Dental Protection Australia
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
The Dental Protection Australia podcast channel discusses the key and current dentolegal risks and issues affecting dental practitioners across Australia. The Dental Protection advisory team provide helpful advice and guidance on how to steer clear of dentolegal risks, assisting you to provide safe and high quality dental care for your patients. RiskBites provides short, bite sized guidance for some of the issues impacting the profession right now.
Episodes
- RiskMatters - Audits and Item Codes
Have you ever been the subject of an audit related to a third-party payment mechanism such as a private health fund or Medicare? Are you unsure about use of certain item codes, how non-compliant use might lead to scrutiny or even why a par…
- RiskMatters - Trauma Informed Healthcare with Dr Jacinta Vu
In this podcast episode, Dr Colm Harney from Dental Protection and Dr. Jacinta Vu, Oral Medicine Specialist discuss the importance of trauma-informed dental care, particularly for patients who have experienced domestic violence. They explo…
- RiskMatters - Deep dive into body dysmorphia
Body Dysmorphic Disorder can lead to relentless dissatisfaction with one’s appearance. Join us as we unpack this important topic and learn how to approach it in dental practice. How do you think we can change the narrative around beauty st…
- RiskBites - Talking about veneers
In recent years, the demand for cosmetic dental services has grown rapidly, and many practitioners will have noticed their patients becoming increasingly eager to enhance their smiles. Among the most commonly requested treatments are denta…
- RiskBites - Compassionate release of superannuation
It might surprise many of our listeners to learn that compassionate grounds for the early release of superannuation have actually been around for a long time since 1 July 1994 , shortly after Australia’s modern superannuation system was in…
- RiskBites - Navigating language barriers
In this episode of RiskBites Dr Annalene Weston is joined by her colleague and fellow dentolegal consultant, Dr Kiran Keshwara, to explore a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant in Australian dental practice. Australia is a rapidly…
- RiskBites - Working with your laboratory
In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked art of communicating effectively with your dental laboratory. Dentists and technicians exchange information daily across multiple channels and on a vast range of clinical and technical matte…
- RiskBites - Perfectly, imperfect
As we move into the festive season and the final days of 2025, many of us naturally pause for reflection, looking back, looking inward, and looking ahead. For our last Risk Bites episode of the year, we wanted to close not with something h…
- RiskMatters - Revisiting Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MORNJ) w/ Dr Saskia Salvestro
In this episode of RiskMatters, Senior Dentolegal consultant, Dr Annalene Weston sits down with Dr Saskia Salvestro to explore medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Saskia is a highly regarded dental practitioner, recognised…
- RiskBites - Common contract clauses that cause consternation
Employment contracts are standard in most workplaces, yet their legal language and complex clauses can often leave people feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. In this episode of RiskBites, Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Simon Parson break down som…
- Risk Matters – Changes to the Oral and Dental Therapeutic Guidelines – Version 4
In this episode of RiskMatters, senior dentolegal consultant at Dental Protection Dr Annalene Weston speaks with Adjunct Associate Professor Geraldine Moses about the recently updated – Therapeutic Guidelines - Oral and Dental version 4, r…
- RiskBites - Talking about time management
The busy and often unpredictable nature of clinical practice can really challenge us as health professionals. So, how do we stay on top of all our work? How do we avoid constant battles with an incredibly scarce resource – time? How can we…
- RiskBites - Ahpra’s new guidance for health practitioners who advertise non-surgical cosmetic procedures
With the new guidelines for health practitioners who advertise non-surgical cosmetic procedures coming into effect on the 2 nd of September 2025, now is the perfect time to review and reflect upon some of the changes. In this episode of Ri…
- RiskBites - Ahpra's new guidance for Health Practitioners who perform non-surgical procedures
In our April edition of risk bites pertaining to Cosmetics in Dentistry, Dr Colm Harney flagged the intention of Ahpra to release new resources and guidelines for registered practitioners undertaking and advertising non-surgical cosmetic p…
- RiskBites: Navigating Ahpra's Advertising Guidance
Advertising clinical procedures can be a minefield, largely due to the rapid adoption of social media by many and the unintended consequences that have arisen from this. In this episode of RiskBites Dr Simon Parsons speaks with fellow dent…
- RiskMatters - An in depth and personal discussion with Dr Kaejenn Tchia
In this episode of RiskMatters, Senior dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston speaks with Dr Kaejenn Tchia, Dentist, ADA president for Northern Territory, Entrepreneur, Motivational Coach and founder of ‘The Limitless Dentist. Listen in…
- RiskBites - Shared care and scope of practice in dental treatment
Sharing care is second nature to most of us, it’s embedded in how we practise, because dental care is never delivered in isolation. Yet while collaborative care may feel intuitive, it’s underpinned by clearly defined principles set out in…
- RiskBites: Independent practice – Who’s driving the bus?
Dental Therapists, Dental Hygienist and Oral Health Therapists continue to receive the highest proportion of complaints related to scope of practice which is likely a reflection of how these roles have evolved over time, often leading to c…
- CaseMatters - Cant you just put it back in?
CaseMatters is a podcast series designed to create a shared experience where all points of view are explored. In this episode we find out what can happen when a patient who has very strong views about their treatment needs attends a multi-…
- RiskMatters - An interview with Dr Trudy Lin - Specialist in special needs, founder and principal of Extra Mile Dental
In this episode of RiskMatters, Dr Annalene Weston from Dental Protection speaks with Dr Trudy Lin. Trudy’s accolades are many and in this podcast, she shares her personal journey into general practice and later special needs dentistry, as…
- RiskBites - Dental Histories
At Dental Protection we often talk about ‘stranger danger’ and the issues that can arise when treating strangers or new patients. However, it goes without saying that treating new patients is an unavoidable occurrence in our daily practice…
- RiskMatters - Guest interview – Thrive at work
In this edition, Dr Annalene Weston, Senior Dentolegal Consultant based in the Brisbane Office takes with A/Prof Jo Yarker and Marleen Reinke about their recently completed research into practitioner wellness. This research was funded by t…
- Risk Bites: Cosmetic Dentistry
In this episode of Riskbites, Senior Dentolegal advisor Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Colm Harney from Dental Protection discuss an area of practice that is under particular scrutiny at the moment by the regulator which is ‘cosmetic dentistry’…
- Risk Bites: The Second Victim and the Second Arrow
When an adverse outcome occurs or treatment does not go to plan, our patients are often recognised as the only victim in these situations. But are they? In this episode of RiskBites, Senior Dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston explores…
- RiskBites: Uber and Audits
Uber, Audits and dentistry and interesting concept. In this episode of RiskBites Senior Dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston quizzes Dr Colm Harney about the title of this podcast and asks the obvious question ‘what does a ride-hailing…
- RiskMatters: International Women’s day - A conversation with CEO of Medical Protection Society, Karen Miller
In recognition of International Women’s Day, Senior dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston interviews our CEO of Medical Protection Society, Karen Miller. Karen has been and continues to be an inspirational leader to many women and men a…
- RiskBites: Starting a New Job
It’s often incredibly challenging to know if you’re making the right decision when changing jobs or even starting in a new position for the very first time. Is this going to be the right choice for me? Am I doing the right thing if I have…
- CaseMatters: I’ll make sure everyone knows
As we know communication is key and when things don’t go to plan or as we expected the consequences can be surprising, unkind and unfair. But regardless of this there is always two sides or more, to every story. In this episode of CaseMatt…
- Riskbites: We all need a feel-good story
This year we’ve shared many podcasts that have identified areas of risk and shared information, moments and cases that we can all learn from. For our last podcast of 2024, we wanted to flip our focus and share a feel-good story, reminding…
- RiskMatters: E/Prof Laurie Walsh – Changes to Infection control guidance, what they are and what they mean
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 – Reproc…
- Riskbites: The Elasticity of Truth
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…
- RiskBites: Burnout – using your third space wisely
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 i…
- RiskBites: When can a patient sue?
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 de…
- RiskBites: I’ve received a solicitors letter
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 R…
- RiskBites: How to document risks and warnings
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 discussi…
- RiskBites: Online regret repent later
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 co…
- RiskBites: Dealing with Angry Patients
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 cons…
- RiskBites: Boundary setting for patients who push
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…
- RiskBites: Saying No to Patients
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…
- RiskBites: The role of body dysmorphic disorder
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 de…
- RiskBites - Potential pitfalls of aesthetic dentistry
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 comp…
- RiskBites: I have received an audit letter from a health fund/Medicare
“Why me?” Dr Mike Rutherford and Dr Annalene Weston discuss why you may have received an audit letter. Further Resources https://www.dentalprotection.org/australia/publications-resources/dentolegal-articles/articles/i-have-received-an-audi…
- RiskMatters: David Hallett – Why are item numbers so important?
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…
- CaseMatters: I though she knew what she was doing
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 invol…
- RiskBites: Assault, Battery and Trespass
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 assaul…
- Risk Matters: The road less travelled
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 Ma…
- RiskBites - The Tipping Point - I told you already
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 e…
- RiskBites - The Tipping Point - Do first responses really matter
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…
- RiskBites - The Tipping Point - It’s not always about the treatment
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 treat…
- RiskBites - The Tipping Point - Consent Counts
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…