Ali
0411 602 084 ali.joyce@credabl.com.au
Kym Bowker 0482 163 249 kym.bowker@credabl.com.au
laura.riggio@credabl.com.au
The President's report
Dr Gwen Chin ADAWA President
As this edition of the Western Articulator goes to print, ADAWA members would have already been notified of the General Meeting that will be held with a Special Resolution seeking approval to changes in the Constitution. This will be held at our General Meeting on September 4. The summary of changes has been circulated via the Explanatory Memoranda sent out to members.
Why are we doing this?
In the dynamic landscape of member associations, adapting governance structures and foundational documents to current realities is crucial for ensuring effectiveness, relevance, and sustainability. Two significant strategies in this regard are reducing the size of the board and contemporising the association's Constitution.
Contemporising the Constitution allows us to comply with and align with current legal and regulatory standards. It also allows us to better reflect on the current values and practices of ADAWA and its members.
CEO Trevor Lovelle
President Dr Gwen Chin
This includes incorporating modern principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are increasingly important today.
Updating our Constitution also provides allowance for more adaptive and responsive governance. This includes a clearer definition of roles and responsibilities within ADAWA. These changes are taken seriously, and we have engaged stakeholders and legal advisors in the discussion process. We have had an external consultant guide us through the stages to ensure that we have reviewed best practices from various sources and to ensure that the transparency of our communication of the proposed changes to members is upheld.
The new Constitution heralds the culmination of many hours of work by the Constitution Committee over the last few years. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to them for the dedication and diligence that they have sacrificed their own time for over the last few years.
Editorial Brooke Evans-Butler Designer Michelle Walker Advertising Business Development Manager Shaden Kanaan
ada.rewards-plus.com.au
Hard work and dedication
ADAWA is pleased to sponsor prizes each year at the annual UWA Dental School Prize Giving Ceremony. We spoke to two of the 2024 event prize recipients.
Peter Dignam, Australian Dental Association WA Branch Prize recipient
What does being awarded the Australian Dental Association WA Branch Prize mean to you?
Being awarded the Australian Dental Association WA Branch Prize is a significant honour for me. It means recognition from a respected professional organization in the field of dentistry, which is both humbling and motivating. This award represents not only academic achievement but also a commitment to patient care and positive contributions to the dental community.
Do you have a message for ADAWA and the Dental School regarding receiving this award?
To ADAWA and UWA Dental School, it is a privilege to be acknowledged for my efforts, and I am truly thankful for the opportunities provided by both organisations.
What would your advice be to other current Dental School students to ensure they make the most of their degree?
For current Dental School students, my advice would be to approach their education with passion and perseverance. Dental School is a rigorous journey that requires hard work and dedication, but it's also an opportunity for character and professional growth. I would encourage active engagement in research, seek out clinical experiences, and take advantage of every learning opportunity available.
Dr Nevena Rikalo, Australian Dental Association WA Prize for Academic Excellence in Dentistry Prize recipient
What does being awarded the ADAWA Award for Academic Excellence in Dentistry mean to you?
It is a great honour being awarded the ADAWA Award for Academic Excellence. Attaining the Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree by itself is an amazing achievement. I would have been 100% satisfied with that, and honestly was not expecting to receive this award at all. I wasn't striving to achieve it, I just wanted to graduate in a position where I felt like I was knowledgeable and could therefore provide the best possible care to my patients. I wanted to feel confident enough that I could transition to private practice comfortably. Of course, it's very nice to be rewarded for all of the hard work, dedication (and stress) over the years, but that is a bonus!
Do you have a message for ADAWA and the Dental School regarding receiving this award?
I would like to thank ADAWA for sponsoring the award, and all of the support they provided us during Dental School and beyond, as clinicians. I would also like to thank the Dental School for pushing me
Photo courtesy of
Photo courtesy of Csmith Photography
to try and be the best clinician I can be. They gave us the foundations which we are able to build on. I was continually encouraged to improve, which is something I've taken away and strive to do in my practice.
I would also like to thank some of the tutors who would stay back after hours to help students.
What are you currently doing, since graduating from Dental School?
Since graduating I have moved back to Melbourne, which is where I lived prior to moving to Perth. I currently work at two dental practices in metropolitan Melbourne. Although it is very different to Dental School, working has been a really enjoyable experience. I feel that I am learning so much every day and being pushed out of my comfort zone. I am lucky to have lovely mentors who helped made the transition from university to private practice much easier.
What would your advice be to current Dental School students to ensure they make the most of their degree?
One of the most important skills in dentistry is your communication skills.
This can be overlooked while you are trying to improve your hand skills and impress your tutors with nice crown preps. When you start working, you won't be able to utilise those great hand skills if you can't explain to the patient that a certain treatment option is the best for them. Practice explaining things in simple terms and build phrases or sentences that you work well for you.
Enjoy the process, make sure you maintain a good work/life balance, and don't stress too much!
Congratulations to the ADAWA prize winners of the 2024 prize-giving event:
Peter Dignam
Australian Dental Association WA Branch Prize
Dr Amy Zhang
Australian Dental Association
WA Prize for Leadership Excellence in Dentistry
Dr Nevena Rikalo
Australian Dental Association
WA Prize for Academic Excellence in Dentistry.
A new level in oral hygiene
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Renovating your practice: part two
The decision to renovate a practice is a very important one. So how do you go about making the right decisions? In part two of our renovation series, we spoke to the experts about finances, where to spend money, and equipment decisions.
NEW EQUIPMENT
West Coast Dental Depot’s managing director Greg James, says when it comes to new equipment installation to consider the following:
• Space and Layout: Assess the available space in the practice and ensure that it can accommodate the new equipment without overcrowding or impeding workflow. Work with designers or equipment suppliers to determine the best placement for each piece of equipment to optimise efficiency and accessibility.
• Infrastructure Requirements: Consider the infrastructure needs of the new equipment, including electrical, plumbing, and IT requirements. Ensure that the practice's infrastructure can support the installation and operation of the new equipment and make any necessary upgrades or modifications as needed.
Courtesy of Medifit Design & Construct
• Training and Education: Invest in training and education for staff members to familiarise them with the operation and maintenance of the new equipment. Ensure that staff members receive comprehensive training from equipment suppliers or manufacturers to ensure safe and efficient use of the equipment.
• Warranty and Support: Choose equipment from reputable manufacturers that offer reliable warranty coverage and ongoing support. Ensure that you have access to technical support and service technicians in case of equipment malfunctions or maintenance issues.
• Budget and Financing: Consider the cost of purchasing and installing new equipment and factor it into your practice budget. Explore financing options, such as equipment leasing or financing programs, to help manage upfront costs and preserve cash flow.
• Patient Experience: Consider how the new equipment will impact the patient experience and ensure that it enhances rather than detracts from patient comfort and satisfaction. Choose equipment that is user-friendly, ergonomic, and designed for patient comfort to create a positive impression on patients.
Splurge or save?
When renovating a dental practice, Medifit Design & Construct Managing Director Sam Koranis advises never to compromise on cabinetry. "Cabinetry is often the most expensive part of a build, it is important to get it right" Koranis notes.
West Coast Dental Depot consulted for the fit-out of WA Endodontics. Photography by Simon Westlake
Courtesy of Medifit Design & Construct
West Coast Dental Depot consulted for the fit-out of WA Endodontics. Photography by Simon Westlake
He emphasises the significance of quality cabinetry, explaining, "Cabinets become an extension of the dental chair and other equipment. Dentists require easy access to items on their benches and PCs, so ergonomic positioning is crucial."
While acknowledging the cost, Sam highlights the long-term benefits offered by Medifit’s approach. "Good cabinet design allows a dentist to have all the necessary equipment to hand, saving time and improving productivity. Our cabinets are also designed in a modular fashion, allowing them to be relocated if the dentist changes premises," he explains. "This flexibility ensures that our cabinetry can be reused, incorporating significant redundancy into our builds."
Finance advice
Ali Joyce, medical and dental finance specialist from Credabl, offers her top finance tips when renovating a practice:
• Obtain some initial quotes and estimates on equipment and fit-out, so you can chat through the loan repayments with your finance consultant to ensure you are comfortable from a cashflow perspective. This will help you decide if you go for “laminate or marble”.
• If your renovations involve an expansion which will lead to growth in patient fees, chat with your finance consultant about cashflow projections - this may assist in your borrowing capacity.
• Fund your renovations via a drawdown facility, which allows you to make progressive payments to multiple suppliers.
• Chat with your accountant regarding if you should finance or pay cash for your renovations, as there are pros and cons to both options.
• We always recommend using a fit-out company who has done dental projects in the past to ensure a smooth build.
• Try not to deviate from or make changes to your final fit-out plans, as this will lead to variation and increases to your building contract.
Top tips
Wayne Young, sales and project manager from West Coast Dental Depot, gives his top 3 tips for a dentist to help ensure a smooth renovation process:
Plan Thoroughly: Before starting any renovations, create a detailed plan outlining exactly what changes you want to make to your practice. Consider factors such as layout, equipment upgrades, aesthetic changes, and any necessary permits or regulations. Engage with architects, designers, and contractors early on to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the vision and timeline for the project.
Communicate Effectively: Communication is key throughout the renovation process. Keep your staff, patients, and any other stakeholders informed about the upcoming changes, timelines, and any disruptions to the normal operation of the practice. Address any concerns or questions promptly to maintain transparency and trust.
Minimise Disruptions:
Renovations can disrupt the normal flow of business, so it's essential to minimise disruptions as much as possible. Consider scheduling renovations during off-hours or weekends to minimise impact on patient appointments. Create temporary workspaces if needed to ensure that dental services can still be provided during the renovation process. Additionally, plan for contingencies in case of unexpected delays or issues that may arise during the renovation.
55 years in the making
by ADAWA Vice President, Dr Tim Crofts
We finally
received the good
news
in July, Bunbury
has
Fluoridation!
Whilst this won’t be big news to most, those of us in the Southwest are celebrating, because this has been a long and arduous journey.
Perth and some country areas first received Fluoridation in 1968 after much vigorous debate inside and outside Parliament. Then over time more towns were brought online. I arrived in the Southwest in 1999 and very soon found out Western Australia’s third largest city was still unfluoridated. I was astonished to hear and see the level of the problem with childhood caries especially. This was backed up by multiple scientific studies reporting on the plight of Bunbury. Yet, there was no appetite from those in power at the time to help us.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the South West Dental Convocation, with help from the Australian Dental Association, advocated again and again for things to change.
Periodically, it would be front page news in the local paper. Many times, we would write to the Health Minister of the time and others to seek the obvious solution – we need Fluoride and we need it now. A face-to-face meeting with the minister still brought no joy. The South West Dental Convocation over time had several surveys and the question of support
for Fluoridation each time was one hundred per cent ‘Yes’ by the dentist members, who were at the coalface and could see the problem firsthand.
Then in more recent times, the planets started to align. More research was published highlighting the great dental caries disparity compared to Perth. A Chief Dental Officer position was created who could advocate to Government in Dental Public Health. The State Oral Health Plan was developed and handed to government. One of the key goals was to Fluoridate over 95 per cent of the state.
The Health Department became more involved, and the wonderful staff there conducted more surveys and held Public Consultations – the one in Bunbury being the most well attended by those For and Against. It was heartening to see the level of support. Finally, things were changing. The dominos started to fall. Dalyellup, Eaton and Australind were fluoridated first. Then the big announcement came in January 2021 that Bunbury would be fluoridated. Still there was much work to be done, culminating in the July 2024 commissioning of the plant.
So, pardon me if tonight I raise a glass of Bunbury tap water to celebrate and thank all involved in this successful long term Advocacy project. Future generations will thank you too. When you get the right people in the right place at the right time, anything is possible.
References
Book: A History of Dentistry in Western Australia: A Commemoration of the Centenary of the Australian Dental Association, Western Australian Branch, Yiannakis, J.N. 9781920845520 2009 Network Books
Medcalf, G. W., and M. J. O'Grady. "The dental health of children eight and fifteen years of age living in Bunbury, Western Australia." Australian Dental Journal 28.3 (1983): 162-165.
Stockwell, A. J., et al. "Dental caries experience in schoolchildren in fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities in Western Australia." Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology 18.4 (1990): 184-189.
Riordan, Paul J. "Dental caries and fluoride exposure in Western Australia." Journal of dental research 70.7 (1991): 1029-1034.
Tennant, Marc, et al. "Oral health and hospitalization in Western Australian children." Australian Dental Journal 45.3 (2000): 204-207.
Spencer, A. John, J. M. Armfield, and G. D. Slade. "Exposure to water fluoridation and caries increment." Community dental health 25.1 (2008): 12.
Slack-Smith, Linda, et al. "Factors associated with dental admissions for children aged under 5 years in Western Australia." Archives of disease in childhood 94.7 (2009): 517-523.
Al-Bloushi, N. S., et al. "High resolution mapping of reticulated water fluoride in Western Australia: opportunities to improve oral health." Australian Dental Journal 57.4 (2012): 504-510.
Arrow, P. "Oral health of schoolchildren in Western Australia." Australian Dental Journal 61.3 (2016): 333-341.
WA Department of Health. State Oral Health Plan 2016–2020. Perth: Office of the Chief Dental Officer, Clinical Services and Research, Department of Health, 2016. For more information, please visit: www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Fluoridation
Duty of care
Dr Rahul Pankhaniya has a long history of volunteerism, which he sees as a duty of care to the profession.
When Dr Rahul Pankhaniya graduated as a dentist he was determined to give back, and dedicated himself to doing pro bono work in Tasmania, which he has continued since moving to Perth.
The owner of six practice locations has since become a regular host of ADA DHF Dental Rescue Days.
“Volunteering is a part of my duty of care and my obligation to the profession,” Rahul says. “I like the challenge to motivate my staff towards the direction of giving back. I have found every single one of my staff has wanted to give back. They just need to be pointed in the direction to do it.”
“The experience of holding Dental Rescue Days has been very positive,” he adds. “If I look at hosting them from a business perspective, yes there have been a few cancellations and failure to attend appointments – but from a contribution side, I can say I feel like it has made a huge difference, and my team are well in the giving culture.”
Rahul has also adopted patients from the Dental Rescue Days for pro bono treatment via the ADA DHF Adopt a Patient program (completing full mouth extraction and dentures).
He has also treated a Rebuilding Smiles patient via the ADA DHF Rebuilding Smiles program, which offers treatment to people who have been affected by domestic and/or family violence.
“This case was the most rewarding I have ever done,” he recalls.
“When I first started seeing this patient, I had to call in female members of the team to discuss things with her because just having a male in the room was a threat to her. Now, six years later, she still comes back to me as a patient. She is a well-organised working lady who is looking forward to getting some implants.”
In addition to giving back through Dental Rescue Days and other pro bono treatment, Rahul has a long history of volunteerism.
“I have been volunteering with Red Cross since I was 18-years-old –from disaster relief – as well as 16 continuous years of blood donation,” Rahul, who is also the President of the West Australian Indian Dental Association, says.
To other dentists considering volunteering, Rahul says volunteering is an obligation as part of the dental community.
“If we are blessed with a skill to make someone’s life better, we should give not only our skills but our spirits to it, so we are genuinely making a difference – not just for financial gains,” he says.
“If a dentist can spare one procedure’s worth of time, money, and effort, towards any charity that they can support, including dental awareness, it will make a difference. I ask all my colleagues to donate one procedure towards helping the needy.”
He adds that he also volunteers to set an example to his two sons. “I want to be the father that I want my kids to be,” he says. “My kids don’t do what I say, they do what I do. Wanting to set that example keeps me going.”
To enquire about volunteering via ADA DHF programs, please contact WA State Coordinator Andrea Paterson, by emailing WA@adadhf.org.au
Meet Dr Vishal Gupta
Ahead of his upcoming CPD course, Brooke Evans-Butler caught up with international speaker, Dr Vishal Gupta.
Graduating from Dental College Shimla, Vishal went onto do his Masters at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Orthodontics and Dentofacial. However, he soon realised that aesthetic dentistry was an increasingly important part of his work. “Being an orthodontist I was already an aesthetic dentist and I realised that in order to finish my cases properly following all the smile designing principles I need to upgrade my skills into macro and micro-aesthetics and thus started the journey into the world of composites and ceramics,” he recalls. “My practice focuses on Bio-mimetics of which composites and ceramics form an indispensable part. When faced with problems like caries, tooth wear or erosion where there is already loss of tooth material, we need to strive for the solution that will preserve as much of the tooth as possible.”
Unsurprisingly as an aesthetic dentist, Vishal has a special interest in composites. “I have realised that use of composites in the dental practice is not just a change in materials and technique, it brings a paradigm shift of change in treatment philosophy,” he says. “It becomes more about tooth conserving dentistry, where less is more. Documentation of cases
have always been something that I love to do. It helps me to analyse and improve my work and allows me to share my work on lot of social media platforms like, Facebook and Instagram. Apparently, various groups on these platforms liked my work and in recognition of my work, StyleItaliano group made me certified StyleItaliano trainer for direct restoratives.” In addition to being a certified StyleItaliano trainer, Vishal is a Key Opinion leader for 3M, Garrison maxtrix systems, Lm Arte instruments, a writer of clinical publications, and runs a clinical practice in India.
He is one of the admins of RIPEGLOBAL (Restorative Implant Practice Excellence) Facebook , which is a recognition of quality dentistry that he shares in the group. In appreciation of his work globally , he’s now one of the faculty involved in teaching dentists across the world doing Fellowship in Restorative dentistry under the aegis of RipeGlobal Fellowship programme. However, despite the accolades, he says what defines him best is that he is a dentist and that good dentistry makes him happy.
With a teaching career spanning over a decade, Vishal conducts Continuous Dental Education
courses on various aspects of aesthetic dentistry with special emphasis on direct Composite restorations and Indirect ceramic restorations under the aegis of ‘Chai Coffee and Dentistry’.
Vishal travels regularly to teach and will be making the long journey from India to Perth in October to present two courses over consecutive days: Anterior Composites –Doable, Predictable and Repeatable, and the following day, Posterior Composites –Doable, Predictable and Repeatable.
Vishal says the two-day course curriculum is designed in a way to give an insight and confidence to the participants about doing direct composites in a predictable and repeatable way. “Success is not doing something good once but every time you do it,” he says. “I will be sharing with participants the various mantras you need, to achieve excellence with direct composites repeatedly.
“I am absolutely certain that at the end of two days I would have changed the way clinicians have been approaching direct composites giving them confidence to do difficult cases with ease and confidence following simple yet effective principles,” he adds. “Direct composites are all about skill and it being a skill-oriented course, we will share tips to enhance your skills based on sound clinical knowledge. We will cover all the problems and their solutions related to Posterior and Anterior composites as outlined in the course. So, if you are not
happy with the contours, contacts, occlusal anatomy, shade match, grey margins, demarcation lines, finishing and polishing and you are looking for predictable and repeatable way of doing direct composites, this is the not to miss course for you.”
Vishal says at the end of the course, clinicians should feel empowered with abilities to provide their patients with long-lasting treatments in a more conservative way.
When asked about what the future holds for him, Vishal says he is enjoying his present. “I want to inspire people to be better version of themselves in work as in personal lives, work towards balanced success,” he says. “My life goals are happiness-oriented, and I do things that make me happy and when I am happy, I am successful.”
Dr Vishal Gupta will be presenting Anterior Composites – Doable, Predictable and Repeatable on Saturday 12 October and Posterior Composites – Doable, Predictable and Repeatable on Sunday 13 October at UWA Dental School.
Book at our website: Anterior Composites - Doable, Predictable and Repeatable
Posterior Composites - Doable, Predicatable and Repeatable
5 minutes with Dr Vishal Gupta
What three words best describe you?
Passionate, persistent and versatile.
If you weren’t in the dentistry field, what would you be doing for a living?
If I was not doing dentistry, I would be in the hospitality business.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I am a long-distance runner and I love music, singing, dancing and spending time with my family.
Who inspires you?
I get inspired by a lot of people and
especially those who have selflessly worked toward the betterment of people and made this world a better place for us.
What are your favourite books?
My favourite books are Peak by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool, Good to Great by Jim Collins and Titans of Dentistry by Dr Justin Short and Dr David Maloley.
What is your favourite place in the world?
My home; it’s my world.
SAVE the DATE
The Paul V Abbott Oration, inaugurated in 2023, is the foremost annual presentation of the UWA Dental School. Each year, an esteemed speaker is invited to share their sights based on their lifetime of work, innovative discoveries, or inspirational lessons from clinical practice. This is done for the betterment of the dental profession and the broader community.
Friday 18th October 2024
The University Club of WA
Details to follow
Paul Abbott Oration
LETS GET MOVING!
COURSE OUTLINE
This half day course will give you an understanding on the theoretical underpinning of orthodontic removable appliances as well as examples in using them clinically.
You will be offered an insight on the clinical side of removable appliances as well as the laboratory side from receiving an impression or scan to the production of an appliance.
TOPICS COVERED
• How to recognise cases suitable for using removable appliances.
• How do these appliances work?
• How to prescribe the correct removable appliance.
• What do I put in the laboratory slip?
• How do I correct and identify issues with the appliance?
• A variety of different appliances will be discussed along with different clinical examples using said appliances to reinforce the clinical aspect.
• And more.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Dr Gordon Cheung
Specialist Orthodontist
Dr Laura Leask
Specialist Orthodontist
Mr David Owen
Principal Orthodontic Technician and Proprietor of Swan Valley Dental Laboratory
CALENDAR 2024
HANDS-ON
CARIES DETECTION AND MANAGEMENT FOR DENTAL PROFESSIONALS
6.5 CPD Saturday 7 Sept 9.00am - 5.00pm UWA DENTAL SCHOOL $1089 members
COURSE OUTLINE
Should you seal over caries? When do you intervene? How much and how do you remove caries? Managing dental caries is a fundamental part of general practice, are you up to date with best practice or are you doing what you think works?
This hands-on interactive CPD course explores current evidencebased practice on caries detection, diagnosis and management.
TOPICS COVERED
• Polymer Burs in Caries Removal: Hands on use of polymer burs and a comparison with conventional burs on caries removal.
• Fluorescence Aided Caries Detection: A look into the capabilities of fluorescence technologies (laser fluorescence, near-infrared light transillumination, transillumination) in the detection of carious lesions.
• Silver Diamine Fluoride Application: Practical insights into the protocols and hands-on use with SDF in a variety of clinical scenarios.
• And more.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Dr Jilen Patel is a specialist paediatric dentist. He is a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Dentistry at the UWA Dental School and Consultant at Perth Children’s Hospital. He has been awarded and has previously received both the both the Royal Australasian College emerging lecturer award and Australian Dental Association/Pierre Fauchard Academy’s young lecturer award. Jilen was also named the 2019 West Australian Young Achiever of the Year Award.
WADA Golf
Joondalup Resort - Friday 21 June 2024
24 golfers took to the Joondalup Resort, Quarry and Lake combined course, for our traditional early winter fixture. It was a great sunny winter’s day, and the group was rewarded for their commitment with a magnificently presented course. Some treacherous pin placements again this year, and a strong north-westerly breeze made for challenging conditions.
The event was again sponsored by Dentaurum Australia. A WADA Golf sponsor, based in Sydney, Dentaurum is the oldest dental company in the world and has a proud history of product and service excellence, supplying a wide range of orthodontic, prosthetic and hygiene consumables. We were joined by Kevin Ferrari from Sydney on behalf of Dentaurum Aust. Our sincere thanks are extended to Dentaurum Managing Director, Kevin Ferrari and his team for their generous support of this event. We look forward to a long association with Dentaurum for future WADA Golf events.
Our winner for the day on a fine score of 40 points was Kang Kim. Second on 39 points was Simon Tee, just ahead of Paul Chung on a countback.
Drs
Nearest the pin
3rd
8th
Our placegetters on the day
1st place (40 points) Kang Kim
2nd (39 points) (on countback) Simon Tee
3rd (39 points) P.Chung
4th (38 points) John Scully
5th (37 points) Brad Potter & Ian McCarrey
Our next game are at The Vines on the 6 September. All interested golfers are welcome to join us for a game.
Good golfing
Frank Welten WADA Golf Captain Dentistgolf@gmail.com
Frank Welten and Kang Kim
Cosmetic Dentistry
By Dr Colm Harney, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection.
Part of the role of Dental Protection is to assist our members in reducing their risk of complaints or claims being made against them. This is something we take very seriously, and it becomes a real consideration when an area of dental practice is being scrutinised, leading to potential for complaints, regulatory action and/or legal claims (and associated burden and distress this can cause our dental practitioners).
One such area of practice that we have also, independently, identified for review is ‘cosmetic’ or ‘aesthetic’ dentistry. While the term ‘cosmetic dentistry’ is hard to specifically pin down, we generally know it when we see it and it usually shares a number of broad traits or characteristics:
• Mostly elective treatment, driven primarily by patient wants (rather than addressing an objectively clinically determined need).
• Often (but not necessarily always) high value.
• May be irreversible, such as any procedure where teeth are prepared/ moved, however minimally.
• If a patient want (rather than objective clinical need) is the primary driver, understandably patients have high expectations, which are often directly proportional to the costs involved.
• Sometimes patients overlay a degree of urgency or deadline to the request for treatment, such as a life milestone (wedding, significant birthday).
In a news article 12 months ago1, AHPRA signalled that proposed new resources for
practitioners undertaking and advertising cosmetic procedures were being developed to safeguard the wider non-surgical cosmetic procedures industry. They advised that the National Boards, including the Dental Board of Australia, would soon be consulting on the proposed new guidelines.
The article states something that we as clinicians intuitively know from our training and experience – “while cosmetic dentistry can positively impact many people’s lives, the Dental Board of Australia (DBA) warns that procedures such as tooth veneers can be major life-long undertakings that are not risk free”. It goes on to say that
“Practitioners must ensure patients are provided adequate time to properly consider the impact of cosmetic procedures, that realistic expectations are set, and that informed consent, including financial consent, is gained.”
The Public Consultation2 has now closed (as of 1 March 2024) and had a focus on “reforming the regulation of registered health practitioners who work in the non-surgical cosmetic procedures sector in Australia to improve practice and standards, improve
public safety, and provide opportunities for more informed consumer choice.”
The process identified that the non-surgical cosmetic procedures sector can have unique features that increase public risk, including:
• A lack of clear information about the qualifications and experience of practitioners in the sector.
• Advertising that minimises the risk and complexity of a procedure or implies unrealistic results.
• High numbers of young and potentially vulnerable people seeking the procedures.
• Generating demand and ‘upselling’ procedures and products.
• Financial gain competing with and sometimes outweighing patient wellbeing and safety.
• Ongoing cost and frequency of procedures required by patients to maintain outcomes. And when complaints arise and DPL are assisting our members, they too often share a number of key traits or characteristics:
• Lack of alignment between patient expectation and treatment outcome –this may be slowly evolving throughout the process (multiple try-ins required, never quite satisfied) or it may come as a surprise when everything is complete (and bonded in place!)
• Dispute over finances such as who covers costs for any modifications, variations and sometimes there is a refusal to pay a final instalment.
• Time blow out – may be due to patient factors (need for multiple try-ins) or may be biologically driven such as slow/ unpredictable movement of teeth in a clear aligner case.
• Allegations of seemingly disproportionate levels of dissatisfaction – “I can’t go out”, “I can’t smile in photos anymore”, “my bite has changed and I can’t eat properly”, “you’ve ruined my life”.
What are the aspects of patient care that we often find let the clinician down and in turn diminish our ability to mount a robust defence on their behalf?
It is important to note that Dental Protection is not flagging these concerns by way of being judgemental of clinical standards –in many of these cases, when reviewed by an expert, there is often little objective evidence to say that the work is significantly below standard.
The two broad areas of concern relate to consent and record keeping, which are often inextricably linked.
With regard to consent, it is interesting to note that the Board is also urging patients to consider a number of key questions1 to help them when considering any cosmetic dental procedure, including:
• Why do I want to have the procedure, and am I willing to accept the risk that I may be unhappy with the outcome?
• What are the health, financial and other risks of this procedure?
• Is this procedure an irreversible and lifelong change that will require ongoing care, maintenance and possible replacement, incurring additional future costs?
• What are the realistic expectations I can have for this procedure, and what are the alternatives?
• Has the practitioner explained the procedure, and do I understand it?
• Should I seek a second opinion?
• Have I discussed this with my usual treating dentist?
• Do I need to be referred to a specialist for any part of my treatment?
• Do I need time to think about this process before I commit to what may be a lifelong change?
When we review a file, we often find a disconnect between patient and practitioner in many of these considerations. And of course, when it comes to record keeping – setting aside any omissions related to clinical care that may not be to standard – all relevant aspects of the initial assessment, discussions or mutually understood consent (including finances and ongoing maintenance needs) must be comprehensively documented, to the standard required3
In conclusion, cosmetic dentistry is an area that is coming under increased scrutiny, by our regulator and also in the media and the consciousness of the public. It is important to note that in this area of dentistry, practitioners are not just being scrutinised for the standard of care, but also patient selection, consent, advertising, working in scope, maintenance and the quality of how all aspects of the case are documented.
So, with regards to the regulator, watch this space – this area of dental practice is very
much on their radar so anything that can be done in a preventive sense to review practice protocols or procedures and ‘put your house in order’ (for example checking your website against the advertising standards4) would be effort well spent.
As always if you need any advice Dental Protection are always a phone call away.
References
1Australian Health Practitioner Regulation AgencyCosmetic procedures by dental practitioners are not without risk (ahpra.gov.au)
2https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/News/PastConsultations.aspx
3https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/ Dental-records.aspx
4https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/ Advertising-a-regulated-health-service.aspx#
Is Your Organisation Complying the Positive Duty to Eliminate Unlawful Sex Discrimination in the Workplace?
By Jenny Edinger, Panetta McGrath Lawyers
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (the Act), now obliges Australian employers and persons conducting a business to take “reasonable and proportionate measures” to eliminate, as far as is possible, the following behaviours:
• Discrimination on the ground of sex in a work context;
• Sexual harassment in connection with work;
• Sex-based harassment in connection with work;
• Conduct creating a workplace environment that is hostile on the ground of sex; and
• Related acts of victimisation. Employers have a legal obligation to not only to refrain from discriminatory practices but also to actively eliminate them under the positive duty provisions. This duty requires employers to take proactive steps to create an inclusive and equitable work environment for all employees, regardless of gender or sex. The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) has been empowered to investigate and enforce compliance with the positive duty.
The recommended approach to complying with this positive duty?
In the publication, Guidelines for Complying with the Positive Duty under the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), the Commission sets out guiding principles which organisations should use in deciding what is required to comply with the positive duty. Those principles are:
Consultation: Consulting with workers about what they believe is required for their workplace to be safe and respectful.
Gender equality: Evaluating and taking steps to improve gender equality in the workplace. This involves taking action beyond equal treatment to achieve equal outcomes.
Intersectionality: Recognising that disrespectful and unlawful workplace behaviour may have an increased impact on different people due to the other forms of inequality the person may face.
Person centred and trauma informed approaches: This principle refers to the two complimentary ways to address unlawful conduct.
The Seven Standards for Satisfying the Positive Duty
The Guidelines set out seven standards that the Commission requires organisations and business to meet to satisfy the positive duty.
Leadership: Senior leaders should understand their obligations under the Act and are responsible for ensuing that appropriate measures are in place to prevent and address unlawful sex discrimination. Senior leaders should regularly review the effectiveness of the measures in place.
Culture: Senior leaders should foster a culture which is respectful and supports gender equality and inclusivity in which workers can report unlawful conduct without reprisals.
Knowledge: Policies supporting safe and respectful conduct and prohibiting unlawful discrimination are developed and promulgated throughout the organisation.
Risk management: Unlawful sex discrimination should be viewed as a health and safety risk and a risk management approach adopted to deal with that risk.
Support: Senior leaders should ensure that support is available to workers who experience or witness unlawful sex discrimination.
Reporting and response: Clear processes should be available to workers for reporting unlawful sex discrimination. Senior leaders should ensure that the responses are appropriate, timely and consistent, whilst appropriate support is provided to complainants and witnesses.
Monitoring, evaluation and transparency: Senior leaders should ensure that data is collected regarding any incidents of unlawful sex discrimination in the workplace and that measures to eliminate
discrimination are monitored and evaluated.
Practical Steps to Comply with the Positive Duty
Given the guiding principles and the seven standards, what practical steps can be taken by organisations to satisfy the positive duty?
1. Educate and train staff: Education about sex discrimination laws, what constitutes discrimination, and how it can manifest in the workplace. Training sessions should cover unconscious bias, stereotypes, and the importance of fostering a respectful workplace culture.
2. Review policies and procedures: Regularly review and update existing policies and procedures to ensure they align with current legislation and best practice in eliminating sex discrimination. Policies should cover recruitment, promotions, training opportunities, grievance procedures, and codes of conduct.
3. Conduct regular audits: Implement regular audits to assess the workplace for any systemic barriers or discriminatory practices, reviewing areas such as pay equity, career progression, and access to flexible work arrangements.
4. Promote diversity and inclusion programs: Actively promote diversity and inclusion programs, such as setting measurable diversity targets, and celebrating diversity through events and campaigns.
5. Establish clear reporting mechanisms: Ensure there are clear and accessible channels
for employees to report instances of discrimination or harassment. Encourage a culture where employees feel safe and supported when raising concerns and ensure that complaints are handled promptly and confidentially.
6. Implement equal opportunity recruitment practices: Adopt recruitment practices that promote equal opportunity and diversity, such as using gender-neutral language in job advertisements or implementing blind recruitment processes.
7. Provide Flexible Work Arrangements: Recognise that traditional work structures may disadvantage certain group and consider offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, to accommodate employees' diverse needs and responsibilities.
8. Address pay equity: Review pay structures to ensure equity across genders.
9. Foster a culture of respect and inclusion: Senior leaders should actively promote a culture of respect and inclusion at all levels of an organisation, by encouraging open dialogue and feedback.
10. Engage with external resources: Consider utilising external resources, such as industry associations, diversity consultants, and legal advisors to stay informed about best practices and legal obligations regarding sex discrimination.
Conclusion
By proactively addressing the positive duty to eliminate unlawful sex discrimination, employers in Australia not only fulfill their legal obligations but also create a more productive and harmonious workplace.
Practice insurance. Done right.
At Dental Essentials, we’ll take care of all your insurance needs big and small.
As the leading insurance broker for dentists in Australia, our team will work closely with you to create a tailored insurance policy that offers ultimate peace of mind. With our extensive services covering Practice Insurance, Management Liability, Practice Indemnity, Cyber Insurance and Personal Insurance, at Dental Essentials, we take care to do things right.
Perio Pockets
Dr Amy Hope Specialist Periodontist , Central Periodontics
and Implants
“But my gums always have always bled”, is a common statement we hear from our patients upon referral. Wouldn’t it be in the best interests of health if this complaint was dealt with before the patient shows signs of advanced periodontal disease, such as the notable recession and mobility of teeth? We know that periodontal disease is a preventable disease, and with management, can be controlled so that patients never need more complicated treatments, such as multiple unit implant supported prosthesis.
The classical “Natural History of Periodontal Disease” studies by Loe et al demonstrated with good oral hygiene, early detection and management of periodontal disease, patients will lose very few teeth from periodontal disease, and minimal loss of periodontal tissues. For the patients who had no ongoing gingivitis, there was no tooth loss from periodontal disease, while the patients with continued gingivitis were higher risk of tooth loss.
We need to talk early on with our patients (while in the primary dentition) who demonstrated any bleeding upon probing, so they understand that they have a periodontal disease and not trauma
“from cleaning my teeth too hard” and may be facing tooth loss, which for some will be evident from age 30. When examining our patients, a score of more than 10% of pockets with bleeding on probing is an indication that they are no longer “periodontally healthy”. The pocket that bleeds on probing is showing signs of active inflammation, with a tendency for pockets to deepen and the support of the tooth becoming compromised.
When probing our patient’s implants (which need to be accessible to allow for regular monitoring), more than one point of bleeding out of the six points probed indicates peri implant mucositis, a known risk factor for peri implantitis. We can use this bleeding upon probing data to then determine the risk of disease progression and the ideal maintenance interval. Visit the website, https://www.perio-tools.com/ for risk assessment tools for both periodontal and peri implant disease.
It’s time to stop and educate our patients on the presence of disease at this early stage, and manage as a team approach between patient and clinician. Good faith in this relationship is built and complicated disease management is minimised. perioinfo.org
Keeping Lines of Communication Open in Your Practice
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful dental practice. Fostering clear and open communication within the practice is essential to ensure high standards of patient care, enhance team collaboration, and maintain a positive work environment. This article provides practical tips and tricks to facilitate open lines of communication with and between staff in your dental practice.
The Importance of Open Communication
Open communication within a dental practice is vital for several reasons:
Enhancing Patient Care: Clear communication ensures that patient information is accurately conveyed among team members, leading to better treatment outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
Boosting Team Collaboration: When staff communicate effectively, they can work together more efficiently, share knowledge, and support each other in their roles.
Improving Morale and Job Satisfaction:
A practice that values open communication fosters a positive work environment where staff feel heard, respected, and valued, simultaneously leading to higher job satisfaction and retention.
Tips and Tricks to Facilitate Open Communication
Establish Regular Meetings
Daily Huddles: Consider starting each day with a brief team huddle to review schedules, discuss any special cases, and address immediate concerns. This practice ensures everyone is on the same page and sets a positive tone for the day.
Weekly Staff Meetings: Hold weekly meetings to discuss broader issues, such
as practice goals, patient feedback, and administrative updates. Encourage all staff members to contribute to the agenda and share their thoughts.
Monthly One-on-Ones: Schedule monthly one-on-one meetings between practice managers and team members to provide personalised feedback, discuss professional development, and address any individual concerns.
Utilise Technology
Communication Platforms: Implement digital communication tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams to facilitate real-time messaging and file sharing. These platforms can help streamline communication and reduce the reliance on emails or paperbased communication.
Practice Management Software:
Use integrated practice management software to ensure that patient records, appointment schedules, and treatment plans are accessible to all relevant staff members, reducing the risk of miscommunication.
Create an Open-Door Policy
Encourage staff to approach management with any concerns or suggestions by maintaining an opendoor policy. This approach fosters a culture of transparency and trust.
Ensure that all team members know that their input is valued and that they can speak up without fear of negative repercussions.
Encourage Active Listening
Emphasise the importance of and use active listening techniques, such as maintaining eye contact, nodding, and summarising what the speaker has said to ensure understanding. Active listening helps build rapport and ensures that messages are accurately received. Encourage team members to ask clarifying questions if they are unsure about something.
Provide Constructive Feedback
Offer feedback that is specific, actionable, and focused on behaviours rather than personal attributes. Constructive feedback helps staff understand what they are doing well and where they can improve. Use the "sandwich" method – start with positive feedback, address areas for improvement, and end with another positive comment. This approach helps balance the conversation and keeps morale high.
Facilitate Team-Building Activities
Organise regular team-building events, such as workshops, social activities, or team lunches, to strengthen relationships and improve communication outside of the clinical setting.
Activities that encourage collaboration and problem-solving can help staff understand each other’s communication styles and work more effectively together.
Foster a Culture of Respect and Inclusivity
Promote a workplace culture where diversity is celebrated, and all staff members are treated with respect. This includes being mindful of cultural differences in communication styles and preferences. Encourage inclusive practices, such as
ensuring that quieter team members have opportunities to contribute to discussions and that all voices are heard.
Implement Training Programs
Provide training on effective communication skills, including conflict resolution, assertiveness, and empathy. These skills are essential for navigating the complex interactions within a dental practice.
Consider bringing in external experts to conduct workshops or seminars on communication best practices.
Regularly Review and Adjust Communication Strategies
Periodically assess the effectiveness of your communication strategies by gathering feedback from staff. Use surveys, suggestion boxes, or anonymous feedback forms to gather input.
Be willing to make adjustments based on the feedback received. Continuous improvement ensures that communication remains effective and responsive to the needs of the practice.
Overall, keeping lines of communication open within a dental practice is essential for providing high-quality patient care, fostering teamwork, and maintaining a positive work environment. By implementing techniques such as regular meetings, utilising technology, providing constructive feedback, and regularly reviewing communication strategies, dental practices can ensure effective and open communication with and between staff. These efforts will lead to a more harmonious and productive practice, ultimately benefiting both staff and patients.
For more information on this article please call the ADA HR Advisory Service on 1300 232 462.
For over 25 years, AMA Financial Services has worked as a dedicated broker and financial adviser to health and medical professionals around Australia.
We’re different from the rest because our mortgage brokers, insurance brokers, financial advisers and support staff are not remunerated through commission systems – they work for you – and all the profits get returned to benefit the profession.
Our three financial divisions are AMA Financial Planning, AMA Finance Brokers and AMA Insurance Brokers.
Financial Planning
We work with members to create a financial plan so they can achieve what’s important to them; building a blueprint for the future that helps them to make smart decisions about their money and puts them in control of their financial freedom.
We empower and educate clients along the way so they understand their plan, its intricacies, and how they will achieve it.
Briony Gouldthorp
Briony has over 18 years’ experience in the industry, is a licensed Financial Adviser and qualified CPA, specialising in the provision of comprehensive financial advice and accounting services.
Briony is experienced in meeting the unique needs of the dental professional, working with her clients to create a blueprint to build wealth.
Briony helps dental professionals in addressing their insurance arrangements, to assist with providing real financial security and protection for the plan put in place.
1800 262 346 advice@amafp.com.au amafinancialplanning.com.au
ADA Member Benefits
• Free financial health checks with a licensed Financial Adviser.
• Discounts on the development of a comprehensive financial plan.
• Access to member only financial seminars & webinars.
• Discounted fee for Service Wealth Management packages
Mortgage Broking
AMA Finance have access to hundreds of loans from a range of Australia’s leading lenders.
We will work closely with members to identify the right loan for their circumstances, undertaking all the leg work, acting on their behalf to negotiate the best outcomes, and making the process as simple and stress free as possible from start to finish.
Racheal Warne
Leading the AMA’s mortgage broking service is Racheal Warne who works closely with our valued clients to identify a loan to meet their needs.
With more than 20 years of banking and finance experience, Racheal’s skill set includes credit analysis and risk, business development and portfolio management, banking operations and mortgage broking.
Racheal has been nominated for 4 industry awards since joining AMA WA in Nov 2020 as the principal mortgage broker. This is testament to her experience and dedication to mortgage broking and her clients.
1800 343 184 info@amafinance.com.au amafinance.com.au
ADA Member Benefits
AMA Finance Brokers special offer for ADAWA members
For a limited time only! ADA members are eligible to receive up to *$4K refinance cashback on home loans successfully settled between 1 June 2024 and 31 October 2024.
• Net loan value up to $750,000 - $1,000,000 receive up to $1,000 cashback.
• Net loan value up to $1,000,001 - $1,500,000 receive up to $2,000 cash back.
• Net loan value above $1,500,000 receive $4,000 cashback.
*Terms and conditions apply.
A.M.A Recruit International Pty Ltd t/as AMA Finance Brokers ABN 27 113 446 861 Australian Credit License: 389087 MFAA:741657 ACR: 527012
General Insurance
AMA Insurance Brokers understand that time is a precious resource.
We are here to help make life easier for clients. We understand your profession, we can help you navigate the world of insurance, whether it’s professional, personal or business related.
Kasey Cuff
Kasey is a Senior Insurance Broker helping individuals and businesses find the right insurance coverage for over 20 years. With a deep understanding of the insurance industry and a commitment to providing personalised service, she strives to ensure that her clients have the protection they need in case of unexpected events.
With her expertise and access to a wide network of insurance providers, she is able to offer comprehensive coverage that protects clients’ assets and provides peace of mind.
Whether it’s finding the right coverage for a new business venture or helping a family protect their assets, Kasey is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support throughout the insurance process.
1800 262 346 insurance@amainsurance.com.au amainsurance.com.au
ADA Member Benefits
• Access to member only insurance seminars & webinars
AMACIS Pty Ltd trading as AMA Insurance Brokers ABN 40 064 488 106 AFS License No. 235312
Unlocking your SMSF for purchasing practice premises
A self-managed super fund (SMSF) can be a useful tool for utilising funds that would otherwise be held in an industry super fund. As per your accountant’s advice, you may use those funds to invest in a managed fund or invest in property at your own discretion. When it comes to using your SMSF for purchasing your practice premises, Credabl has experience working with industry professionals such as financial planners, accountants and lawyers to make it happen.
We sat down with Credabl Finance Specialist Ali Joyce, to understand more about the process of utilising your SMSF to purchase your practice premises. We’ll cover how an SMSF can be useful for debt management, include a case study and outline who you might need to partner during the process.
Eliminating the need for capital
Purchasing property through an SMSF avoids the need to use personal cash or business funds for stamp duty, deposits and other setup costs. This is particularly valuable for clients setting up a new business, as maintaining cash flow is crucial. As Ali advises, by utilising funds already available in their super, clients can focus their personal and business funds on other essential aspects of setting up the new practice. These aspects could include marketing expenses or maintaining a contingency fund, which will provide peace of mind during the setup or relocation of a business.
Debt management through your SMSF
Ali explains that debt management is essentially a method of converting nondeductible personal debt into debt that is tax efficient. In relation to an SMSF, this means you can restructure where your debt sits with the help of your accountant, financial adviser and lawyer. Credabl can work with your team of professionals to facilitate this process by providing finance to leverage your SMSF effectively.
Case Study
To illustrate how your SMSF can be used for debt management, Ali provides an example where she recently worked with a dentist who owned both commercial property and personal property, with debt on both. By selling the commercial property to their SMSF at market value, they were able to use the funds reallocated in this process to pay off their personal home loan. This approach effectively converted non-tax-deductible debt into tax-deductible debt within the SMSF, offering multiple tax advantages.
In this example, the dentist had a home loan debt of $500,000 which was not taxdeductible and a commercial property worth $1 million, also with an existing debt of $500,000. In this instance, they sold their commercial property to their SMSF for market value ($1 million), meaning the SMSF
essentially “purchased” the commercial property. Thanks to our ability to offer up to a 90% lend for practice premises, only $200,000 was required in the SMSF to cover the 10% deposit required ($100,000), stamp duty (if it's applicable) and any fees like valuation fees or legal fees. At settlement, the payout of $1 million paid off the home loan debt of $500,000, with the remaining funds from the sale allocated against the commercial property debt. This process converted the dentist’s assets and debt into a more favourable tax position, with their existing debt being tax-deductible.
The role of expert support
Working closely with financial planners, accountants and lawyers who specialise in your industry is essential. At Credabl, we have an extensive network of professional partners and can assist by introducing you to these specialists if you don’t already have them. Together, we can educate and guide you through the practice premise purchase process.
Why choose Credabl?
Partnering with Credabl means accessing a team that specialises in medical finance and connecting you with the right professionals. Ali points out that our expertise in SMSF lending and our tailored financial solutions make us an ideal partner for securing your practice premises. Whether you need assistance with using your SMSF for practice premise purchases or exploring financing options, Credabl is here to help.
To take the next step in managing your debt effectively through an SMSF, or speak to Ali or any of our Credabl consultants on 1300 27 33 22.
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.
good news stories
Thank you!
A huge thank you to Dr Rod Jennings at Toothbuds and his DCA, Rahah Abou Khir, who answered a last-minute call-out for a dental assistant to help at a Healing Smiles clinic at OHCWA. Clinics like these that treat survivors of domestic violence can only happen with the generosity of volunteers so thank you once again!
North Metro Tafe Graduation
ADAWA CEO Trevor Lovelle and President Dr Gwen Chin recently attended the North Metro Tafe graduation to support graduate dental assistants and technicians.
Sickly Sweet
The Grattan Institute’s report, Sickly Sweet, has reiterated ADA’s call for an introduction of a sugary drinks levy. To read the report, visit: grattan.edu.au/ report/sickly-sweet/
Partnering in Prevention
Sandra Wood and Dr Lida Sayadelmi recently represented Healing Smiles at the Zonta House Partnering in Prevention Forum – a forum to explore the prevention of violence against women. It follows ADAWA’s participation in Zonta House’s Empowerment Through Education Program, which was organised for ADAWA staff by Sandra Wood. Practices interested in holding an education program with Zonta House can contact Zonta House Refuge Association at Training@zontahouse.org.au
Professional Notices
New Practice Announcement
Dr Andrew Savundra, Orthodontist, would like to announce the opening of his new practice in Mandurah at the new South West Dental Specialist Centre. Andrew is a hands-on chairside clinician and sees every orthodontic patient at each and every visit. He continues to practice in South Perth and Willetton. Bookings in his new Mandurah clinic are now open.
T (08) 9312 2310
E reception@savundra.com.au
A Suite 1/280 Pinjarra Road, Mandurah 6210
Dr Hadleigh Clark – new addition to the team
Alissa and Jacinta are excited to announce that Dr Hadleigh Clark is joining the Centre for Oral Medicine and Facial Pain team. Hadleigh completed his oral medicine clinical doctorate in Sydney in 2017, after qualifying and training in both dentistry and medicine. His diverse training and experience, coupled with firstrate communication, compassion, and an evidencebased approach, ensure quality-driven outcomes for patients referred to him.
T (08) 6373 6731
E reception@omfp.com.au
A 1 Preston St, Como 6152 W oralmedfacialpain.com.au
A/Professor Bobby Joseph – new addition
Perth Oral Medicine and Dental Sleep Centre is pleased to welcome A/Professor Bobby Joseph, an Oral Pathologist. Bobby is accepting referrals for all aspects of oral diseases and disorders.
T (08) 9376 6789
E admin@pomds.com.au
A Practice locations: West Leederville, Jandakot, Padbury W oralmedsleep.com.au
AT THE General Meeting
Wednesday 4 Sept
Join us for the next ADAWA General Meeting, with a lecture 'Dental mysteries following the wreck of the Batavia in 1629' by Drs Robert Bower and Stephen Knott. Meeting attended by our Corporate Partner and Sponsor, AMA.
ADA House
54-58 Havelock St West Perth
6.15pm Eat and Meet
7.15pm Meeting Followed by Lecture RSVP to adawa.com.au/membership/rsvp
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
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
*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.
Plus Partner
Credabl
Credabl has built a strong reputation offering tailored financial solutions. Whether you are looking to expand your practice, invest in medical equipment or explore personal finance options, Credabl's has you covered. Their suite of financial products includes medical equipment finance, practice loans, residential and commercial property loans, car finance and personal loans. credabl.com.au
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
Medifit
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.
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
Sponsors and Advertisers
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Find a space to call your own
You could create security for your practice and never have to worry about rent increases or relocation. All the while enjoying potential tax advantages and the flexibility to tailor your fit-out. There are many beneficial reasons to purchase your own practice premises, and just as many for choosing us to finance it.
So if you’re thinking of taking ownership of your future, we’re here to make it easy, with over 30 years’ experience providing tailored finance solutions for dental professionals.
Visit boqspecialist.com.au/commercial or speak to your local finance specialist on 1300 160 160 today.
