In this episode of RiskMatters, Senior Dento-legal Dr Annalene Weston speaks with Emeritus Professor Laurie Walsh about the recent changes to the Infection control guidance, namely the replacement of the Standard 4815 with AS 5369 – Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health and non-health related facilities, as well as the subsequent updating of the ADA infection control guidance. Their discussion goes on to include additional topics about AI’s role in infection control and the environmental impact of disposable items in dentistry.  2.23 - Why did the guidance change?6.06 - Has covid had a big impact on the guidance?8.00 - How regularly should we attend IC CPD?10.50 - Current position regarding air removal and steam penetration tests?14.05 - Where do people find consultations?16.25 - 'Small office' sterilisers18.37 - How often should we go into our steri rooms to check?21.50 - Future IC assistance in IC?26.28 - ABHR in lieu of handwashing?29.04 - Laundering gowns32.53 - Environmental impact of dentistry - sustainable alternatives? 

Is truth linked to fact? Is it a rigid and fixed construct or is it moveable, expanding and contracting like a rubber band.   In many ways truth can be subjective and is often seated in an individual’s perception of the facts, what they have experienced, what they believe they have experienced and what they want to believe they have experienced.  Unfortunately, when perceptions of truth don’t align, it can it result in practitioners bearing the brunt of a very unhappy patient.    In this episode of RiskBites, Dentolegal consultants Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Kiran Keshwara discuss the elasticity of truth, sharing helpful advice on how practitioners can avoid being stung or blamed, when the band of truth recoils or potentially snaps.  

Join Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Kiran Keshwara, dentolegal consultants at Dental protection as they discuss the issue of Burnout, one of the most pressing concerns for contemporary dental practitioners globally.Annalene is a champion for interventions that safeguard the needs of dental professionals and in this episode, she explains what Burnout is, how it feels and how it can present in ourselves, our colleagues and in our practice.Annalene and Kiran, also discuss the concept of a third space and how we can utilise this space that sits ‘in between’ to our benefit.

The thought of litigation can unsettle the most seasoned practitioner. A question often asked by members who have received notification, or a threat of legal proceedings is …. ‘When can patients sue?’In this episode of RiskBites Senior dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Kiran Keshwara, from Dental protection discuss the how, when and why patients can successfully sue their dentist.They go on to explain the process of legal claims and provide sequential advice on how to proceed if you do find yourself in receipt of letter from a lawyer.  Concluding their discussion with helpful tips and advice on how you can avoid a complaint or adverse outcome escalating to a legal claim in the first place.

Receiving a solicitors letter can be a terrifying experience for any practitioner, particularly when you read it, and are unsure what it means for you and your registration Join Senior Dentolegal Consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Mike Rutherford from Dental Protection as they discuss the different types of letters that can be received, and what to do when they are.

In this episode of RiskBites, Senior dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Ralph Neller focus on how practitioners can best capture their discussions about risk and warnings in their clinical records. Annalene and Ralphs discussion highlights the challenges faced by practitioners when their records fail to evidence these discussions and provide helpful advice of how to document both general and particular risks specific to each procedure and patient

The internet and virtual communication have brought significant gains to our profession and although this might only seem positive, in reality, there is a downside. The fallout from these advances can result in unexpected and unintended consequences for practitioners and patients alike. Join Senior Dentolegal Consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Colm Harney from Dental Protection as they discuss the phenomenon of ‘online disinhibition effect’ and the role it plays in online communication. They identify the positive and the negative effects of this behaviour as well as areas where practitioners can easily find themselves amiss or in precarious situations. Helping you to recognise these behaviours in yourself and in your patients and respond accordingly.  

At Dental Protection, we are seeing an increase in the number of calls from members who are dealing with upset, angry or aggressive patients.In this episode of RiskBites, Senior Dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Dentolegal consultant Dr Kiran Keshwara provide helpful advice on how to recognise an upset or angry patient and provide tips and strategies on how to manage these challenging situations, achieving this best outcome possible for you and your patient.

Some aspects of communication with patients are not just necessary, they are vital to ensuring the success of your business and or your individual reputation. In this episode of RiskBites, Dental Protections Senior dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston and our inhouse lawyer Helen Harbourne, discuss the importance of establishing clear professional and personal boundaries with patients from the outset. Identifying the types of patients who might seek to challenge these boundaries, and how best to manage these patients and their care.

Saying no to patients or refusing treatment can be difficult for any well-meaning and caring practitioners. In this episode of RiskBites, Senior Dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Kiran Keshwara from Dental Protection focus on the critical subject of how we say no to patients, asking and answering that all-important question ‘Can we do it,  should we do and if we should, how are we going to do it'

Members often suggest content for our podcasts, usually in areas of interest or where they perceive there is a need for more information.  Body dysmorphic disorder is one such area, which most would agree is both poorly understood in the dental profession and the broader community. In this edition of RiskBites Senior Dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Mike Rutherford focus on the role of body dysmorphic disorder and how it impacts on our ability to achieve patient satisfaction.

Aesthetic dentistry is an exciting area of dentistry, one that has accelerating in growth and popularity among patients and practitioners alike. While it can be very rewarding, it doesn’t come without its own specific set of risks and complications. Risks that are often far reaching and more challenging than routine dentistry.In this episode of RiskBites, Senior Dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Kiran Keshwara from Dental Protection discuss the potential pitfall of aesthetic dentistry and provide helpful tips and advice on how to avoid such issues arising in the first place.

“Why me?” Dr Mike Rutherford and Dr Annalene Weston discuss why you may have received an audit letter.Further Resourceshttps://www.dentalprotection.org/australia/publications-resources/dentolegal-articles/articles/i-have-received-an-audit-letter-from-a-health-fund-or-medicare_This episode is part of our podcast series, RiskBites, which provides short, bite-sized guidance around some of the key issues impacting the dental profession right now.

Join Dr David Hallett and Dr Annalene Weston in our latest RiskMatters podcast ‘Why are item numbers so important?’. This insightful discussion on dental item numbers will cover the appropriate use of the ADA glossary codes and in contrast their inappropriate use. Listen as we explore key topics such as why dental practitioners are audited by health funds and Medicare, how the process works and what the best possible outcomes are. Also, find out why dental records are important when it comes to verifying the claims you make.1.25 – Who writes the Glossary? 1.56 – Health Funds and billing in a multi-appointment procedure 4.45 – Medicare regulation and the use of the Glossary codes5.30 – Why was I selected for a Medicare or Health Fund audit?11.35 – Upcoding17.00 – Release of patient records to Health Funds19.55 – Dental records and their importance in verifying claims24.10 – Audit outcomes31.05 – Potential consequences of a negative audit finding on your provider number37.10 – Splitting treatment codes over Health Fund years42.23 – Study model or working model? 46.10 – Treating friends and family members

Did you know that CaseMatters titles are genuine quotes from patient complaints that Dental Protection have assisted member with across the globe? The title of this CaseMatters podcast is “I thought she knew what she was doing’ which involved the provision of cosmetic veneers.   When a breakdown in communication unexpectedly occurred, the unfortunate result was a complaint to the regulator, a regulatory caution and a legal compensation claim. 

In this episode of RiskBites Senior dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Dental Protections inhouse lawyer Helen Harbourne discuss a particular type of allegation being increasingly argued in compensations claims, this being assault battery, and trespass. Listen in as Annalene and Helen discuss what these terms mean in the eyes of the law and how you can avoid being subject to such accusations.  

Join Dr Annalene Weston, Senior Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection and Associate Professor Dr Matthew Hopcraft in this personal and informative episode of Risk Matters, titled “The road less travelled”. Listen in as Annalene and Matt revisit his early introduction into dentistry, talk through his illustrious career and explore different ways in which we can use our dental degree, based on their own journeys through the profession.

Join Dentolegal consultant Dr Simon Parsons and Senior Dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston at Dental Protection, as they consider that in point in time where a patient moves from being a disgruntled patient to a complainant.In this episode Simon recalls a case where a dental practitioner placed six veneers and despite feeling like he had done everything right and the case was a success, his patient was unforgiving when unexpected issues arose. 

Join Dr Annalene Weston, Senior Dentolegal consultant at Dental Protection and Case Manger Kristin Trafford Wiezel as they consider that point in time when a patient moves from being a disgruntled patient to a complainant. In this episode Kristin and Annalene discuss a case that highlights the difficulties encountered by practitioners when dealing with complaints, acknowledging that at times these complaints can feel more like a personal attack. In these situations, Annalene and Kristin remind us that during these times our initial ‘emotional response’ is often not the best response.

Join Case Manager Anita Kemp and Dr Annalene Weston, Senior Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection as they discuss some of the reasons that can sit behind a complaint. You may be surprised to hear that it is not always related to treatment.Listen in as Anita and Annalene talk through a case, where the issues that led to a complaint were instigated before the practitioner even met the patients.

Join Case Manager Kristin Trafford Wiezel and Dr Annalene Weston, Senior Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection, as they consider an allegation of treatment without consent through the lens of two cases from the Dental Protection Vault.Listen in as Kristin and Annalene identify and explore the tipping point in both cases – a moment in time when a patient moves from being a disgruntled patient to a complainant.

Join Dr Annalene Weston, Senior Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection, and Oral Medicine Specialist and Expert Dr Amanda Poon Nguyen for an in-depth Q&A discussion about ‘The changing face of oral cancer’. Listen in as Annalene and Amanda discuss the aetiology of oral cancer, patient demographics and risk factors and red flags. Additionally highlighting the necessity for routine oral cancer screening and the integral role Dental practitioners play in oral cancer screening, identification, referral, and diagnosis.https://www.oralmedicineoralpathology.comhttps://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/i-am-a-health-professional/the-changing-face-of-head-and-neck-cancer-gp-and-dentist-education-module/

Not only is patient autonomy one of the four underpinning principles of medical ethics, but it is also a vital component of the consent process and patient care. Gone are the days of paternalism but can patient autonomy go too far.In this episode of RiskBites, Dr Kiran Keshwara and Dr Annalene Weston speak about our patient’s ability to choose or refuse treatment, based on the treatment options presented and the risks and limitations provided. They go on to discuss the impact that this can have on practitioners, utilising a case study from the Dental Protection Vault to highlight the importance of undertaking and documenting the consent process.

Where does imaging sit in managing our risk? In our next episode of RiskBites, Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Kiran Keshwara from Dental Protection discuss the place of imaging in dentistry. Images, whether they are x-rays, photos or digital scans, make an important part of the patient records and should be considered to be a useful adjunct to our written records. Listen to find out more about this key topic in dentistry.

In the next episode of RiskBites; ’The view from the other side’ Dr Colm Harney shares insight into why some patients complain and claim, when something unexpected happens and why some patients do not. Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Harney discuss the importance of being able to recognise and acknowledge our patient’s viewpoint. Highlighting the key role that patient experience, perception, rapport, and trust play in these situations, irrespective of the quality of treatment provided.

Did you know that all CaseMatters titles are genuine quotes from patient complaints that Dental Protection have assisted members with across the globe? The title of this CaseMatters podcast is “You have led me down a path that has cost me great expense” which involves a smile reconstruction package, a payment plan, and regrettably an unhappy patient and complaint. Many parties became involved in this matter, and everyone had an opinion. But is there such a thing as the right point of view, listen in to find out.

What's resilience? Is this something that you need to be thinking about right now? And what are the potential detrimental effects for you and your patients if you don't? Join Dr Annalene Weston as she discusses this and more with Dr Dan Pronk practising physician, previous Australia Special Air Services (SAS) doctor, and Co-Founder of the Resilience Shield. What lessons can the SAS teach us about dealing with stress, before during, and after the event - and how do you start building your own resilience shield tomorrow? tune in to find out!

As Dr Mike Rutherford moves to retirement, he shares some key learnings from his career in dentistry, and its many iterations with Dr Annalene Weston. Not only does this podcast explore the evolution of dentistry but also considers where a dental degree can take you and the challenges and opportunities this affords.

Join Dr Mike Rutherford, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection, and dental expert Dr Greg Mahoney for an in-depth Q&A discussion about the pertinent topic Dental Sedation, its use and possible complications. Dr Greg Mahoney is a practising dentist with an academic interest in anxiolysis and sedation in the dental setting. In this podcast, titled ‘I Wanna Be Sedated’ Mike and Greg provide useful advice on how to manage risk and ensure safe practice for you and your patients.

Join Dr Mike Rutherford, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection, and dental expert Dr Greg Mahoney for an in-depth Q&A discussion about the pertinent topic of Local Anaesthetic, its use and possible complications. Dr Greg Mahoney is a practising dentist with an academic interest in pain control and local anaesthetic. In this podcast, titled ‘Comfortably Numb – Local Anaesthetic and You’, Mike and Greg provide useful advice on how to manage risk and ensure safe practice for you and your patients.

Take a moment to cast your mind back to an occasion where you have felt invalidated or dismissed. Feeling understood or heard is a powerful experience and effective communication skills such as validating a person’s feelings or concerns can strengthen the therapeutic relationship and build trust with our patients. Find out more in the next episode of RiskBites ‘Dismissing the disgruntled’.

Our latest RiskBites podcast episode will roadmap the fundamental requirements of successful record keeping. The who, what, when, where, and why. Listen in as Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant and Mrs Kristin Trafford-Wiezel, Case Manager at Dental Protection explore this topic, offer valuable insight, and share a template for success in record keeping.

The next episode of RiskBites, is a case study example: Frogs into Princes – Techniques to Build Trust, which highlights the key elements required to build a positive dentist-patient relationship.A classic study into health-care research shows that good communication between dentists and patients can lead to less post-operative pain, less medication and earlier recovery. Listen in to find out more.

Often we find ourselves reviewing claim after claim without a trace of kindness or empathy being found. In this episode of RiskBites, we talk about the role of kindness in risk management, the benefits of staying connected to our patients in times of distress and outline 4 pillars of kindness to help prop up our practice. Listen in to our podcast ‘Nice guys finish last’ to find out more.

Join Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Mike Rutherford, Dentolegal Consultants at Dental Protection for an in-depth discussion around the key topic of contemporary wisdom tooth risks. Claims and cases related to wisdom teeth have recently significantly increased, and our team of industry professionals will guide you through the common issues we see in those matters and provide useful recommendations to help avoid these situations.

Join Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant and Mrs Helen Harbourne, In-house Lawyer at Dental Protection for the next RiskBites episode. This edition covers the topic of ‘A report has been requested for me – what do I write?’, in which our team of industry experts provide guidance and advice for dental practitioners. Listen in to find out more.

With 20:20 hindsight we often realise all too late when we should have referred a patient instead of treating them ourselves. Even with the utmost best intentions, things can still go horribly wrong. In this episode ‘When should I call it quits and refer?’, Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Simon Parsons discuss previous experiences and outline common factors in those incidents.

Join Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant and Mrs Kristin Trafford-Wiezel, Case Manager from Dental Protection to discuss a comprehensive document available for dental practitioners, the Code of Conduct. This useful resource provides guidance and support around best practice for professionalism in the workplace derived from 11 key principles. Listen to this episode to find out about these principles and how to incorporate them into your work environment or everyday life. https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines/policies-codes-guidelines/code-of-conduct.aspx

As clinicians we pride ourselves on providing the best level of care for our patients. We hold ourselves to such as high standard that any suggestion of failing can feel like an attack. That’s why we take it so personally if we receive a complaint. Listen in to this insightful podcast ‘Why does it hurt so much – the defendant’s perspective’, hosted by Dr Kiran Keshwara and Dr Annalene Weston for useful guidance around this topic.

Join Dental Protection’s Dentolegal Consultant, Dr Annalene Weston and in-house lawyer Ms Helen Harbourne as they cover the topic of ‘I’m being sued – what happens next?’. This informative discussion will explain what happens if we get sued and where to begin with defending yourself. Listen in to gain a greater understanding of the next best steps in these stressful situations and hopefully ease fears around the process even slightly.

Join Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection while she talks through the common legal risks and issues impacting contemporary practitioners with Barrister and former Dental Practitioner, Mr Brad Wright. Listen in to hear useful tips and advice around handling complaints, infection control, provider numbers, workplace protocols and other key areas.1.10 – Records and radiographs12.25 – What to do on receipt of a complaint18.20 – Insight and apology19.50 – Seeking advice23.00 – The 'don't'25.50 – Manipulation of records and audit logs28.35 – Fit and proper person34.10 – Random drug testing35.45 – The privilege of being a professional and the privileges (provide and prescriber numbers)36.40 – Prescriber numbers39.05 – Treating family40.40 – Provider numbers45.41 – Infection control52.20 – Last pieces of advice

Join Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Kiran Keshwara in our next episode of RiskBites to explore the concept of hero-dontics so when a patient asks for a particular treatment and we agree in good faith, oftentimes against our better judgement. In other words, it could be said we’re playing the hero. Listen to this podcast to find out the risks involved and the potential consequences of saying yes.

What is the power of an apology? Apologies can have positive effects on maintaining a future therapeutic relationship, help to restore trust, reduce negative emotional reactions such as anger and even induce positive physiological responses for the patient and practitioner. This podcast covers what to say and what not to say in an apology as well as examples of effective apologies.

In our first podcast for 2023, we cover the important topic of ‘What should I look for when joining a practice?’. We spend so much of our waking hours in our workplace. Therefore, it is crucial to get our choice of practice right, so that it is a good fit with our own professional aspirations, ethics, financial expectations, and empowers our work-life balance.

Dealing with difficult patients creates additional challenges to any dental appointment and can hinder the ability to provide high quality dental care. This episode of RiskBites discusses how to identify and manage difficult patients including ways to set professional boundaries. Hosted by Dr Annalene Weston who is joined by fellow dentolegal consultant Dr Simon Parsons, this podcast provides insight into the different approaches that can be taken when placed in these unpleasant situations.

Our next episode of RiskMatters, Toolbox for Resilience shares insight around the direct benefits of understanding personal limitations, focusing on your health and building resilience. Featuring topic experts Dr Annalene Weston from Dental Protection and Dr Rachel Morris host of the popular ‘You are Not a Frog’ podcast and creator of the Shapes Toolkit Resilience Training Programme. Our final RiskMatters podcast for the year is essential for all dental practitioners with helpful resources and tips around wellbeing to live your best life.Click here to sign up for your FREE Thrive Week Planner – a tool to help you plan your ideal working week: https://www.shapestoolkit.com/thrive-week-plannerYou are not a frog - the podcast for busy people in high-stress jobs. Find out more: https://youarenotafrog.com

Failing is an important part of learning and growth, and it is important to learn from our failures and not be damaged by them. This Q&A style podcast ‘Falling with style – how to fail well’ features Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant and Mrs Kristin Trafford-Wiezel, Case Manager from Dental Protection for an in-depth discussion around this topic.

Join Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Roger Dennett, Dentolegal Consultants at Dental Protection for our next episode of RiskBites to discuss ‘Five Cans’. Derived from a famous story in Greek mythology, this concept relates to questions that dental practitioners should ask themselves when treating a patient. Listen to this insightful podcast to learn more.