In this episode of RiskBites, we will explore the topic of Medical Emergencies. This podcast will cover the importance of knowing how to deal with emergencies relating to dental treatment as well as run through common examples.

https://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/166/2/72
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212420919311161

Our latest CaseMatters titled ‘How could you ignore this?’ sets out a case where the patient finds out she has chronic periodontal disease, despite regular attendance. Many parties became involved in this matter and everyone had an opinion. But, which view was correct? All of them, or some of them? In this episode, we’ll hear from the people involved and look at the final outcome to see what lessons can be learnt.

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 codes
5.30 – Why was I selected for a Medicare or Health Fund audit?
11.35 – Upcoding
17.00 – Release of patient records to Health Funds
19.55 – Dental records and their importance in verifying claims
24.10 – Audit outcomes
31.05 – Potential consequences of a negative audit finding on your provider number
37.10 – Splitting treatment codes over Health Fund years
42.23 – Study model or working model?
46.10 – Treating friends and family members

In this episode of RiskBites, Dentolegal Consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Case Manager Anita Kemp at Dental Protection explore the personal and professional boundaries around whether we should be friends with patients on social media. Managing these situations appropriately is vital to the preservation of positive professional relationships with clients.

Join Dental Protection’s Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Colm Harney as they discuss the treatment option of ‘doing nothing’ and whether doing nothing is actually a valid treatment option at all. This insightful podcast uses industry examples to delve into a key topic that is relevant for any dental practitioner.

Did you know there are four key documents every dental practitioner must have access to in a dental surgery? Did you also know about the recent and upcoming changes to these? Join Dr Annalene Weston and Emeritus Professor Laurie Walsh, industry expert and co-author of one of these documents, Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control, as they explore what every dental practitioner needs to look out for. This discussion will include recent updates to the guidance as well as upcoming changes for 2022.

1.36 – What should every dental practitioner be looking for in the updated infection control guidance?
5.58 – Pre-procedural rinses
9.00 – How COVID is making practitioners feel?
10.40 – Masks
17.25 – Gown wear and skin/wound management
22.50 – Infection control – quick checks for every dental practitioner
28.40 – Infection control breaches and their consequences
34.40 – Foils Tests
38.00 – HEPA filtration
42.00 – Transfer tweezers
44.00 – The relevance of taking a medical history
48.04 – Prion disease
51.38 - Handshakes

'The four documents every dental practitioner must have access to in a dental surgery' can be accessed here: https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/Policies-Codes-Guidelines.aspx

*This advice was valid on 24th January 2022

Join Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant and Ms Kristen Trafford-Wiezel, Case Manager at Dental Protection as they cover a key topic for any dental practitioner which is professional indemnity. This podcast will outline the importance of professional indemnity and highlight useful resources and guidance around this commonly asked subject.

In this episode of RiskBites, Dentolegal Consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Case Manager Anita Kemp at Dental Protection discuss the importance of proactive resilience during these times, and explore the best strategies to develop this skill for when you need it most.

Effective communication is a key part of success for any practice. In this podcast, the Dental Protection team runs through the importance of establishing healthy working relationships with your laboratory by being actively involved in key decisions for your patient. Part of this development can be talking through your expectations as well as visiting the lab and understanding the fabrication process.

In this episode of RiskBites Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Colm Harney share tips that healthcare practitioners can implement into their working day to ensure effective communication with patients and a smoother running practice.