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 radiographs
12.25 – What to do on receipt of a complaint
18.20 – Insight and apology
19.50 – Seeking advice
23.00 – The 'don't'
25.50 – Manipulation of records and audit logs
28.35 – Fit and proper person
34.10 – Random drug testing
35.45 – The privilege of being a professional and the privileges (provide and prescriber numbers)
36.40 – Prescriber numbers
39.05 – Treating family
40.40 – Provider numbers
45.41 – Infection control
52.20 – 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.