The Dental Practitioner

An Essential Guide to Body Dysmorphic Disorder for Dental Practitioners

Some patients will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to fix a smile that was never actually broken.

In this episode of The Dental Practitioner, ADA NSW Advisory Services’ Dr Roger Dennett and Dr Vicki Rozos sit down with psychiatrist Professor Vlasios Brakoulias, an internationally recognised expert in obsessive-compulsive and body dysmorphic disorders, to unpack what body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is, and what it means for dental practice.

Professor Brakoulias explains the difference between a belief and a fact, why insight is so often poor in BDD, and why cosmetic or restorative treatment so rarely brings lasting relief. He also walks through the red flags to watch for, where AHPRA’s informed consent guidelines leave dentists exposed, and, critically, suggestions on what to say to a patient when you suspect something more is going on.

For any dentist who’s ever had that nagging feeling that a cosmetic request doesn’t add up, this episode offers a practical, compassionate framework for navigating one of dentistry’s trickiest grey areas.

Topics covered: body dysmorphic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, informed consent, AHPRA guidelines, non-surgical cosmetic treatment, red flags, screening tools, referral, capacity to consent, suicide risk, and duty of care.

Interviewer(s): Dr Roger Dennet, Dr Vicki Rozos
Interviewee(s): Professor Vlasios Brakoulias
Related Course/Event/Links: NSW Dentist magazine

The Dental Practitioner is brought to you by the Australian Dental Association NSW. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd.

Digital dentistry started in the 1980s. But according to Dr Wolf-Dieter Perlitz, we’re now entering something entirely new: the era of connected dentistry.

In this episode of The Dental Practitioner, host Dr Dominic Aouad sits down with Wolf-Dieter — Head of DS Core Product Management at Dentsply Sirona — to unpack what that means for dentists right now and over the next decade.

With a background in engineering and health economics, Wolf-Dieter brings a rare perspective to the conversation: one that balances the technical reality of cloud computing and AI with the practical business case for adoption in everyday practice.

They cover the three pillars driving connected dentistry — growth, efficiency, and outcome — and discuss how DS Core acts as a single platform to connect equipment, labs, patients, and clinical workflows. Wolf-Dieter also reflects on 40 years of CEREC, the patient-first mission that started it all, and why the dentists who adopt cloud technology earlier will have the longest runway for the innovations still to come.

Topics covered: what connected dentistry means and why it’s distinct from digital dentistry, DS Core as a cloud-native platform, AI applications in clinical workflows, integration with third-party equipment and labs, the business case for cloud adoption, cybersecurity, the CEREC origin story, and what the next 40 years of innovation look like.

Interviewer(s): Dr Dominic Aouad
Interviewee(s): Dr Wolf-Dieter Perlitz
Related Course/Event/Links: Dentsply Sirona

The Dental Practitioner is brought to you by the Australian Dental Association NSW. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd.

There are only 29 special needs dentists in Australia. Seven of them work in NSW. And 1.4 million Australians with profound or severe disabilities depend on someone else to brush their teeth.

In this episode of The Dental Practitioner, host Dr Cathleen Dong sits down with Dr Zanab Malik — special needs dentist, researcher, and founder of the AI-powered oral health app My Special Needs Dental Home — to unpack a specialty that most dentists have never fully encountered.

Zanab shares her journey from general practice and paediatric dentistry into one of the country’s smallest and most demanding specialties, what a day in her life actually looks like, and why she believes every general dentist is already seeing patients with special needs whether they realise it or not.

She also discusses the findings of her PhD into weight stigma in the dental setting, the critical importance of person-first language, and the practical steps any practice can take tomorrow to become more inclusive.

Topics covered: what special needs dentistry actually is and who it serves, the path to specialisation, general dentistry skills as a foundation, the education gap for new graduates, day-in-the-life of a specialist, PhD research on weight stigma, person-first language, practical inclusion strategies, bariatric dentistry and chair weight limits, and the AI app designed to close the access gap.

The Dental Practitioner is brought to you by the Australian Dental Association NSW. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd.

What began as frustration with dangerous misinformation on social media has transformed Professor Markus Blatz into one of dentistry's most trusted voices, reaching nearly a quarter of a million clinicians worldwide. In this first episode of our two-part series with Dentsply Sirona—celebrating their support of the new ADA NSW Digital Training Centre—Dr Dominic Aouad, immediate past president of ADA NSW, sits down with this internationally renowned educator and researcher to explore the fundamentals of evidence-based digital dentistry.

As Chair of Preventative and Restorative Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of their CAD/CAM Ceramic Centre, Professor Blatz has dedicated his career to advancing evidence-based dentistry through both rigorous research and accessible education. In this wide-ranging conversation, he shares insights on the evolution of digital dentistry, from his early adoption of CAD/CAM technologies in the 2000s to today's AI-enhanced workflows.

Professor Blatz explains the fundamental principles of material science that every clinician should understand, demystifies bonding protocols for high-strength ceramics like zirconia, and presents compelling clinical data showing 98% success rates after 15 years for properly bonded zirconia restorations. The discussion covers essential topics including minimally invasive dentistry, the advantages of partial coverage restorations, proper digital scanning techniques, and the often-misunderstood science of resin-bonded bridges.

Addressing common misconceptions—such as the belief that digital technology alone makes you a better dentist—Professor Blatz emphasises that understanding the 'why' behind protocols is more important than simply following steps. He explains why it's never too late to adopt digital technologies and how to integrate them effectively into practice, making this episode particularly relevant for both early-career dentists and experienced practitioners.

The conversation also explores patient-centred decision-making, the role of AI in diagnostics and treatment planning, and why preserving natural teeth should remain our primary objective—including thoughtful reconsideration of implant placement timing in younger patients. Professor Blatz's passion for teaching and commitment to evidence-based practice shine through as he encourages practitioners to become lifelong learners who understand not just what to do, but why we do it.

Whether you're just beginning to explore digital dentistry or looking to deepen your understanding of adhesive techniques and material science, this episode offers invaluable guidance from one of the field's most respected educators—made possible through the ADA NSW Digital Training Centre, where Australian dental professionals can now access hands-on training with cutting-edge digital technologies.

Interviewer(s): Dr Dominic Aouad
Interviewee(s): Professor Markus Blatz
Related Course/Event/Links: Dentsply Sirona

Join us for Part 2, where Dr Aouad continues the conversation with Dr Wolf-Dieter Perlitz about how cloud-based and connected technologies will shape the future of daily practice.

The Dental Practitioner is brought to you by the Australian Dental Association NSW. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd.

Join Dr Vicki Rozos, ADA NSW Head of Advisory Services, as she speaks with Shane Morgan, Partner at Cutcher & Neale Accounting and Financial Services, about the complex and increasingly scrutinised area of compassionate release of superannuation for dental treatment. With withdrawals for dental procedures skyrocketing, serious concerns about practitioner conduct in this space have been raised by dentistry’s governing bodies.

This essential episode explores the legislative framework governing compassionate superannuation release, including what conditions must be met for patients to access their retirement funds early. 

Shane explains the significant tax implications and long-term financial consequences for patients who withdraw super before retirement, whilst Dr Rozos discusses the professional and ethical obligations dentists must uphold when treating patients who choose this funding option.

The episode covers ADA Federal’s comprehensive guidelines released in September 2025, including the crucial checklist for practitioners. It emphasises the importance of comprehensive treatment planning, informed consent, and prioritising patients' best interests—regardless of how treatment is funded.

Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or early in your career, this episode provides vital guidance on navigating this high-risk area whilst protecting both your patients’ welfare and your professional standing.

Interviewer(s): Dr Vicki Rozos
Interviewee(s): Shane Morgan
Related Course/Event/Links: AHPRA Resource, ADA Release

The Dental Practitioner is brought to you by the Australian Dental Association NSW. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd.

Join Claire Schifter, ADA NSW CPD Manager, as she delves into the revolutionary impact of AI radiologic technology in dental practices with Dr David Lee, an ADA NSW member dentist and an early adopter of Pearl AI, and Mackenzie Harris from Gamma Tech, Pearl's Australian distributor. Discover how this game-changing technology is transforming patient care by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, improving communication, and raising clinical standards. Dr Lee shares his honest insights about implementing AI in his practice, including how it has helped detect previously missed conditions and fostered greater patient engagement. From standardising diagnoses across multiple practitioners to enabling earlier detection of oral health issues, this episode explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern dentistry while keeping patient care at the forefront.

Interviewer(s): Claire Schifter
Interviewee(s): Dr David Lee, Makenzie Harris
Related Course/Event/Links: Try Second Opinion® software (AU/NZ)
FocusOn Guide:  Artificial Intelligence Applications in Dentistry

The Dental Practitioner is brought to you by the Australian Dental Association NSW. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd.

Join Dr Patrick Meaney and periodontist Rob Fell as they unravel the mystery of cementum tears, a lesser-known dental condition that can mimic endodontic problems. Discover how this emerging issue challenges traditional diagnosis and treatment approaches, and learn about the latest techniques for identifying and managing these perplexing cases.

Host: Dr Patrick Meaney
Guest: Dr Robb Fell

The Dental Practitioner is brought to you by the Australian Dental Association NSW. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr Patrick Meaney chats with Dr Murray Thomas about how Scope relates to factors like state regulations on medications, adopting new technologies like implants, specialties contributing research, and the Board's "Know Your Scope" resources. Throughout, Murray emphasizes the need for professionals to take a reflective, principled approach to responsibly expanding their scope through training, mentorship, and proper policies. The discussion clarifies dentists navigating questions around 'scope of practice' amid the changing landscape of dentistry.

This episode is proudly brought to you by Guild Insurance, which has been protecting Australian dentists for over 23 years. ADA NSW Membership combined with your Guild Professional Indemnity policy means you can be part of something bigger. Visit adansw.com.au/benefits to find out more.

Host: Dr Patrick Meaney
Guest: Dr Murray Thomas
Related Links: Know Your Scope

The Dental Practitioner is brought to you by the Australian Dental Association NSW. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd.

In this timely episode, Dr Dominic Aouad sits down with Shane Morgan, an experienced accountant with a deep understanding of finance in the dental sector, to delve into the critical aspects of tax planning that dentists should consider as the 2023-24 financial year draws to a close. Shane shares his wealth of knowledge and experience, providing invaluable insights and strategies to help dentists navigate taxation, superannuation, and financial structuring. Whether you're an employed dentist, a contractor, or a practice owner, this episode is a must-listen, offering practical advice and inspiration to help you make informed decisions and secure your financial future.

This episode is proudly brought to you by Guild Insurance, which has been protecting Australian dentists for over 23 years. ADA NSW Membership combined with your Guild Professional Indemnity policy means you can be part of something bigger. Visit adansw.com.au/benefits to find out more.

Host: Dr Dominc Aouad
Guests: Shane Morgan, Cutcher & Neale
Related Links: Cutcher & Neale

The Dental Practitioner is brought to you by the Australian Dental Association NSW. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd.

• Volunteer at a clinic run by the charity.
• Volunteer at their practice and see patients referred by the charity.

The Dental Practitioner is brought to you by the Australian Dental Association NSW. Find resources, episodes, and more at adansw.com.au.

If you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in dentistry, check out our upcoming CPD courses at adansw.com.au/cpd.