4 minute read
The road to independence
Bulletin Editor Robyn Russell takes a personal view of what it means to be a truly independent practitioner
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US ALL? I have been talking quite extensively with many of my dental colleagues these last few months, and a lot of the banter has been around 'independence'.
The main discussion has been, “So, what does this change in status to independent practitioner actually mean?’
A few clinicians may feel that this change in status is a great opportunity to move forward and open their own dental clinic and practice as a solo practitioner, or even a group practice.
True, this may be appealing for a few. Although I would argue that the vast majority of practitioners would find that owning and operating a dental clinic – at the same time as conforming to the standards of practice accreditation, managing risk, surviving competition, and finding financial support and backing – a serious challenge to ensure a real return on their investment.
I realise that for many other clinicians, the change in the Dental Boards wording around independent practice may be insignificant, or a concept you may not have even thought about. Many will probably be working in the same surgery and performing similar dental procedures in much the same way as they always have.
Many practitioners also feel that without the provision of provider numbers, the idea of true independence is a remote reality. However, it’s worth remembering what the provision to do? What training or further education do you need to fully of provider numbers actually means to health practitioners. embrace being an independent practitioner? The learning and Provider numbers are linked to the payment for services growth must never stop when we are operating under the rendered, enabling practitioners to bill for services directly to premise of true independence. Medicare and other health insurers. This is something that is still Who makes the decisions on your gaps in clinical skill and very important, and I believe essential, for all dental hygienists knowledge? Some may challenge this thinking and insist (DH), oral health therapists (OHT) and dental therapists (DT).
I know that at times it feels like we are encumbered and held back from achieving our goals and walking our own path to independence. This thinking can sometimes be reflected in the language used to describe our role – often being referred to as dental auxiliaries. I’m not sure what thoughts this term conjures up for you all, but for me it can make me feel like half of a practitioner, with the dentist being the main event. I guess though, what is more important is the term I use to describe myself, rather than the term others may use. Having a definitive script to describe your role to others is vital. I would urge you all to construct a concise and accurate description of your position. It can unlock so many doors for you as you to add to your true value.
With independence comes great responsibility. Looking within ourselves and finding where our real talents lie as clinicians and finding the areas where we all have gaps in our learning is imperative. Independence relies on honest self evaluation, so to be truly independent we must all acknowledge what we do not know. What are the things that you would like to do? What training or further education do you need to fully embrace being an independent practitioner? The learning and growth must never stop when we are operating under the premise of true independence.
Who makes the decisions on your gaps in clinical skill and knowledge? Some may challenge this thinking and insist that AHPRA, or the Dental Board decide where the gaps exist; although I would interject that the individual clinician is responsible for their own knowledge. The responsibility lies with us as the individual to build a strong knowledge base and continue to add layers to this foundation each and every year.
What I actually realised as I reflected on my own thinking on independence was that I was already an independent practitioner. While there is great security in conforming to the restraints that I placed on myself in an effort to do the right thing by my patients and my practice; I had already been practicing as an independent and capable clinician for 15 years.
So stop asking for permission to do something. As an independent practitioner your decisions, treatments and outcomes are your responsibility. They always have been. I encourage you all to embrace this concept wholeheartedly and realise that the handbrake to independence may well lie with you. Step forward, embrace and accept you are independent! n
I would love to hear your ideas of what independence means for you. Please email me at robynrussell@dhaa.info
