Western Articulator – Edition 8, 2022

Flying

The

journey

President’s Report The

I am sure everyone will be looking forward to the end of what has been a busy 2022 for all of us. Some of you may be planning to visit your loved ones overseas, as will I after almost three years of not being able to see my family in India. Others may be deciding to travel interstate or stay at home. To each of you, I wish you a relaxing break to ensure that you are recharged for a successful and exciting 2023.

As we head toward the end of the year, the work at ADAWA doesn’t stop. An important piece of work is gathering the necessary information to develop ADAWA’s strategic plan. You would have received an email to complete the ADAWA member survey. I would urge you to complete this survey because it will enable the ADAWA to understand the needs of members, inform service delivery, and further enhance the value of membership. This is a valuable opportunity for each member to have their say about the future direction of their association.

At the Council level, we are completing the ADAWA Governance review, which will flow into our Constitutional review for next year. We are also excited to engage an external agency in the New Year that will be helping ADWA create and formulate a strategic plan customised to move our association to the next phase. This strategic plan, driven by our members’ needs and the changing times, will help your association serve you better, whilst also ensuring that it grows from strength to strength.

On a personal level, I recently attended a leadership training course in Sydney in November, to which all the ADA branch presidents were invited, along with the Federal ADA leadership. This was integral to improving the working relationship not only between branches but also the Federal ADA at the leadership level. Federal ADA has appointed a new President, Dr Stephen Liew, and we look forward to further growth of the ADA, not just at a state level but also the national level.

At the community level, ADAWA held an Oral Health Promotion Day in Murray Street Mall on October 30 to provide awareness of the benefits of good oral health to the community. It was a great success with significant community engagement. Credit must be given to the ADAWA Oral Health Education Committee under the leadership of Dr Sahara Saeedi, and to all the volunteers who assisted on that day.

As we sign off for the year, we look forward to welcoming our new graduands at the Transition to Practice Dinner in December. They will be welcomed into the ADAWA family and supported in a seamless transition into the dental profession as practicing dentists.

Best wishes,

MOUTHS

CEO Trevor Lovelle President Dr Amit Gurbuxani

Editorial Brooke Evans-Butler Designer Amie Mason

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Dr Roslyn Franklin Director at Amalgamate and Dental Stock Photos

Photo: Ben Yew Photography

Many of our members pursue interesting hobbies when they are not chairside – but these dentists take their passion to the skies.

DR BRYAN FLEMING

For Dr Bryan Fleming, flying was a childhood dream. “I have always been crazy about aircraft since I was a boy,” Bryan recalls. “After graduating, I worked for the Government before entering private practice. It was the beginning of the computer age, and the first flight sims became available. After being told I was spending too much time on the computer, I decided to go to the airport and do a trial instructional flight.”

Bryan got his pilot licence in 1991 and now flies once or twice a week (typically 100 hours a year).

As a country practitioner, having a pilot’s licence has come in handy. “When I worked in Kalgoorlie, I would hire aircraft and fly to clinics in Norseman and Southern Cross,” he says.

“I now live in Bunbury and have a part-time practice in the Wheatbelt at Lake Grace, which I have been servicing for 24 years and flying in with my own aircraft since 2010.”

Bryan says he most enjoys the freedom flying gives him. “I enjoy the continual challenge as I can update my flying skills, which include acrobatics, night flying and am currently upgrading my licence to include Instrument Flying,” he says. “Most importantly it is just fun. A man in his mid-sixties shouldn’t be playing with toys, but that is what I’m doing!”

DR JOHN OWEN

Dr John Owen has always been interested in aviation.

“In 1972 I turned down a cadetship with Qantas to commence studying dentistry at UWA,” he reveals.

“While undertaking several years of high-altitude trekking in the mid to late 90s, especially in Pakistan, Nepal and India, I was often on helicopter flights in and out of some very tricky areas. On my last big trek in 1999, I decided my next challenge would be to start my commercial helicopter licence.”

Between 2000 to 2002, when John was the National President of the Australian Society of Orthodontists and the President of the Dental Board of Western Australia, John says he needed a “further distraction” to keep his head in the right place. “I have always found the best way to rest one’s brain is to use another part of it and switch challenges,” he explains. “I found this period was the perfect opportunity, especially being a late-night person, to study and mainly flew on Fridays and weekends. I completed the full licence in February 2003.”

Not one to do things by halves, John then founded the company Adventure Helicopters and with the purchase of two Robinson 44 helicopters, over the next 15 years, had contracts with Ford Japan and Rally Australia, West Australian Newspapers, Variety Club of WA and many more through Rotorvation at Jandakot.

John adds using the helicopters for the Kimberley Dental Team (from 2009 to 2016) was invaluable. “This allowed me to fly a nurse, a dentist and equipment into many very remote communities,” he says. “After a full day’s work, we would jump back in the helicopter at four o’clock to be home at last light at just after five. Nowadays, knowing the community and members so much better, we now take our two four-wheel drives, off-road caravan and truck and live up to a week in community, which in the early days, was just not possible.”

John ceased flying in early 2017, having flown 1300 hours in Command with no incidents.

(L-R) John's son Peter Owen, John and John's father Dr Ray Owen, who volunteered with the Kimberley Dental Team in 2010, at the age of 83 years.

“Jan and I had travelled all over Australia and New Zealand and it was time to start my next venture, Adventure Hovercrafts – Flight Training, which is now underway,” he says. There have been many highlights of his flying adventures, but one notable one was in 2008 when John and Jan spent the month of February circumnavigating New Zealand.

“These 28-days was probably one of the best trips of our lives,” John says.

“Firstly, I had to complete my written commercial licence examinations followed by an intensive flight test at Ardmore Airport, south of Auckland. This was quite a long and strenuous day but successful. New Zealand pilots are extremely talented (I didn’t say safe).

“If one cleared a tree/ rocky outcrops, power lines by a foot or two, that was considered fine. Being instructed to land in dense pine plantation was a challenge, but I’m still here to tell the story.”

The next day they departed, travelling down the west coast of North Island. “We planned sensible and regular breaks with overnight stays at often remote but always remarkable and friendly locations,” John recalls. “We flew across the Cook Strait, around the northern tip of South Island, throughout the Marlborough region down the west coast, up Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, into and up spectacular Milford Sound, followed the Milford Track though the mountains and on to Invercargill. A great loop of Stewart Island then back up the East Coast of the South Island, back across the Cook Strait, around the southern tip of the North Island, through Wellington airspace, then anti-clockwise circumnavigation of almost every nook-and-cranny, bay and island of the North Island – eventually returning to Ardmore after a short stay on Waiheke Island. We flew a total of 36 hours and a distance of approximately 5,000 kilometres.”

John says he truly believes his training as a commercial pilot assisted his day-to-day dentistry (in his case as a Specialist Orthodontist) and in his leadership roles.

“In aviation, there’s no time to procrastinate when it comes to flight planning and decision making,” John explains.

“Aviation demands pre-flight preparation, being mechanically and technologically. I believe it makes you a more decisive person."

John says he would encourage any person or dentist who has a passion for aviation to undertake pilot training.

“I preferred helicopters because of the complexity of their engineering but also the flexibility in traveling and landing in very isolated locations,” he says. “The training definitely assists one with forward thinking, planning and risk management, just as is required in dentistry.

“It also humbles you to understand, appreciate and respect your weaknesses and your vulnerabilities. Overconfidence is one's biggest enemy in any aspect of our lives.

“Aviation teaches you far more about teamwork then we learn as dental graduates,” he adds. “Communication is critical when working with air traffic control, search and rescue, aviation mechanical engineers and fellow pilots, crew, and especially passengers, who have trusted you with their lives.”

DR TIM CROFTS

Dr Tim Crofts decided to get his private pilot’s licence after his experiences early on in his dentistry career. “My first job in Dentistry was based in Derby and I got to go on some RFDS clinics and, monthly flights to Koolan Island near the Horizontal waterfalls,” he recalls. “If you have done that trip you will know how stunning the scenery is; I was hooked!”

Tim now flies about 100 hours a year (which is usually a flight every fortnight) in his own plane. “After dating a few planes for five years I fell in love with a little two-seater called VIKee,” he says. “I have had it for six years now.”

Although he does not fly for work now, during his time as the ADAWA Country Councillor, he would take his plane to visit members from Kununurra to Esperance and all points in between. “It was so great to be able to reach out to our colleagues and see first-hand their world,” Tim says. “Go Country people!”

For Tim, dentistry and flying have some similarities. “Both jobs are about risk management,” he explains. “Applying your knowledge and mental and physical skills in a safe way to achieve the desired outcome. You need to remain calm at all times!”

To other dentists considering going for their pilot’s licence, Tim recommends taking a Trial Instructional Flight (TIF) to see if it is your thing or not. “Not everyone has the ‘right stuff’, but you won’t know until you give it a go,” he says.

Tim has a YouTube channel, Croftsy, featuring some of his flying videos: youtube.com/channel/UCp-wDEWJLAea7ZZ-4ITtwlg/videos

DR MARTIN FORD

Dr Martin Ford was always fascinated by the concept of flight (and had a cousin who was a commercial pilot). He vowed to get involved when he could – and completed his first lessons at Port Hedland in 1977.

“I bought my first aircraft in the 1990s as a package deal with a hangar at Serpentine Airfield,” he says. “I enjoy the building and maintenance of my aircraft as much as I do the flying. In 2019 my RV6 had its first flight after many years of construction.

“I wanted to fly for fun, not for work,” Martin adds. “Flying enables me to travel around our amazing country without having to compete with the ‘grey nomads’”.

Flying has certainly taken Martin on some journeys – in the last year alone, he has travelled to Kununurra and Cockatoo Island via Coral Bay – flying roughly 27 hours total travel time (return).

When asked if his dentistry skills have assisted him in flying, Martin explains that flying and building aircraft both require attention-to-detail.

“Failure to get it right can lead to major problems,” he says. “Dentistry certainly gives a good grounding in attention-to-detail.”

For Martin, the enjoyment he gets out of flying is the feeling of freedom (real or imagined). “I would certainly encourage others to get into flying,” he says. “Your first solo is one of those things you’ll always remember.”

I wanted to fly for fun, not for work. Flying enables me to travel around our amazing country without having to compete with the ‘grey nomads'.

DR KARSTEN JUENGLING

Dr Karsten Juengling had a passion for aviation since early childhood, however, his academic parents discouraged pursuing aviation in favour of a university degree. When his eldest son wanted to become an airline pilot and started lessons, Karsten saw his opportunity to join in and obtain his own licence.

“While he went on to fly for Qantas, I continued to become a commercial pilot and flight instructor and have enjoyed this additional profession for the last twenty years,” Karsten says.

“I am privileged to be able to fly two to three days a week, teaching students as an employee of the Royal Aero Club of WA at Jandakot.”

When asked if the skills he has from dentistry have assisted him in flying, Karsten’s answer is a definite yes. “Dentists become very good at managing and allaying patient’s fears and anxiety related to treatments,” he says. “Flight instruction deals with the same emotions

Twenty six years after obtaining his licence, flying is still very enjoyable. “Apart from the obvious thrill, there is the constant intellectual challenge, however, my favourite is seat-of-the-pants flying in vintage aircraft.”

with new students and the dental background is therefore of particular advantage in this respect. In addition, the academic experience obtaining a dental degree and the continuing education requirements make it a lot easier tackling the many theory exams encountered in aviation as you progress. Problem solving skills developed in dentistry certainly help as well.”

To other dentists considering obtaining their pilot’s licence, Karsten says if you are looking to get away from the office for an exhilarating, intellectually-stimulating experience, with a constant learning curve and endlessly exciting and enjoyable challenges, then take up flying.

“No one I have ever taken up for a lesson or joy flight has ever regretted their decision to do so,” he explains.

“Besides which, the view from this office is unbeatable!”

Apart from the obvious thrill, there is the constant intellectual challenge, however, my favourite is seat-of-the-pants flying in vintage aircraft.

Season’s Greetings

MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH THE Royal Flying Doctor Service

Dr Ida Khosraviani is making a difference in rural and remote communities as part of the dental division of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Dr Ida Khosraviani developed an interest in working in rural and remote communities when she volunteered with the Kimberley Dental Team as a student. So when she was told about the opportunity to work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, she jumped at the chance.

“I did not know the Royal Flying Doctor Service had a dental division until I met someone working for them,” Ida recalls. “As soon as I found out I applied, and I started working with the RFDS in August.”

Ida’s first trip was to Wiluna, 947 kilometres northeast of Perth.

“You are sent with a nurse and all your costs including car, accommodation and meals for the week are covered,” Ida says.

“I was working at Ngangganawili Aboriginal Health Service in an Allied Health setting, alongside a GP, Pharmacist, and child health nurse, amongst others. “Due to COVID they hadn’t had a dentist there since the start of the year. We were told by staff that one of the most common presenting complaints at the medical centre was toothache.

“Working for RFDS is not just about dentistry, it is also about supporting the community,” she adds. “We would go to the local café run by students at the school for coffee on Tuesday and Thursdays, which provided a great opportunity to build connections with the locals and the staff.”

Ida says most of the treatment provided was emergency work. “There were patients in pain, due to not having access to a dentist for so long,” she says. “It was mostly extractions. We were mainly treating Indigenous Australians. It is quite different to working in private practice, as many of the patients had complex medical needs, so there was a lot more to consider.”

Ida’s second trip was to Broome, with a third planned for Halls Creek.“The thing I love about this work is it is so different to what you would normally do,” she says. “You get to go places you may have never been before and treat patients in great need of treatment. This work is meaningful because you really feel like you are making a difference, and the new environments and challenges allow for richer experiences and opportunities for growth.”

Ida adds she is able to work for RFDS while still maintaining a full-time job in private practice in Perth. “My workplace is very supportive of my involvement with RFDS and allow time off to work for RFDS,” she says. “RFDS is accommodating around other work you have, and it is up to you how many trips you can commit to a year.”

Dentists interested in applying for positions with RFDS should go to the website, flyingdoctor.org.au/careers/region/wa

You get to go places you may have never been before and treat patients in great need of treatment. This work is meaningful because you really feel like you are making a difference, and the new environments and challenges allow for richer experiences and opportunities for growth.

Helping our community

Oral Medicine Specialist, Dr Janina Christoforou, volunteers specialist services to St Pat’s and Healing Smiles patients.

Dr Janina Christoforou, with dental assistant at St Pat’s, Nina Slipper.

Dr Janina Christoforou has been quietly volunteering for St Pat’s Oral Health Clinic and Healing Smiles for a number of years, whenever the services of an Oral Medicine Specialist have been required.

When asked why she first became a volunteer at St Pat’s, Janina responds that as a health provider, your main objective is to help people. “To me, this means helping all people in our community,” she explains. “When I heard about St Pat’s, I made contact with Andrea Paterson to see if I could offer specialist services in the St Pat’s dental clinic. After signing a few forms, I became a volunteer and I never looked back.”

Janina volunteers with St Pat’s on a referral basis. “Whenever a volunteer dentist finds something that warrants further investigation during their examination, I will be contacted to arrange a time to see the patient,” she says. “This can range from offering services weekly to every few months.”

Janina can provide management for orofacial pain and mucosal disease. The most common referred treatments have revolved around oral mucosal diseases. “A consultation will be undertaken and there are times when a biopsy will be required for histopathological evaluation,” she says. “Instruction on preventive oral health regimes is always discussed, but it is difficult to often change an individual’s mindset due to the significant stressors in their day-to-day lives. It is important to have an understanding of the challenges the patients at the St Pat’s clinic face, as this helps to formulate an appropriate management pathway.”

Janina says all patients she has met at St Pat’s have been very appreciative. “Reassurement comes a long way in alleviating some of the patients many stressors and it is so fulfilling to be a part of this,” she says.

“Many times, it is just a smile that you are given from a patient, which shows that you are helping them.

“It was only recently that I had the pleasure of consulting a wonderful lady who was able to share with me how she has positively changed the direction in her life,” she adds. “She expressed such happiness and fulfillment in painting her residence. Her mother also attended the appointment, and she was so supportive of this change.

"She was now on a pathway to reduce smoking; she understands that it will be difficult, but it was so nice to hear a thought-out plan to undertake this journey.”

Janina also volunteers for Healing Smiles on a referral basis and says it has likewise been a wonderful experience. “To be a part of a group of dentists that improve the lives of women who have had an unfortunate encounter with domestic violence is special,” she explains. “The women that you treat have changed their lives for the better and to be a part of this progressive change to further make a positive change in their lives is rewarding. It is always so fulfilling to hear how the small things we do can be such a big step forward in alleviating stress, improving self-esteem, and providing awareness.”

To other specialists who are thinking about volunteering with St Pat’s or Healing Smiles, Janina says volunteering is a beneficial part of dentistry. “It is challenging, and it allows you to experience a wider breadth and understanding of the problems certain individuals in our community face in their daily lives,” she says. “Each volunteer group will be seeing patients with a different set of challenges. Being able to listen to their stories, aids in your development of community awareness, and as a specialist, you are able to add to the wonderful service that our volunteer general dentists provide.”

For more details about volunteering at St Pat’s email Debbie McLeod at dmcleod@stpats.com.au

For other ways you or your practice can volunteer through ADHF programs, please contact WA State Coordinator, Andrea Paterson at adminwa@adhf.org.au

For more details about volunteering with Healing Smiles, email healingsmileswa@gmail.com

Reassurement comes a long way in alleviating some of the patients many stressors and it is so fulfilling to be a part of this. Many times, it is just a smile that you are given from a patient, which shows that you are helping them.

The specialty journey

Two specialists share their experience of moving to Australia and completing specialty training.

DR AHMED SALEH

Periodontist and ADAWA Councillor Dr Ahmed Saleh completed his undergrad in Cairo in 2002 and started the process to sit the Australian Dental Council (ADC) exams in 2005. “I sat three exams,” he recalls.

“The first was an English exam, which was a prerequisite prior to sitting the dental exams, Then I sat the theoretical exam in Egypt, and then the final practical exam in 2007, which was in Australia.

“Egypt is a beautiful country – a great country to visit with so much history and beautiful nature. But to try to make a career there it is a bit difficult because of the large population and high competition.

“I compared America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and Australia was definitely the way to go,” he explains. “It is a big country with great potential, the weather is beautiful, I love its rich nature and the beaches, and there is a lot of travelling to do within.”

Knowing he wanted to live and work in Australia, Ahmed said it was quite easy to find all the information online of what would be required, via the Australian Dental Council. The process took two years, and he moved here in 2008.

He said when it came to preparing for the exam, he was supported by his colleagues and friends who were going through the same process. The most challenging part of the process was sitting the final exam while suffering jetlag.

“Some of the people who sit the ADC exam already live in Australia, but for those who come from overseas you usually catch a very long flight to a country that you have never been to before,” he recalls. “There were so many changes. The summer becomes winter, and the winter becomes summer, and you are jetlagged when you need to focus on a very important exam. The language and the culture are different. You also need to get used to looking at the opposite side while crossing the road!”

To other dentists planning on sitting the ADC, Ahmed advises to give it your best shot, so regardless of the outcome, you know you have done your best. “Once you have a plan then put everything into it,” he says. “Don’t put it as a side plan along with other things. There is a lot of travelling involved, and a lot of expenses, so it is worth putting everything into it.”

“I know some people who look at specialising for different reasons. But I think the main reason you should want to specialise it you love that speciality more than anything. Other gains will happen as well, whether financial or other, but it should be because you love it.”

After completing specialty training, Ahmed wanted to give back to the profession he loves so much. “I became Treasurer of ASPWA (the Australian Society of Periodontology WA) and then I became President of the WA branch, and then I also volunteered as the Treasurer of the Federal ASP. I was also a committee member with the RACD WA Branch for six years. Additionally, it was a privilege to teach students at Dental School (OHCWA) as a clinical tutor and then as a senior lecturer. I have also become an Examiner with the ADC and it is every interesting to be on that other side. I

Ahmed adds when he was studying his under grad, he always knew he wanted to be a Periodontist. “It is something that I absolutely loved, more than anything else in dentistry, and when I finished the ADC, I wanted to become a Periodontist,” he says.

He spent three years working as a General Dentist in Perth, before applying for a Periodontist program. “It is quite competitive and when you have just come fresh from overseas, your resume still probably isn’t as strong as most programs would want it to be,” he says. “You need to do your primary exams and build up a local resume, and take some courses related to Perio or whatever speciality you are applying to do.

“After three years I got accepted in the Gold Coast and in Perth, but of course I chose Perth because I love it here.”

For Ahmed, specialisation is the most intense thing he has ever done. “You are focussing on your seminars, your training, your surgeries and your patients and your thesis – juggling it all and making sure it is all done efficiently. It was a lot of work, but it was all worth it in the end.

have a complete understanding of how candidates that I examine feel as I was in their same position 15 years ago. Most recently, I joined the ADAWA Council.

"Apart from private practice in Perth, I have also worked as a visiting Periodontist in Regional WA (Geraldton and Albany) for five years. I wanted to provide this service as I know there is a demand for it, and I understand that travelling to Perth for treatment is not easy for all patients.

“I don’t think there is two ways about it; the ADA is where you get to meet colleagues and make friends, where you get to meet potential employers, where you get to continue your education and learn more,” he says. “It is there you have support if you have any problems with patients or if you need any support or advice, so without the ADAWA you are really doing it by yourself.”

I know some people who look at specialising for different reasons. But I think the main reason you should want to specialise it you love that speciality more than anything. Other gains will happen as well, whether financial or other, but it should be because you love it.

DR SUNDAR VARADHARAJAN

For Prosthodontist Dr Sundar Varadharajan, the journey to become a specialist was a long one, but very rewarding.

Sundar did his undergraduate program in Southern India and moved to New Zealand soon after graduation.

On arrival in New Zealand, Sundar went through a bridging program for overseas trained dentists at the University of Otago. “The program was an intensive 10-month training process, with both didactic and clinical sessions in dentistry,” he recalls. “At the end of the program I became familiar with how dentistry is practiced across New Zealand and Australia. This helped me a lot with the registration exam – the New Zealand Dental Registration Exam.

“The 10-month program was not mandatory – you could go and sit the exam without going through the training program, but as a new graduate I wanted to understand the system better,” he adds. “It was a long and challenging process.”

The registration in New Zealand was recognised in Australia, and Sundar and wife (Paediatric Dentist) Vaish Gopal, moved to Perth when Vaish was accepted into a speciality program in Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Western Australia.

After 11 years as a General Dentist, Sundar also decided to specialise in Prosthodontics from UWA. “I was always interested in managing some of the complex and challenging restorative cases,” he explains.

“When we do these complex cases, if it is planned and executed well, we are able to turn someone from a very compromised situation and give them back their aesthetics and function. I find this very rewarding.”

To others thinking about specialising, Sundar says his General Dentist experience was very beneficial.

to become a specialist, especially a Prosthodontist, you have got to be a good General Dentist to start with. It is that experience that sets you up to take it to the next level of speciality,” he says. “The majority of what we do as Prosthodontists is General Dentistry but at a higher level of complexity and challenges. So, it is important to be a good General Dentist – and the only thing that will help you to get there is clinical experience.”

HIF Corporate Program

ADAWA members are entitled to a 12% discount on health cover each year when premiums are paid by direct debit. Existing HIF members need only call or email to have the discount applied to their membership. Visit hif.com.au/adawa and use the access code ADAWA Alternatively call HIF on 1300 13 40 60 or email sales@hif.com.au

“If you want

The majority of what we do as Prosthodontists is General Dentistry but at a higher level of complexity and challenges. So, it is important to be a good General Dentist – and the only thing that will help you to get there is clinical experience.

Overpayment by employer

Overpayments are a common occurrence, and ultimately may occur for a magnitude of reasons. Instances of an overpayment may be attributed to payroll errors, system faults or an employer’s mistaken belief regarding an employee’s entitlements. The increased frequency at which such overpayments occur, makes it all the more important for employers to be aware of and understand their obligations when seeking to recover money from an employee. The following article provides a guide to navigating such an error to help you alleviate any awkwardness associated with this incident.

IDENTIFYING THE OVERPAYMENT

In the event of an overpayment, the error should be discussed as soon as reasonably practicable with the employee. The employer should disclose the date of the overpayment, the reason for the overpayment, and the amount that was overpaid. It is also best practice to apologise for any inconvenience caused and ensure the employee is made aware of the subsequent steps and actions that will be taken to correct the situation and prevent its recurrence.

CORRECTING THE OVERPAYMENT

Making a deduction

A deduction occurs when an employer ‘takes’ or withholds a portion of an employee’s pay before they receive it. Whilst some awards may contain a clause allowing an employer to deduct money from an employee’s pay without their agreement, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 does not expressly permit such a deduction. Therefore, any deduction from an employee’s pay must be done through written consent, or through what is commonly known as a ‘deductions agreement’.

Employers cannot automatically take money out of an employee’s pay to revert an overpayment. As such, the employer and the employee should discuss and mutually agree upon a repayment schedule. This agreement must be genuine, and an employee cannot be forced or coerced to sign an agreement. An agreement must be made in writing, and should include:

• The reason for the overpayment;

• The amount that was overpaid;

• How the repayments will be made (e.g. electronic transfer, cash); and

• How often the repayments will be made.

The amount to be repaid and the period in which the repayments are to be made should be reasonable. An employer should ask the employee how they would like to pay the money back, as well as the amount and frequency of each payment. Depending on how long has passed since the overpayment occurred, it may be unreasonable to expect the full amount be repaid a lump sum payment, meaning an employer may need to accept smaller repayments over a long period of time.

WHEN DEDUCTIONS ARE NOT ALLOWED

Subject to the written consent from an employee, an employer can correct an overpayment by deducting an agreed upon amount from an employee’s pay. However, there are some instances when an employer is not allowed to make deductions from an employee’s pay, including where:

• The employee is under 18, and a parent or guardian has not agreed in writing; or

• The deduction benefits the employer directly and is not principally for the benefit of the employee; or

• The amount or frequency of the repayments are unreasonable.

AFTER A REPAYMENT AGREEMENT HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED

If the overpayment was made in the current financial year, the employee is obligated to make any and all repayments in line with the repayment plan. Conversely, if an overpayment was made in a previous tax year, the employee must repay the total amount, and the payroll team will need to adjust payroll details for that year and reissue the company income statement.

It is also important that the employee resubmit their tax return to recoup the tax portion of the overpayment. To avoid any issues, it is best to make the repayments separately to the employer, as opposed to using a payroll system.

PREVENTING FUTURE OVERPAYMENTS

In addition to correcting mistakes as they arise, it is also essential to have systems in place to prevent any overpayments reoccurring. Ensure that your payroll team completes regular training around the use of payroll systems, and team members know where to go to get answers to their questions. It is also a good idea to undertake a third-party audit every few years, which will ensure that your payroll process, system setup, and staff capability is compliant.

To summarise, the following steps should be taken when dealing with an overpayment:

1. Identity the overpayment and the year in which it occurred;

2. Discuss the mistake with the employee;

3. Obtain written agreement from the employee as to how the repayments will be made; and

4. Adjust the payroll system to prevent future mistakes.

For more information on this article please call the ADA HR Advisory Service on 1300 232 462.

WA DENTAL CPD

After three years of pandemic impact, the 2023 WA Dental CPD program is back to its pre-COVID best. WA Dental CPD is once again living up to its reputation as a world-class program with the release of the first-round of 2023 courses.

THE RETURN OF INTERSTATE FAVOURITES

“In 2023 we can look forward to welcoming back some of our pre-COVID speakers,” says Director of Continuing Professional Development, Dr Jenny Ball. “We have Clarence Tam coming in February, Michael Mandikos is coming in March and Barbara Woodhouse will be presenting in October.”

Of particular excitement is the return of Clarence Tam, who has not presented in Perth since early 2020, due to border closures and quarantine challenges. Her popular courses ‘To Prep or Not to Prep’ and ‘Simple, Sexy Posterior Composite Restorations’ always sell-out fast, and after a three-hiatus on these courses, Jenny recommends booking soon to avoid missing out.

MORE TO COME

New courses are constantly being added to the WA Dental CPD program, so Jenny advises members to keep an eye on the ADAWA website. “We are not producing a big CPD book this year, but a smaller booklet,” she says. “So, you need to keep visiting the ADAWA website and read your eDMs because there is always information there with reminders about courses coming up and with news of new courses being added to the program.” For the latest information on the WA Dental CPD program or to book, visit adawa.com.au/cpd

YOUR CPD HOURS

November 30 2022 marked the end of the previous CPD cycle, which means you have three years to clock up another 60 hours of CPD. “Don’t leave it until the last minute like some people did this year,” Jenny advises. “We had some people booking in between 8 and 10 courses last-minute to complete their hours. Try to stagger it over the next three years and do a little bit here and there. It makes it easier on the pocket. Also, go to courses not because you have to, but because you want to.”

FAVOURITES AND NEW COURSES

The 2023 program features the ever-popular favourites (such as Practical Oral Surgery, Restore My First Implant and Biomimetic Minimal Prep Restorations), and Jenny listened to attendees to ensure she has booked speakers that were highlights in 2022. “Michael Chan presented a posterior composite course this year and he was fantastic, so he is going to be repeating that and also doing an aesthetics one as well,” Jenny says.

“It is great to have him on board as part of our hands-on team. Dr Luan Ngo from the University of Melbourne is also doing some hands-on perio courses.” 2023 may be the year of 'guess who is coming to dinner', with fresh topics and new presenters. Dinner meetings are held at the University Club and include a high quality three course meal.

“We have some great dinner courses lined up for next year including one on halitosis, one on the use of scanners, as well as some joint presentations for inter-disciplinary treatment," Jenny says. "There is something for everyone.”

CPD does not have to be all clinical, so there are also non-clinical courses including a new nutrition course, ‘Smart Brain – Nutrition Workshop’ with Performance Specialist and Sports Dietitian Julie Meek, as well as a Stress Management Workshop with Psychologist Alexandra Hof.

CPD AS A GIFT

Did you know you can buy a gift voucher towards WA Dental CPD courses? It’s a great Christmas present (especially for colleagues or staff members). Go to adawa.com.au/product/cpd-gift-voucher

THUR

Innovation in Virtual Implant Treatment Planning and Guided Implant Surgery Dr Adam Hamilton University Club

SAT Practical Oral Surgery Oral and maxillofacial surgeons CTEC

Drs Paul Gorgolis & Asheen Behari UWA Dental School

Public Holidays 1 Jan – New Year's Day 2 Jan – New Year Holiday 26 Jan – Australia Day 6 Mar – Labour Day 7 Apr – Good Friday 9 Apr – Easter Sunday adawa.com.au 27

23 Sep – 8 Oct 15 Dec – 30 Jan

Compelling Composites

Prosthodontist Dr Michael Mandikos is coming to Perth in March and will be presenting two exciting new courses designed to provide a predictable technique for each application.

Dr Michael Mandikos is a registered specialist in Prosthodontics. Michael received his Bachelor of Dental Science Degree with First Class Honours from the University of Queensland and in 1998 he completed a three-year Residency Program at the State University of New York at Buffalo (USA), graduating with a Certificate in Prosthodontics and Masters Degree in Biomaterials. He has researched composite resin materials and published research papers in Australian and international journals on clinical and dental materials topics, as well as many clinical technique articles in local dental magazines.

Michael has been a Visiting Specialist Prosthodontist to the University of Queensland Dental School and the Royal Australian Air Force. He is a Reviewer for three dental journals and is a product evaluator for several dental companies. Michael has presented continuing education programs at dental meetings throughout Australia and Southeast Asia, Greece, Antarctica and the USA. He maintains a Private Practice limited to Implant and Restorative Dentistry in Graceville in Brisbane’s Inner West, and teaches at the Australian Dental Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

To book, visit adawa.com.au/cpd

Anterior Composite Workshop

Achieve excellent aesthetic and functional results when restoring anterior teeth

Friday 24 March 2023 – 9.00am - 5.00pm

There are presently so many options on the market, for composite systems to match natural tooth shades. This workshop will cover the importance of opacity/ translucency as distinct from colour alone, to assist participants in selecting the right shade when trying to match tooth structure, and to allow them to select the right composite system for use in their own practice.

A simplified multi-layered approach to restoring anterior teeth using varying opacities of composites will be demonstrated and simplified techniques for finishing and polishing will be explained so that all participants are able to produce functional and aesthetic restorations for their patients.

The practical exercise in this program will give participants the opportunity to restore a typodont tooth utilising a multi-shaded, aesthetic composite system and the layering techniques presented in the lecture. At the completion of the program, attendees should have a greater understanding of the newer composite technologies available to achieve excellent aesthetic and functional results when restoring anterior teeth.

Perfect Posterior Composites

Achieving the perfect posterior composite restoration

Saturday 25 March 2023 – 9.00am - 5.00pm

Fundamental to obtaining excellent clinical outcomes with posterior composites, is an understanding of the latest composite materials (including Bulkfill technologies) and the ability to properly adhere these materials into the tooth.

This workshop will thoroughly review the dentine bonding agents presently on the market (including the Universal Adhesives), with all of their respective advantages and possible pitfalls. The course will then address the main causes of post-operative sensitivity with posterior composites, and present techniques that can be predictably employed by the clinician to prevent it from occurring. This will include a discussion on cavity design and restorative material placement, as well as the role of Bulkfills, Glass Ionomers and Flowable resins. During the hands-on exercises, participants will have the opportunity to practice composite placement in typodont teeth using the materials and techniques discussed. 1,100

WADU RETURNS IN 2023

Western Australia Dental Update

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

HAN DS-ON

COURSE OUTLINE

The primary molar presents a significant restorative challenge to dentists due to its unique anatomy and characteristics. The strength of the primary molar itself is often the major limiting factor in the choice of a successful restoration. The bulbous-shaped crown, cervical constriction, prominent pulp horns and broad at contact can make intra coronal adhesive restorations more difficult to retain.

The stainless-steel crown restoration offers an exceptional alternative to other restorative materials due to its durability, cost effectiveness, ease of technique and offers the advantage of full coronal coverage.

This half-day course will take the participant through the indications for using stainless-steel crowns, a step-by-step guide for tooth preparation and its requirements for your dental practice.

Pulp therapy in the primary dentition is a highly successful clinical procedure following careful case selection. Three different pulp therapy procedures (indirect pulp cap, pulpotomy and pulpectomy) will be discussed in detail during the lecture. The hands-on component will include pulpotomy technique and the use of current medicaments including Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA).

Topics to be covered

• Pulp therapy: diagnosis of pulp status, pulp treatment options (indirect pulp cap, pulpotomy, pulpectomy), pulpotomy technique and current medicaments available.

• Stainless-steel crown restorations in the primary dentition: indications for use and technique guide.

• Hands-on practical session pulpotomy: preparation on two teeth using two different pulp medicaments followed by stainless-steel crown preparations on two teeth following pulpotomy.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Dr Vanessa William graduated from The University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Dental Science in 1996. After working in private practice for a number of years, she completed a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry specialising in Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Melbourne in 2004 and attained her Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons the same year. Since her return to Perth in 2005, Vanessa worked with Dr Peter Readman, becoming coowner of Bicton Paediatric Dentistry in 2012 and Cockburn Paediatric Dentistry in 2016. Further to her private practice commitments, Vanessa is the President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry (WA Branch), is on the Board of Studies for Paediatric Dentistry for the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and shares the position of Deputy Head of Department (Dentistry) at Perth Children’s Hospital. Vanessa is invited to provide many lectures throughout the year for the continuing education of general dental practitioners and oral health therapists.

Pulp Therapy and Stainless-Steel

Crowns.

To book, visit adawa.com.au/cpd

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 FINANCIAL SERVICES

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 2022 and 31 December 2022. 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

Meet the Team

BY DR COLM HARNEY Dentolegal Consultant

As a member of Dental Protection, you have access to the expertise of our team of Dentolegal Consultants and Case Managers. In this article, you can meet the people behind the job titles.

It goes without saying that we, the WA dental community, have just endured a momentous and turbulent few years. A global pandemic, which initially cast a shadow over all aspects of practice/patient interactions and caused significant anxiety about what the future was going to look like, followed up by conflict in Europe and disruption of supply chains in many goods and services we had previously taken for granted.

We are now tentatively coming out the other side, still with some uncertainties but also stronger than ever with a dental community that stepped up (with significant support and assistance from ADAWA and Dental Protection), worked together and now practices seem to be busier than ever.

Dental Protection are here to help on that journey too, not only with complaints and indemnity assistance but also with resources around burnout and wellbeing in these times of change and unpredictability. We want to take this opportunity to remind you of the breadth and variety of experience of the team here at Dental Protection and prompt you on our contact details should you ever need us in an emergency situation or just to make an enquiry regarding any possible dentolegal questions you might have. dentalprotection.org Freecall: 1800 444 542

DR SIMON PARSONS – DENTOLEGAL CONSULTANT BDS (Hons), MBA (Executive)

Dr Simon Parsons is a graduate of the University of Sydney and has over 30 years’ experience working primarily in private dental practice. Simon has tutored dental undergraduates and dental assistants and continues to enjoy teaching and mentoring oral health professionals. He completed an MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management in 2001.

Balancing his interest in clinical treatment and practice management, he managed large multidisciplinary dental practices for over a decade and now works in a Sydney CBD group practice when not at Dental Protection. He also provides technical and educational support for a large multinational dental laboratory.

Interesting fact: Simon is an identical twin and is still approached on occasion by total strangers who seem to know him, when in fact it is a case of mistaken identity. Simon is an avid cook and has been known to roast his own coffee beans prior to tinkering as a wannabe barista at home and trying to perfect a microfoam for his latte.

DR ANNALENE WESTON – DENTOLEGAL CONSULTANT BDS MHL FACD FPFA FICD

Dr Annalene Weston completed her undergraduate dental degree and vocational training in the UK and worked in NHS and private dentistry before immigrating to Australia. She has worked across three Australian states, in both private and public dentistry, and gained her Masters in Health Law at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Law in 2008.

Annalene was awarded a Fellowship to the American College of Dentistry in 2016 and a Fellowship to the Pierre Fauchard Academy in 2019 in recognition of her strong work in ethics and collegiate support. She became a Fellow of the International College of Dentistry in 2020. Annalene works part-time in a suburban dental practice.

Interesting fact: Annalene loves words; writing them, reading them, listening to them and speaking them. When she is not at work, she is reading, or searching out interesting books or new (old) vinyl for her collection. She does this while being mother to two rambunctious boys and surrounded by oodles of poodles.

DR MIKE RUTHERFORD – SENIOR DENTOLEGAL

BDSc BA FICD FPFA

CONSULTANT

Mike Rutherford graduated from the University of Queensland and has more than 40 years’ dental experience in private practice, hospital clinics, the defence forces and supervising undergraduate dental students. He spent 19 years as a member of the ADAQ Patient Liaison Panel before joining the Dental Protection team in 2012. Mike was until recently a partner in a Brisbane suburban dental practice since the late 1980s, looking after three generations of patients.

Interesting fact: Mike has a BA in Social History and International Diplomacy and will happily discuss the Vietnam moratorium movement and Cold War politics for hours. He is also a mad dog cyclist.

DR COLM HARNEY – DENTOLEGAL CONSULTANT BA BDentSc

Dr Colm Harney graduated from Trinity College Dublin and worked as a GDP in the private and public sectors in Ireland and Australia. He then worked for eight years in private practice in London before returning to Australia in 2007 where he works in suburban private practice in Perth. Colm has also worked as a tutor and clinical supervisor in the UWA Dental School. He has completed post-graduate studies in dispute resolution and worked in healthcare dispute resolution as an accredited mediator. In addition to his role as a dentolegal consultant, Colm continues to work part-time in the same practice he has been in since 2007.

Interesting fact: Colm is a third dan black belt in Aikijujutsu, a traditional Japanese martial art. He maintains that the best way to forget the troubles of the day and focus your thoughts is when an opponent is throwing a punch at your face or swinging a very sharp sword in your general direction.

DR KIRAN KESHWARA – DENTOLEGAL

BDS (Hons)

CONSULTANT

Kiran graduated from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry in the UK. After completion of his vocational training, Kiran bought a dental practice in England, which he managed for five years before selling it and moving to Australia. Kiran also spent five years with a specialist dental negligence law firm in the UK as a dentolegal consultant, advising solicitors on matters relating to litigation.

Since moving to Australia, he has worked for corporate dental groups in Queensland and the ACT as the lead dentist, supporting and mentoring clinicians. As well as being a dentolegal consultant for Dental Protection, Kiran works part-time in private practice.

Interesting fact: During his undergraduate study, Kiran worked as security at Lord’s Cricket Ground, The Oval cricket ground, and Chelsea Football Club, where he got to meet many of his childhood sporting heroes. Despite their multiple failures in the past 20 years, Kiran is a passionate Arsenal fan and continues to live in hope...

DR

ROGER

DENNETT – DENTOLEGAL CONSULTANT

BDS (Syd Uni) FICD

FADI FPFA

Roger graduated from the University of Sydney and has more than 40 years’ experience in private practice in city, suburban and rural practice. Roger has owned and operated 3 quite different practices over his long career in dentistry, but now works part-time contracting his services to a corporate practice. He is a Past President of ADANSW and did at one time chair the Dental Care Assessment Committee of the NSW Dental Board. After that, he spent 17 years as an ADANSW Peer Advisor assisting members with dento-legal issues, before joining the Dental Protection team in September 2021, where he replaced Dr Ralph Neller AO.

Interesting fact: Roger has been known to play piano when suitably lubricated, although he will deny all knowledge of such alter-ego performances. Roger has recently become fascinated with hypnosis.

MRS ANITA KEMP – CASE MANAGER BAppHSC (Oral Health)

Anita has worked within the dental industry for over 20 years. Anita’s vast experience includes working in private practice in administrative, hygiene, dental therapy and dental assistant roles. More recently, Anita worked as a clinical support and compliance lead for a major health fund across Queensland before joining the Dental Protection team in December 2020 as a case manager.

Interesting fact: In a previous life prior to children, numerous injuries and arthritic bones, Anita was an avid touch football and rugby union player in New Zealand and Australia. Much to the disappointment of her Kiwi relatives, both of her daughters have shunned the game they play in heaven and are staunch AFL converts and players.

MRS KRISTIN TRAFFORD-WIEZEL – CASE MANAGER BAppHSc (Oral Health)

Kristin has a considerable background in the dental industry in both therapy and hygiene practice as well as previous dental assisting. Kristin has worked in private and government practice in Queensland and Western Australia in clinical, leadership and administrative roles. Kristin continues to work part time in private practice alongside her role as case manager with Dental Protection.

Interesting fact: Over the years Kristin has amassed quite a collection of antique and ceramic toothpaste containers and dental instruments, which her family finds somewhat disturbing. Her strange collecting habits are not an issue however for the most important member of the household, Hugo, the insanely spoilt French bulldog.

HELEN HARBOURNE – CLAIMS MANAGER - LEGAL LLB- BCom

Helen joined the DPL team in 2021 as our first in-house lawyer.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce from James Cook University in 2001.  She was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2003 and went on to practice in a number of different areas of law before working solely in injury related law for approximately the last 12 years.  She practiced as a solicitor at a number of prominent law firms for approximately 14 years before moving into the insurance sector in 2018.

Interesting fact: Helen spends most of her spare time operating a free Uber service for her three teenage children, but when she does get some free time, she loves powerlifting at the gym and practising yoga.  One day (when she can retire from the free Uber service), she hopes to enter a powerlifting competition and study to be a yoga instructor.

MS JENNY STEIN – CASE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT

Before joining the Dental Protection team, Jenny previously worked as a legal secretary, had a successful small business of her own, and was a practice manager of a large medical centre for 15 years. She also worked for QFES rolling out the new radios for all emergency services. Jenny works full time as a case management assistant and many of our members will recognise her friendly voice as she is often the first point of contact when members call the team for assistance.

Interesting fact: A trainer/strapper for 24 years, Jenny is currently the head sports trainer of a rugby league club, which has grown from one senior team to six in the last seven years. She has also worked with many players who are now playing in the NRL. She loves to travel and has two sons who are both married to Registered Nurses and is waiting patiently for grandchildren.

to get straight with your TMD patient 10 FACTS

BY DR LALIMA TIWARI | Oral Medicine Specialist

The theoretical concept of illness perception model suggests that patients tend to develop beliefs about the cause, severity, prevention behaviours and treatment of their condition, when confronted by symptoms and signs of an illness. It is a way for patients to give meaning to their own disease and its symptoms. These beliefs are modulated by several factors including culture, gender, psychosocial aspects, level of knowledge and previous experiences. Illness beliefs further influence the patients’ emotional response, which can lead to feelings of helplessness, guilt and/or depression.

In the context of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), where patients present with increased levels of distress and impairments in quality of life, misconceptions about their jaw condition can delay appropriate diagnosis, hinder their compliance to treatment, and consequently this increases the risk of developing chronic TMD. The healthcare professional plays a pivotal role to amend these misbeliefs through understanding the patients’ initial beliefs about their condition and disseminating evidencebased knowledge in order to reduce pre-existing barriers that they bring to their consultation.

A recently published article by Cintra et al. reported 10 common patient misbeliefs about TMD, and how the healthcare professional can rectify them by getting the facts straight.

EVERYONE HAS TMJ, BUT NOT TMD

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. It allows the opening and closing of the mouth and is located in front of the ear. TMD, temporomandibular disorder, is the disease that can affect the TMJ, the muscles of mastication and associated structures.

THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TMD, WITH DIFFERENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

AND DIFFERENT TREATMENTS

Pain in the face, head or ear, joint clicking or crepitation, deviation and jaw locking are all signs and symptoms that can be present in TMD. TMD however is not a single disease, and each condition requires its own specific treatment.

TMD COMMONLY CAUSES PERSISTENT OR RECURRENT PAIN IN THE FACE, JAW, HEAD AND EAR. ALTHOUGH THIS MAY CAUSE APPREHENSION, TMD IS A BENIGN DISEASE.

Many patients believe that TMD is a serious condition. While TMD can disrupt daily quality of life, it is not a serious life-threatening disease. Information about the condition and assurance of its benign and generally non-progressive nature can be helpful to alleviate this fear.

THE PERSISTENCE OR RECURRENCE OF PAIN CAUSED BY TMD IS RARELY SUSTAINED BY TISSUE DAMAGE

There is not a single causal factor for TMD. While excessive mouth opening, masticatory effort and jaw trauma are known risk factors and can cause injury to the TMJs and masticatory muscles, leading to pain and dysfunction, the resultant condition typically heals within three months. If pain persists beyond this period, there are most likely other contributing factors such as genetics, poor sleep, stress, anxiety, negative thoughts and emotions, and pain in other regions of the body.

IMAGING EXAMS RARELY SHOW THE CAUSE OF TMD PAIN

While CT and MRI of the TMJ may show bone degeneration, deformed or displaced disc, marrow oedema and synovitis, these findings do not predict how much pain a patient experiences or how much it impacts their quality of life. TMJ imaging however is still useful in cases when the clinical diagnosis remains ambiguous or unclear.

JOINT NOISES DO NOT MEAN THAT YOUR JAW WILL WEAR OUT OR DISLOCATE

Jaw popping and noises tend to stabilise over time and rarely progress to a more serious problems. Treatment is necessary when these noises area associated with pain, dysfunction or social embarrassment.

MISSING TEETH ARE NOT THE CAUSE OF TMD PAIN

The number of teeth, whether they are aligned or not, and even facial asymmetry do not cause TMDrelated pain or dysfunction. On the other hand, the presence of TMD pain can alter the way you chew and position your jaw. Tooth replacement, bite alignment and surgeries to correct facial asymmetry should be performed for the purpose of improving chewing and aesthetics, but not to treat TMD.

BAD POSTURE IS NOT THE CAUSE OF TMD PAIN

While back and neck pain can contribute to the persistence and recurrence of TMD pain, the way you sit, stand or position your head and neck is not the cause of TMD pain.

BAD JAW HABITS CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE OF TMD PAIN

Jaw habits performed while awake such as clenching your teeth, tensing your jaw, chewing gum, biting fingernails, biting objects, holding the phone with your shoulder may contribute to TMD pain in vulnerable individuals.

BRACES, DENTURES AND SURGERY ARE NOT THE FIRST CHOICE OF TREATMENT FOR TMD

Dietary counselling, hot and cold compresses, relaxation techniques, physical therapies, splint therapy and reversing parafunctional jaw habits are effective, safe, cheaper and less invasive. Orthodontic and prosthetic treatments are unnecessary for the treatment of TMD. Minimally invasive TMJ surgery may have a role in select cases of TMJ disorders; however surgery may not solve the problem and may be associated with adverse effects. “Total joint replacement” is rarely required and is typically reserved for cases where all non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments have been exhausted. It is important to avoid the early use of aggressive and irreversible treatments, with conservative treatment being the most recommended for the initial care of TMD.

For further reading: Cintra, DN, de Oliveira, SAS, Lorenzo, IA, Costa, DMF, Bonjardim, LR, Costa, YM. Detrimental impact of temporomandibular disorders (mis)beliefs and possible strategies to overcome. J Oral Rehabil. 2022; 49: 746– 753. doi:10.1111/joor.13330

Bunnings Trade has all

ADAWA Member experience – AMA Finance Brokers

Dr Vincenzo Figliomeni had a positive experience with AMA Finance Brokers, after their assistance when he placed an impromptu offer on a house. Due to the impromptu offer, Dr Figliomeni did not have pre-approval in place, and knowing it was a good investment opportunity, wanted to look beyond his bank.

“Conveniently, about a week after putting in the offer, ADAWA had a presentation for AMA Finance, and I thought it would be a smart idea to attend,” Dr Figliomeni says. “At 3.30pm on a Friday afternoon, my bank had told me they were not looking to approve the loan, and the reasons appeared to be a lack of understanding of the company set-up and financial arrangements as a practice owner.

“We were pressed for time, but Racheal from AMA Finance worked very fast to not only understand the financial situation that we were in, (which certainly allowed us to support the repayments), but convey that to her lending portfolio to ensure that not only did we have an approval done within the timeframe, but we had a fallback option for bridging finance should we have required it.”

Dr Figliomeni says Racheal’s previous experience in credit approval at NAB meant she was able to interpret the business financials to understand his true lending capacity, and he would absolutely recommend AMA Finance to others. “As a practice owner, our financials aren’t as simple as when you earn a commission, so that’s where Racheal really excelled because she understood,” he says. “They have a cash back offer too, and that was an added bonus.”

For Mortgage Broking advice call the AMA Financial Brokers Team on 1800 262 346 or email info@amafinance.com.au

WADA Golf

Country Trip

The annual WADA Golf country trip saw 18 keen golfers travel to Mandurah, for 72 holes of golf over three days. Our first round was held at the magnificent Meadow Springs Golf Club; a challenging layout, designed by the renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. The ever-steady Russell Gordon played a consistent round to finish one under his handicap, finishing with 37 stableford points. This would prove to be a sign that Russell was in excellent form and ready to compete strongly over the next few days. Nearest the pin winners for the day were Michael Whitford and Jay Vaddagiri. As has become a tradition over the last few years, Leo Ntoumenopoulos and Terry Pitsikas put their exceptional culinary skills to work and provided a magnificent meal for the group, consisting of assorted seafood delights, followed by a pig on the spit, presented in Bahn Mi style rolls. An evening of great camaraderie and fun. Sincere thanks to Leo and Terry for their efforts.

The following day, the group undertook 36 holes of golf at the Secret Harbour Golf Club. This links style course provided a stern challenge. The thick rough and threat of snakes emerging from their winter slumber, meant any stray shots resulted in a lost ball. The morning round saw Russell Gordon maintain his fine form and win with a score of 39 stableford points. Last year’s country trip winner, Keenan Inderjeeth, posted a solid 38 points and showed he would be a contender again this year. Nearest the pin winners were Stu Phillips and Peter Shipway. The afternoon round started in heavy rain, making conditions difficult and unpleasant. Despite this, four players went on to post more than 40 stableford points. Stu Phillips finished strongly, with an outstanding round of 45 points to win the afternoon competition. When combined with his morning round of 36 points, Stu managed to hold off Russell Gordon on a countback, to win the coveted Busselton Cup, for the best combined scores for the day. Nearest the pin prizes for the afternoon were both won by Russell Gordon, including the Finger Hole prize.

The final day saw the group play at Mandurah Country Club. This tree-lined, tight layout provided a very different challenge to the previous links style courses at Meadow Springs and Secret Harbour. As is traditional, the groups were ranked based on the combined scores over the previous three rounds. The championship group comprised Russell, Stu and Keenan, vying for the overall prize for the best combined 72 hole score and the prestigious Captains Cup. David Owen posted the best score of the day, with an outstanding 44 stableford points. Nonetheless, it was the ever-consistent Russell Gordon who posted 35 stableford points and held off all challengers, to win the overall prize by 10 shots. Congratulations to Russell. Nearest the pin winners for the day were Russell Gordon and Leo Ntoumenopolous. Finally, our thanks to David Owen from Swan Valley Dental Laboratory for his sponsorship of the trip this year. David has been a wonderful supporter of WADA Golf and his contribution and company is greatly appreciated.

Lake Karrinyup Country Club

The final event of the WADA golf fixture for 2022 was held at Lake Karrinyup Country Club on Friday, November 18. Confronted by an unseasonal cold front, 32 players braved the wintery conditions for the annual Lester Charlesworth pairs competition. A concurrent individual par event was also contested. This provided a last chance to capture points for those players vying for the Cec White trophy for the coveted title of best performed WADA golfer of the season.

Our sponsor for the day was Swan Valley Dental Laboratory. Our thanks to David Owen, the principal of SVDL for his support of this event.

Winners for the day were as follows:

NEAREST THE PIN

Health Practice

Brokers 5th hole Russel Gordon

Dentsply Sirona 8th hole Stu Phillips

Heath Linc 12th hole Geoff Noonan

Swan Valley Dental Labs 17th hole John Scully

INDIVIDUAL PAR

Third place Graeme Washbourne +2

Second place Mike Razza +3

Winner Craig Lewis +3 (countback)

LESTER CHARLESWORTH TROPHY

Third place John Scully & Craig Lewis +4

Second place Mike Razza & Brad Potter +7

Winner Stu Phillips & Graeme Washbourne +7 (countback)

The awards for the outstanding WADA golfers of the year were presented over dinner following golf. The award for best women’s golfer of the year was presented to AnneMarie Potts. The Cec White Trophy for the best overall golfer was presented to Russel Gordon. Congratulations to our winners.

This event marks the completion of my WADA Golf Captaincy. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors for the year: Swan Valley Dental Laboratory, Dentsply Sirona, Health Practice Brokers, Health Linc, Dentaurum and Insight Dental Ceramics.

Frank Welten assumes the captaincy for the next two years. I wish him well. If you are an interested golfer and keen for a relaxed game amongst colleagues, be sure to drop Frank an email to dentistgolf@gmail.com to express your interest.

Good Golfing, MICHAEL WHITFORD WADA Golf Captain dentalgolf@gmail.com

Snapshot of history

DENTAL CLINIC ASSISTING COURSE

This beautiful photo comes courtesy of Kay Wright, former Senior Lecturer/Head of Section of the Dental Clinic Assisting Course (DCA) from 1979-1993. The Dental Clinic Assisting course originally began in the hairdressing rooms in the Mt Lawley Technical College in 1974, before moving to the St George’s Terrace site in 1978. The College later moved to the first floor of the old Marist Brothers School at the Wembley Campus of Perth Tafe, which was customised into a well-equipped training school, before finally moving to the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia (OHCWA) in 2002.

Practical experience in 1975. Note: No gloves or masks, as was the norm at that time.

TALENT SPOTTED

Dental assistant at WA Dental Ellenbrook, Brooke Lehrich, creates beautiful crochet gifts and recently made this beautiful doll of dentist Dr Lesley. You can find her range at facebook.com/inspiredbymargot

AWARD FOR WATCH YOUR MOUTH PODCAST

The ADA was recently named as the winner of the FDI World Dental Federation’s 2022 Smile Award for the Watch Your Mouth podcast. If you are not familiar with the podcast, it is a great one to share with your patients. Hosted by the lovable Jimmy Rees (those with little ones may remember him from his ‘Giggle and Hoot’ days or his ‘Meanwhile in Australia’ videos), Watch Your Mouth is an entertaining podcast with lots of great oral health information for the public, teeth.org.au/podcasts

DENTAL RESCUE DAY

This awesome volunteer dental team gave their time recently at Rockingham Salvation Army for a Dental Rescue Day. Thank you to: Jonathan Lo, Vilas Menon, Russell Gordon, Jane Bartley, Lisa Daw, Sandra Wood and Andrea Paterson. Thanks also to Paul Taylor, the branch manager at Coates Hire Kwinana, who, despite a tough year, made sure a generator was available for the Dental Rescue Day. Without a generator, the dental van would not be able to be powered, so this generous donation really makes days like this possible.

BALI BOMBINGS ANNIVERSARY LECTURE

Thank you to Dr Stephen Knott for presenting a special lecture: ‘The Bali Bombings – as seen through the eyes of the Dental team’ on the 20th anniversary of the bombings. The free lecture gave attendees an insight into uniqueness of the attack, and discussed several issues relative to Disaster Victim Identification, focusing on the need for accurate dental records.

ORAL HEALTH DAY

After being postponed during Dental Health Week due to bad weather, the ADAWA Oral Health Education Committee was able to hold a successful Oral Health Day in the Perth CPD in October. The committee answered questions from the public, gave out oral health products and the face-painting tooth fairy was a hit with the kids. Thank you to the Oral Health Education Committee for their hard work, and to the dentists and volunteers who came along to offer their support.

YOUNG DENTISTS' CONFERENCE 2022

YDC was a great success – thank you to everyone involved in organising this event for our new practitioners.

NEW FELLOWS OF THE PIERRE FAUCHARD ACADEMY

Congratulations to new Fellows of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, who were honoured recently at the Perth induction ceremony.  It was wonderful to see so many ADAWA members recognised; congratulations to you all. The Fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Academy is an accolade to outstanding contributions to the art and science of dentistry or to society.

CPD VOUCHERS

With Christmas fast-approaching, are you looking for a useful gift for your colleagues or staff? You can give the gift of continuing education with a CPD gift voucher. Vouchers can be purchased from the ADAWA website, adawa.com.au/product/ cpd-gift-voucher

The PFA Fellowship was presented by Dr Greg Gee ( PFA WA section head ) and Prof Paul Abbott. The inductees: Dr Peter Readman, Dr Amit Gurbuxani, Dr Helen Vaughan, Dr Mark Foster, Dr Peter Duke, Dr Janina Christoforou, Dr Sean Archibald and Dr Victor Matsubara.

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.

Professional Notices

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.

T (08) 9228 4737

E reception@centralperiodontics.com.au W centralperiodontics.com.au

A 47 Railway Parade Mount Lawley WA

NEW PRACTICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Oral Medicine Specialists Drs Jacinta Vu and Alissa Jacobs are pleased to announce the opening of their new practice, the Centre for Oral Medicine and Facial Pain. With nearly 20 years of combined experience in Oral Medicine, Alissa and Jacinta are gratefully accepting new referrals for all aspects of Oral Medicine care. They will continue to care for their existing patients at the new centre.

Specialising in: Oral mucosal diseases, Salivary gland disorders, Facial pain, Temporomandibular disorders, Oral appliances for snoring/sleep apnoea.

NEW PRACTICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Dr Leon Smith is pleased to announce the opening of his new practice Oral Surgery Consultants in West Perth. He will be accepting referrals for all dentoalveolar (extractions and grafting), pathology, facial trauma, orthognathic and implant treatment, whilst maintaining his public hospital appointment at Royal Perth Hospital.

Dr Smith is supported by an excellent administration and nursing team with many years of experience and an emphasis on excellent patient care. He provides options for LA, IV and GA management.

T (08) 6468 4948

T (08) 6373 6731

E reception@omfp.com.au

A Ground floor, 1 Preston St Como WA

E admin@osconsultants.com.au

A 99 Outram Street West Perth

DR FRANK FURFARO

Smile Time Orthodontics - Cottesloe is pleased to announce Dr Frank Furfaro will commence consultations from October. Dr Gosia Barley, Dr Naomi Kohan and Dr Frank Furfaro are available for consultation in our Cottesloe office. Dr Furfaro continues his consultations at our Mt Hawthorn and Mindarie practices.

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

E hello@firstsmiles.com.au

A Suite 9, 40 St Quentin Ave Claremont

A Suite 4, 234 Berrigan Dr Jandakot W firstsmiles.com.au

E info@smiletime.com.au

W smiletime.com.au