of Dr B then changed. Unfortunately for Dr B, Mr M felt that Dr B was the sole cause of his dental concerns and he was very angry. Dr B reached out to Mr M, acknowledging his feelings and concerns, and offering an apology and advising that he was under the impression that the fractured screw would be removed by the periodontal specialist. He then reextended his offer to assist with the retrieval costs with the prosthodontist specialist and explained that Mr M’s treatment and care remained his priority and he was not alone.

Mr M was still very upset and requested a copy of his records from Mr B and the periodontal specialist practice. Mr B naturally agreed, but when he attempted to organise the transfer of Mr M’s records he was told by the practice principal that the full records would not be released. Although Dr B was aware that Mr M was entitled to a copy of his records on request, he felt helpless. Unsurprisingly, the decision by the practice not to release the records did

not bode well with Mr M, nor did it help Mr M’s and Dr B’s already strained relationship. In fact, Mr M believed Dr B was obstructing access to his records and began to question Dr B’s transparency with his treatment. Despite all of Dr B’s good intentions to assist Mr M, it seemed at every turn, decisions outside of his control were making matters worse.

Nevertheless, Dr B continued to correspond with Mr M politely and respectfully, offering his assistance and support where he was able, reminding himself that there was person attached to this matter and taking time to reflect on the events that had occurred from Mr M’s perspective. Dr B continued to follow Mr M’s care with the prosthodontist and was able to achieve an amicable agreement and resolution with Mr M when the screw was finally removed.

LEARNING POINTS

In this situation, the complaint and Mr M’s perception of Dr B’s treatment and care or lack thereof was escalated by outside influences –staff and colleagues. When treatment didn’t go to plan, Mr M looked for someone to blame and unfortunately and unfairly, Dr B bore this brunt. Whilst unfair and very difficult at times, Dr B was able to weather this storm, dispatch his duty of care and reach an amicable agreement with Mr M. This inherent professionalism protected Dr B from a formal complaint to the regulator, and ultimately enabled the resolution of the matter.

adawa.com.au 29
Despite all of Dr B’s good intentions to assist Mr M, it seemed at every turn, decisions outside of his control were making matters worse.

Deserving recipients

Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) were one of the worthy recipients of the 2022 Healthier Smiles Community Grants.

When the TIMA team found out they were one of the recipients of the 2022 Mars Wrigley Foundation and Australian Dental Health Foundation Healthier Smiles Community Grants for their Cycle of Love project, they were thrilled that they could continue to make a difference to those who require treatment but are unable to afford private dental care or access public dental services.

TIMA’s dedicated volunteers provide free dental treatment via their free dental clinics.

“We set up a free dental clinic in 2013,” long-term volunteer Doris Eng recalls. “At first, we did the clinic twice a year, but we found that wasn’t enough, because if someone has a toothache they can’t wait that long.”

AN OPPORTUNITY

Long-term TIMA volunteer, Rachael Wu, has been volunteering with TIMA since her first year of Dental School. “TIMA helps people who are vulnerable,” she says. “My parents were refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia so I can understand that anxiety of going to the dentist when English is a barrier. Being able to volunteer with TIMA and provide that comfort and support to the patients makes you feel good at the end of the day.”

Rachael found out about the grant via an email from the Dental School, and instantly thought TIMA should apply.

“I posted about the grant opportunity in our TIMA group chat, and everyone was on board,” Rachael recalls. “We created a Google Drive where everyone pitched in to compile everything.

“Finding out we received the grant was incredible,” she adds. “We knew we could do a lot of positive things with the grant.”

What started as a bi-annual dental fair has grown to a monthly clinic held at Leeming Dental. The grant means the TIMA volunteers can do more within the TIMA dental branch via their monthly clinics and oral health promotion.

“Many of the patients we treat have complex care needs and sometimes they are not able to carry on the dental hygiene or oral health recommendations we have given them,” TIMA acting coordinator, Peggy Lee, says. “We realised the most sustainable way moving forward is to offer them comprehensive education, not just having the primary dentist explain how to look after a denture chairside. The grant means we can do so much more.”

So far, this has included giving patients oral health packs to continue their oral health care after they leave the clinic, and presenting to Foundation Housing about good oral hygiene and dietary advice.

CYCLE OF LOVE

Peggy says Cycle of Love is about helping people in need. “The love and care we offer is not only about dental and medical needs, but our volunteers will sit down with them and make sure they feel comfortable in the dental environment. Our patients will have company throughout the whole journey, and our volunteers will be there to hold their hand if they need it and offer support as well.”

“Tzu Chi translates to ‘Compassion Relief’”, Doris explains. “We are driven by compassion,” Peggy adds. “We always try to put ourselves in the patient’s shoes and give them as much support as possible.”

Volunteers are always welcome to join TIMA. To find out more, email tima.perth@tzuchi.org.au

30 EDITION 1 | 2023 W ESTERN ARTICULATO R
We realised the most sustainable way moving forward is to offer them comprehensive education, not just having the primary dentist explain how to look after a denture chairside.
adawa.com.au 31

Enterprise Bargaining Agreements

Understanding the agreement or award that underpins employment conditions is an important aspect of the employment relationship that should be known and understood in some detail. While somewhat similar in nature, enterprise bargaining agreements (enterprise agreements) differ from awards in their construction and application. This article seeks to explore what an enterprise agreement is, the benefits of having an enterprise agreement, and how recent changes to the Fair Work Amendment Bill influence such agreements.

UNDERSTANDING ENTERPRISE AGREEMENTS

Enterprise agreements resemble some similarities to modern awards, however, they will apply only to a specific business or businesses. Enterprise agreements often contain terms and conditions that differ from the primary award and should be read carefully to be understood. Enterprise agreements generally replace any applicable modern awards or may incorporate relevant terms. The Fair Work Act 2009 provides provisions under which enterprise agreements can be formed and stipulates that employers, employees, and their bargaining representatives should be involved in the process of bargaining for enterprise agreements. Further, essential terms that must be included in enterprise agreements include:

• a nominal expiry date for the agreement

• a flexibility term that allows for the making of individual flexibility arrangements (IFAs) for the purpose of meeting the genuine needs of the employer and employees. These are arrangements between an employer and an individual employee that vary the operation of the enterprise agreement in relation to the employee

• a dispute settlement procedure, which must authorise either the Fair Work Commission or someone else that is independent of those covered by the agreement to settle disputes about any matters under the agreement in relation to terms of a modern award or the National Employment Standards (‘NES’)

• a consultation term, which requires the employer to consult their employees about any major workplace changes that are likely to have a significant effect on them. This clause must also allows the employees to have representation in that consultation

Generally, enterprise agreements will include the abovementioned essential terms in addition to provisions regarding various matters, such as rates of pay and employment conditions. Enterprise agreements must not include anything unlawful such as discriminatory provisions.

ADA HR FEATURE
32 EDITION 1 | 2023 W ESTERN ARTICULATO R

BENEFITS OF AN ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT

Enterprise agreements may be viewed as a favourable mechanism from the perspective of both employers and employees. From an employer’s perspective, enterprise agreements may be viewed positively due to their ability to tailor employment terms and conditions that suit the business’s needs. This may be with respect to rostering, loaded rates of pay, and hours of work as included in the agreement. Other advantages may include the reduced likelihood of industrial action, particularly where trade unions have been involved in the bargaining process, and wage growth certainty where annual increases are forecasted and specified in the enterprise agreement.

From an employee perspective, advantages of enterprise agreements may include assurance that employment terms and conditions have been supported and improved through the bargaining process.

RECENT CHANGES IMPACTING ENTERPRISE AGREEMENTS

As noted, the Fair Work Act dictates the formation and process that underpins enterprise bargaining. In line with the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill which has recently passed parliament, the Bill introduces various amendments to the Fair Work Act including those specifically related to enterprise agreements. A general summary of changes includes the sunsetting of zombie (lapsed) enterprise agreements, changes to the enterprise agreement pre-approval process, the Fair Work Commission’s ability to issue an intractable bargaining declaration, supported bargaining, and changes to the better-off overall test.

To understand and ensure compliance with the intricacies of amendments to the Fair Work Act, particularly in relation to changes that impact enterprise agreements, employers (and employees) should contact the telephone advisory line.

For more information on enterprise agreements or legislative changes to the Fair Work Act impacting enterprise bargaining, please call the ADA HR Advisory Service on 1300 232 462.

adawa.com.au 33

Don’t spend marketing money if you can’t answer your new patient calls

Clear Admin People’s NEW Afterhours and Overflow Virtual Reception team means that you’ll capture every new patient enquiry from your marketing efforts and enjoy the extra practice revenue they bring. This is vital if you consider that the average lifetime value of a dental patient is up to $45,000 according to Dr Mark Costes from True Dental Success.

SO, BEFORE YOU SIMPLY INCREASE YOUR MARKETING AND ADVERTISING SPEND CONSIDER THIS:

• Many dental practices spend $50 to $150 per day on marketing. That’s up to $4,500 per month!

• The average dental practice in Australia misses 35% of their new-patient inbound calls.

• Out of the 65% of calls that are answered, less than half are converted to a first appointment.

• From under $12 per day, Clear can make sure all your new patient inquiries are responded to.

POORLY MANAGED INBOUND CALLS CREATES EXPENSIVE MARKETING! cost per new patient no missed calls 35% missed calls

Unfortunately for most practices, a large percentage of this money is going to waste because so many enquiries are left without a timely or professional response.

35% more expensive

The average practice in Australia misses 35% of their new patient inbound calls. Practices that optimise their new patient experience benefit from lower marketing costs.

If someone called your practice last night at 7pm, does anybody in your practice get notified? Does anyone in your team have the task of managing after hours enquiries made by phone, email or social media and responding in the morning? Quite often, that’s too late and they have already booked in somewhere else.

| 2023 W
R
34 EDITION 1
ESTERN ARTICULATO
When you’re spending money on marketing and advertising to attract new patients but are not able to capture enquiries and respond in a timely manner, it can get really expensive, and fast.

CLEAR ADMIN PEOPLE HAS THE SOLUTION!

We’re launching a new Virtual Reception Service that starts from under $12 per day. Our After Hours and Overflow Virtual Reception Team can provide you with the extra support you need to turn your after hours and overflow enquiries into loyal, profitable patients. More than just an answering service, our team can respond to all your phone, email and social media enquiries professionally. We know the dental industry from the inside out.

WE HAVE THE TEAM, THE TECHNOLOGY AND THE SYSTEMS TO GET THIS SERVICE OPERATIONAL FOR YOUR PRACTICE WITHIN DAYS IN 2023.

BREAK FREE

For practices that want to break free from the constant demands of inbound calls during business hours.

Under $12 per day

BREAK FREE PLUS

For practices that want to break free from the costs of missed calls, 7 days per week with after hours support.

Under $36 per day

BREAK FREE PREMIUM

For practices that need constant support from 7am to 9pm with virtual reception and outbound patient follow up calls too.

Under $73 per day

Clear Admin People provides remote dental admin to dental practices around Australia. Based in Perth, Clear does resourcing differently. Our people work inside your business from the outside, to get the work you need done, done. Our staff are based offshore but they are an integral part of your team. With experts across a range of admin tasks, we have the right people, right now. We care about your business as if it were our own.

Break free from missed inbound patient enquiries. Call us at 1300 200 269 for a ten-minute chat and let’s work together to help your business to grow.

adawa.com.au 35
ADVERTORIAL

View details of the programme on our website and register now.

world-dental-congress.org

A WORLD-CLASS SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME

When the FDI World Dental Congress comes to Sydney, Australia from 24-27 September 2023, it will bring an array of in-person learning opportunities to you.

Goodnews stories

BEHIND THE SCENES

There is a lot of work behind the scenes that goes into every WA Dental CPD course. Here’s our Director of Continuing Professional Development, Dr Jenny Ball, with a car packed full of equipment and resources, for a regional course late last year.

MOUTHGUARD MARCH

HEALING SMILES HIGHLIGHTED IN 16 DAYS IN WA CAMPAIGN

The wonderful dentists of Healing Smiles continue to volunteer their time and skills to treat survivors of domestic violence.

We are thrilled that the work of Healing Smiles was highlighted in the “16 days in WA’’ campaign. This is part of a global movement aimed at reducing gender-based violence, and driving a change in culture, behaviour and community attitudes that lead to violence against women and their children.

Dr Shanash Bishnulall, a volunteer and committee member of Healing Smiles, was interviewed at Claremont Dental by Channel 7 as part of their media segment. Dr Bishnulall has treated over 20 emergency patients in 2022 pro bono, thanks to the support of Claremont Dental practice owner Dr Dominic Etheridge and staff.

The eviDent Foundation’s campaign to protect smiles with a properly fitted mouthguard is back in 2023! There’s no better time than now to remind parents and players of the importance of wearing a mouthguard during sport, while partnering with eviDent to improve the oral health of Australians. evident.org.au/getinvolved/2023-mouthguardmarch

TRANSITION TO PRACTICE

We held a Transition to Practice Dinner in December to welcome our newest dentists. Thank you to all who attended.

CONGRATULATIONS JILEN PATEL

Congratulations to Dr Jilen Patel, who has been awarded the ADA Outstanding Young Dentist Award (2022) by the Federal ADA Council.

The ADA Outstanding Young Dentist Award is awarded to young members (below 35 years of age) who have made a significant contribution to the ADA and/or dentistry and the community at a national level by excelling in their career, reflecting positively on the dental profession and who have acted as ambassadors to the profession. Congratulations Jilen!

CONGRATULATIONS PAUL ABBOTT

Congratulations to Paul Abbott AO, who was recently named a UWA Emeritus Professor. Well done Emeritus Professor Abbott! Paul was also awarded a Doctor of Dental Science at the recent graduation ceremony.

AT THE General Meeting WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH Join us at the General Meeting with a special presentation from specialist veterinary dentist, Dr Kevin Ng about oral health in animals and its relationship with the dentistry profession. ADA HOUSE 54-58 Havelock St West Perth 6.15 pm EAT AND MEET 7.15 pm MEETING FOLLOWED BY LECTURE RSVP to adawa.com.au/membership/rsvp
adawa.com.au 39
Image courtesy of Animalius Your Referral Vet

WADA Golf

The WADA Golf season commences in February, with our traditional first game at the magnificent Royal Fremantle Golf Club. WADA Golf is available to all interested dentists and dental industry representatives. We meet regularly throughout the year, on a Friday afternoon, for a competitive round of golf, at various courses throughout the Metropolitan area.

Golfers of all standards are welcome to participate. An official golf handicap is preferred, and budding golfers will be assisted to obtain an official handicap as required.

Fellowship, relaxation and an afternoon away from the drill and fill is what you can expect when you join our friendly group. New participants are most welcome. Should you wish to participate in any of the games this year, please contact me at dentistgolf@gmail. com for more information, or to be included on our mailing list.

GOOD GOLFING

FRANK WELTEN

WADA Golf Captain dentistgolf@gmail.com

WADA GOLF 2023 FIXTURES

3 February Royal Fremantle Golf Club

24 March Gosnells Golf Club

12 May Hartfield Country Club

16 June Joondalup Resort Golf Club

7 July Lake Karrinyup (am start)

4 August Royal Perth Golf Club

15 September Kwinana Golf Club

18-20 October Country Club

1 December Royal Fremantle Wind-up Dinner

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 WCDD_18216 17A Wheeler Street, Belmont WA 6104 • Phone (08) 9479 3244 • Fax (08) 9479 3255 • Email sales@westcoastdental.com.au Wayne Young Sales & Project Manager 0417 948 121 Nobody beats West Coast Dental Depot on W&H SELLING OR BUYING A DENTAL PRACTICE? HPB Health Practice Brokers offer a dynamic fresh approach to Dental Business Broking in WA Extensive marketing of your practice to ensure the best possible price achieved Clear communication throughout the sales process Exceptional Customer Service Confidentiality assured Andrew Maurice 0410 642 660 or Garry Bishop 0414 825 855 for a confidential discussion or visit www.hpbaus.com.au

Joinery Solutions for your business.

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Splashbacks

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Cabinets

Available in modular sizes or cut to measure, selected cabinets using standard hardware have been tested to meet the AFRDI tick.

Contact OrganisationsWA@Bunnings.com.au for project quoting or to sign up to PowerPass

42 EDITION 1 | 2023 W ESTERN ARTICULATO R Helping business is our trade.

RELOCATION ANNOUNCEMENT

Drs Amy Hope and Zahida Oakley are pleased to announce that their practice has moved to 47 Railway Parade in Mount Lawley. They are still accepting referrals for all aspects of periodontics and implant surgery. They will continue to care for their existing patients at the new premises.

DR VAISHNAVI GOPALAKRISHNAN SPECIALIST PAEDIATRIC DENTIST

BDS I MDS (PAED) I MRACDS (PAED)

Dr Siva Vasudavan and Dr Lisa Bowdin are delighted to welcome Dr Vaishnavi Gopalakrishnan to the First Smiles team. Dr Vaish is accepting referrals for all aspects of specialist paediatric dental care at the First Smiles clinics in Claremont and Jandakot.

T (08) 9367 9277

T (08) 9228 4737

E reception@centralperiodontics.com.au

A 47 Railway Parade Mount Lawley

W centralperiodontics.com.au

E hello@firstsmiles.com.au

A Suite 9, 40 St Quentin Ave Claremont

A Suite 4, 234 Berrigan Dr Jandakot

W firstsmiles.com.au

NEW PRACTICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Specialist Orthodontist, Dr Luke Chow is pleased to announce the opening of his start-up practice, ‘Inspire Orthodontics’ located in Floreat. He provides individualised orthodontics for children, teens and adults. Accepting new patient referrals, please email for business cards or referral pads.

T +61 457 253 102

E smile@inspireorthodontics.com.au

A 3/434 Cambridge St Floreat

W inspireorthodontics.com.au

NEW PRACTICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Dr Shahrzad Nazari is pleased to announce the opening of her new practice TEETHBYTWO-Endodontist Perth in the City of Perth. She will gratefully accept referrals for all aspects of Root canal treatments, including complicated RCT cases, Re-RCTs, traumatic injuries, root resorption and root-end surgeries.

T (08) 6118 4508

E info@teethbytwo.com

A Units 9-10, Level 1, 251 Adelaide Terrace Perth

W teethbytwo.com

Professional Notices
(08) 9211 5600 ADAWA@ADAWA.COM.AU ADAWA.COM.AU

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