Dental Protection Australia
Episodes
RiskBites - Perfectly, imperfect
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ah...
RiskMatters - Revisiting Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MORNJ) with Dr Saskia Salvestro
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskMatters, Senior Dentolegal consultant, Dr Annalene Weston sits down with Dr Saskia Salvestro to explore medication-related o...
RiskBites - Common contract clauses that cause consternation
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Employment contracts are standard in most workplaces, yet their legal language and complex clauses can often leave people feeling uncertain or overwhe...
Risk Matters – Changes to the Oral and Dental Therapeutic Guidelines – Version 4
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskMatters, senior dentolegal consultant at Dental Protection Dr Annalene Weston speaks with Adjunct Associate Professor Geraldine...
RiskBites - Talking about time management
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 wo...
RiskBites - Ahpra’s new guidance for health practitioners who advertise non-surgical cosmetic procedures
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the new guidelines for health practitioners who advertise non-surgical cosmetic procedures coming into effect on the 2nd of September 2025, now i...
RiskBites - Ahpra's new guidance for Health Practitioners who perform non-surgical procedures
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 gu...
RiskBites: Navigating Ahpra's Advertising Guidance
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Advertising clinical procedures can be a minefield, largely due to the rapid adoption of social media by many and the unintended consequences that hav...
RiskMatters - An in depth and personal discussion with Dr Kaejenn Tchia
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskMatters, Senior dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston speaks with Dr Kaejenn Tchia, Dentist, ADA president for Northern Terr...
RiskBites - Shared care and scope of practice in dental treatment
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 collab...
RiskBites: Independent practice – Who’s driving the bus?
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dental Therapists, Dental Hygienist and Oral Health Therapists continue to receive the highest proportion of complaints related to scope of practice w...
CaseMatters - Cant you just put it back in?
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ha...
RiskMatters - An interview with Dr Trudy Lin - Specialist in special needs, founder and principal of Extra Mile Dental
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskMatters, Dr Annalene Weston from Dental Protection speaks with Dr Trudy Lin. Trudy’s accolades are many and in this podcas...
RiskBites - Dental Histories
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At Dental Protection we often talk about ‘stranger danger’ and the issues that can arise when treating strangers or new patients. However, it goes...
RiskMatters - Guest interview – Thrive at work
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition, Dr Annalene Weston, Senior Dentolegal Consultant based in the Brisbane Office takes with A/Prof Jo Yarker and Marleen Reinke about th...
Risk Bites: Cosmetic Dentistry
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Riskbites, Senior Dentolegal advisor Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Colm Harney from Dental Protection discuss an area of practice that ...
Risk Bites: The Second Victim and the Second Arrow
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
RiskBites: Uber and Audits
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Uber, Audits and dentistry and interesting concept. In this episode of RiskBites Senior Dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston quizzes Dr Colm Harn...
RiskMatters: International Women’s day - A conversation with CEO of Medical Protection Society, Karen Miller
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In recognition of International Women’s Day, Senior dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston interviews our CEO of Medical Protection Society, Karen...
RiskBites: Starting a New Job
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
RiskBites: Word from the Wise
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskMatters Dr Roger Dennet speaks with Dr Ralph Kelsey who has a long and storied career in dentistry. Ralph provides Dento...
CaseMatters: I’ll make sure everyone knows
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 rega...
Riskbites: We all need a feel-good story
07 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
RiskMatters: E/Prof Laurie Walsh – Changes to Infection control guidance, what they are and what they mean
23 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskMatters, Senior Dento-legal Dr Annalene Weston speaks with Emeritus Professor Laurie Walsh about the recent changes to the Infe...
Riskbites: The Elasticity of Truth
09 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ca...
RiskBites: Burnout – using your third space wisely
26 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Kiran Keshwara, dentolegal consultants at Dental protection as they discuss the issue of Burnout, one of the most press...
RiskBites: When can a patient sue?
12 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The thought of litigation can unsettle the most seasoned practitioner. A question often asked by members who have received notification, or a threat ...
RiskBites: I’ve received a solicitors letter
28 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
RiskBites: How to document risks and warnings
14 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskBites, Senior dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Ralph Neller focus on how practitioners can best capture their di...
RiskBites: Online regret repent later
31 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The internet and virtual communication have brought significant gains to our profession and although this might only seem positive, in reality, there ...
RiskBites: Dealing with Angry Patients
17 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
RiskBites: Boundary setting for patients who push
03 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Some aspects of communication with patients are not just necessary, they are vital to ensuring the success of your business and or your individual rep...
RiskBites: Saying No to Patients
20 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Saying no to patients or refusing treatment can be difficult for any well-meaning and caring practitioners. In this episode of RiskBites, Senior Dent...
RiskBites: The role of body dysmorphic disorder
06 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Members often suggest content for our podcasts, usually in areas of interest or where they perceive there is a need for more information. Body dysmo...
RiskBites - Potential pitfalls of aesthetic dentistry
22 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Aesthetic dentistry is an exciting area of dentistry, one that has accelerating in growth and popularity among patients and practitioners alike. Whil...
RiskBites: I have received an audit letter from a health fund/Medicare
08 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Why me?” Dr Mike Rutherford and Dr Annalene Weston discuss why you may have received an audit letter.Further Resourceshttps://www.dentalprotectio...
RiskMatters: David Hallett – Why are item numbers so important?
25 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr David Hallett and Dr Annalene Weston in our latest RiskMatters podcast ‘Why are item numbers so important?’. This insightful discussion on...
CaseMatters: I though she knew what she was doing
11 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that CaseMatters titles are genuine quotes from patient complaints that Dental Protection have assisted member with across the globe? Th...
RiskBites: Assault, Battery and Trespass
27 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskBites Senior dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Dental Protections inhouse lawyer Helen Harbourne discuss a particula...
Risk Matters: The road less travelled
13 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston, Senior Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection and Associate Professor Dr Matthew Hopcraft in this personal and informativ...
RiskBites - The Tipping Point - I told you already
23 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dentolegal consultant Dr Simon Parsons and Senior Dentolegal consultant Dr Annalene Weston at Dental Protection, as they consider that in point i...
RiskBites - The Tipping Point - Do first responses really matter
09 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston, Senior Dentolegal consultant at Dental Protection and Case Manger Kristin Trafford Wiezel as they consider that point in time...
RiskBites - The Tipping Point - It’s not always about the treatment
24 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Case Manager Anita Kemp and Dr Annalene Weston, Senior Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection as they discuss some of the reasons that can si...
RiskBites - The Tipping Point - Consent Counts
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Case Manager Kristin Trafford Wiezel and Dr Annalene Weston, Senior Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection, as they consider an allegation of...
RiskBites: Patient Autonomy
19 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 pa...
RiskBites: Imaging in dentistry
05 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
RiskBites: View from the other side
22 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 som...
CaseMatters: You have led me down a path that has cost me great expense
08 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that all CaseMatters titles are genuine quotes from patient complaints that Dental Protection have assisted members with across the globe...
RiskMatters: Building your resilience shield
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 pat...
RiskBites: Lessons learned from a life at the coalface
10 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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....
RiskMatters: I Wanna Be Sedated
27 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Mike Rutherford, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection, and dental expert Dr Greg Mahoney for an in-depth Q&A discussion about the pe...
RiskMatters: Comfortably Numb – Local Anaesthesia and You
13 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Mike Rutherford, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection, and dental expert Dr Greg Mahoney for an in-depth Q&A discussion about the pe...
RiskBites: Dismissing the disgruntled
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
RiskBites: Bite-sized records – who, what, when, where, why
02 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our latest RiskBites podcast episode will roadmap the fundamental requirements of successful record keeping. The who, what, when, where, and why. List...
RiskBites: Frogs into Princes - Techniques to Build Trust
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The next episode of RiskBites, is a case study example: Frogs into Princes – Techniques to Build Trust, which highlights the key elements required t...
RiskBites: Nice guys finish last
04 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
RiskBites: Contemporary wisdom tooth risks
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Mike Rutherford, Dentolegal Consultants at Dental Protection for an in-depth discussion around the key topic of contemp...
RiskBites: A report has been requested – what do I write?
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant and Mrs Helen Harbourne, In-house Lawyer at Dental Protection for the next RiskBites episode. This edit...
RiskBites: When should you call if quits and refer?
23 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 bes...
RiskBites: Bite sized code of conduct
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant and Mrs Kristin Trafford-Wiezel, Case Manager from Dental Protection to discuss a comprehensive documen...
RiskBites: Why does it hurt so much – the defendant’s perspective
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
RiskBites: I’m being sued – what happens next?
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
RiskMatters: Thoughts from the bench with Brad Wright
26 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection while she talks through the common legal risks and issues impacting contemporary p...
RiskBites: Hero-dontics
12 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 par...
RiskBites: The power of the apology
29 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What is the power of an apology? Apologies can have positive effects on maintaining a future therapeutic relationship, help to restore trust, reduce n...
RiskBites: What should I look for when joining a practice?
15 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 h...
RiskBites: How to identify and manage a difficult patient
04 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dealing with difficult patients creates additional challenges to any dental appointment and can hinder the ability to provide high quality dental care...
RiskMatters: Rachel Morris – toolbox for resilience
27 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our next episode of RiskMatters, Toolbox for Resilience shares insight around the direct benefits of understanding personal limitations, focusing on y...
RiskBites: Falling with style – how to fail well
06 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
RiskBites: The 5 Cans
23 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Roger Dennett, Dentolegal Consultants at Dental Protection for our next episode of RiskBites to discuss ‘Five Cans’...
CaseMatters: You're a Butcher!
09 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our next episode of CaseMatters, ‘You’re a butcher’ hosted by Dr Annalene Weston examines the conflicting points of view from a distressing accu...
RiskBites: Privacy – what is acceptable to discuss with staff, family members and other providers?
02 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about the importance of privacy in this insightful podcast with Dr Kiran Keshwara, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection. We consider, matt...
RiskBites: Imposter Syndrome
25 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant and Dr Colm Harney at Dental Protection to cover the topic of ‘Imposter Syndrome – am I good enough...
CaseMatters: You killed my tooth!
11 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Case Matters, Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection will guide you through the case of discussion en...
RiskBites: Lessons learned from a fifty year career
28 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast host and Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection, Dr Annalene Weston is joined by retired Dental Protection Dentolegal Consultant and Order...
RiskMatters: Risk benefit analysis at the coal face of special needs
14 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With over 4.4 million Australians considered to have a disability, there is a greater need for dental practitioners to have an understanding on specia...
RiskBites: If a picture/scan is worth a thousand words, do I still need a charting?
31 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever asked, ‘Do I still need to do a dental charting if I’m taking an intraoral scan of my patient?’, this podcast is highly recomme...
RiskMatters: Dr Alex Forrest – How does forensics fit into my practice?
24 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Alex Forrest and Dr Mike Rutherford as they cover the topic of forensic odontology. After a long-standing career specialising in this area, Dr...
RiskBites: It's a numbers game
10 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our latest episode of RiskBites covers the topic of provider numbers in light of the fact that hygienists, OHT’s and therapists can apply for them, ...
CaseMatters: Not worth the paper it's written on
26 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection to explore 'Not worth the paper it’s written on’. This insightful podcast exp...
RiskBites: Does accelerating treatment accelerate risk?
12 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskBites, Kristin Trafford-Wiezel and Dr Annalene Weston from Dental Protection discuss the impact of accelerating treatment, a la...
RiskBites: Contractors – Is independence always a good thing?
29 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It is commonplace in the current dental working environment for dentists and some hygienists and therapists to be in a contractor relationship with a ...
RiskMatters: Dr Geraldine Moses – Drugs in dentistry - update your knowledge
15 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Geraldine Moses and Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant from Dental Protection as they discuss the use of drugs in dentistry, both those...
CaseMatters: That’s assault mate!
01 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection who will guide you through the case study ‘That’s assault mate’. This podcas...
RiskBites: Treatment expediency with privacy compliance
24 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dental Protection’s Dentolegal team, Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Kiran Keshwara as they discuss the topic of ‘Treatment expediency with privacy...
RiskBites: Domestic Violence – what every dental practitioner needs to know
17 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Domestic violence is a very complex and sensitive issue. Research presented to the Royal Commission demonstrated that more than 60% of abused women, w...
RiskBites: Medical Emergencies
03 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 em...
CaseMatters: How could you ignore this?
20 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our latest CaseMatters titled ‘How could you ignore this?’ sets out a case where the patient finds out she has chronic periodontal disease, despit...
RiskBites: Professional boundaries – Should we be friends with our patients on social media?
20 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskBites, Dentolegal Consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Case Manager Anita Kemp at Dental Protection explore the personal and profe...
RiskBites: Is doing nothing doing enough? The risks and benefits of offering to “do nothing” as a treatment option
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dental Protection’s Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Colm Harney as they discuss the treatment option of ‘doing nothing’ and whether doing nothing...
RiskMatters: Launch Episode – Laurie Walsh – IC Updates
23 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 up...
RiskBites: Professional Indemnity – Why do you need it anyway?
09 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr Annalene Weston, Dentolegal Consultant and Ms Kristen Trafford-Wiezel, Case Manager at Dental Protection as they cover a key topic for any den...
RiskBites: Proactive Resilience
19 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskBites, Dentolegal Consultant Dr Annalene Weston and Case Manager Anita Kemp at Dental Protection discuss the importance of pro...
RiskBites: How to liaise with your laboratory
05 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Effective communication is a key part of success for any practice. In this podcast, the Dental Protection team runs through the importance of establis...
RiskBites: Communication tips for smoother practice
21 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of RiskBites Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Colm Harney share tips that healthcare practitioners can implement into their working day to en...
RiskBites: Recognising burnout – tackling moral injury and moral distress
24 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Burnout is a significant concern impacting dental professionals on a global scale. In this episode of RiskBites Dr Annalene Weston and Ms Kristen Traf...
RiskBites: Business Continuity Planning
26 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast outlines the importance of a business continuity plan and why you need one for your practice. With the ever-changing environment, particu...
RiskBites: Record keeping – an arduous but vital task
29 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr Annalene Weston and Dr Kiran Keshwara discuss the importance of keeping and maintaining detailed and accurate records.
CaseMatters: You are negligent
22 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of CaseMatters, Dr Annalene Weston will guide you through the case study ‘You are negligent’. The accusation of negligence is one ...
CaseMatters: You didn't fix my bite
01 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This case study explores the unfortunate series of events that followed an orthodontic treatment that did not go to plan. This resulted in stress for ...