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 fr...
Apr 23, 2026•52 min•Season 11Ep. 88
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 fundament...
Nov 19, 2025•28 min•Season 10Ep. 87
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...
Nov 14, 2025•31 min•Season 10Ep. 86
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 ...
Nov 04, 2024•30 min•Season 9Ep. 85
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,...
Sep 08, 2024•21 min•Season 9Ep. 84
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 nav...
Jun 30, 2024•27 min•Season 9Ep. 83
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 c...
Jun 12, 2024•44 min•Season 9Ep. 84
In this episode, we hear about Filling the Gap, a charity run by The Australian Dental Association NSW, that provides free dental care to people in need. We learn how dentists can volunteer their time and make a difference in the lives of others. The charity partners with dentists who donate their time to provide care. There are two ways dentists can get involved: Volunteer at a clinic run by the charity. Volunteer at their practice and see patients referred by the charity. Filling the Gap takes...
Mar 08, 2024•19 min•Season 9Ep. 82
Dr Jodie Olivier, Vice President of ADA NSW and Chair of the Advocacy Committee, addressed the Country Women's Association of NSW. She spoke about the ADA's commitment to addressing the challenges and issues related to meeting the oral health needs of older Australians in NSW. Related links: Select Committee Report , ADA Advocacy Page 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...
Dec 13, 2023•8 min•Season 8Ep. 81
Have you ever wondered how the Advisory Services team make stressful experiences manageable for ADA NSW member practitioners who are facing complaints or claims? What are the critical aspects of consent and record-keeping that often fly under the radar? And just how important are good records in safeguarding both patients and practitioners? In this episode, the Peer Advisors share key takeaways and practical tips for practitioners, making it a must-listen for anyone in the dental field. The team...
Nov 28, 2023•20 min•Season 8Ep. 80
In this episode, Dr Michael Jonas from ADA NSW will be discussing the implementation and benefits of teledentistry, which is the use of technology to provide dental consultations and services remotely, with Dr Kathleen Matthews from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Dr Jad Clarke, a pediatric dentist based in Sydney who works in both the private and public sectors. Jed and Kathleen discuss various aspects of tele dentistry, including its applications, patient satisfaction, value in redu...
Oct 30, 2023•27 min•Season 8Ep. 79
In a thought-provoking conversation, Dr Cathleen Dong from ADA NSW and Dr Scott Davis, a prosthodontist from NSW North Coast, delve into the rising trend of dental tourism, unravelling its layers of complexity. Drawing from real-world experiences, Scott reveals the challenge of treating patients returning from overseas dental treatments, often complicated by language barriers and distant clinics. The episode becomes an invaluable resource for clinicians navigating these scenarios, as they discus...
Sep 18, 2023•18 min•Season 8Ep. 78
Let's delve into the dynamic interplay between artificial intelligence and dentistry. In this episode, we uncover the transformative journey of Dental AI and explore its evolution from a futuristic concept to a present-day game-changer. Join Claire Schifter, ADA NSW CPD Manager, as she navigates through the shifts in perception and understanding, discussing the controversies surrounding AI's integration in healthcare and its profound implications for the dental profession with Dr Kyle Stanley, C...
Aug 21, 2023•32 min•Season 8Ep. 77
Join Claire Schifter, ADA NSW CPD Manager, as she chats with Dr Kunal Pandya, a Prosthodontist from Melbourne, about his upcoming course, "Resin Bonded and Traditionally Retained Tooth Bridges", which will take place at ADA NSW's Centre for Professional Development on October 14th, 2023. This course is designed to equip practitioners with the necessary skills to recognise suitable candidates, master treatment planning, and craft exquisite restorations that stand the test of time. Interviewer(s):...
Aug 02, 2023•9 min•Season 8Ep. 76
Driven by a genuine commitment to her Northern Beaches community, Dr Meredith Gay's dental practice is thriving. She sponsors three local surf clubs, the rugby union and league teams, and even the golf club to give back to the community and create a lasting impression. Join ADA NSW President Dr Rohan Krishnan as he explores the story behind Dr Gay's practice, her experiences during the Covid pandemic, and the path beyond. Interviewer(s): Dr Rohan Krishnan Interviewee(s): Dr Meredith Gay The Dent...
Jul 24, 2023•20 min•Season 8Ep. 75
Join Claire Schifter, ADA New South Wales' CPD Manager as she chats with Dr Rakesh Jivan, an experienced dentist and passionate dental educator, about what is on offer in his upcoming course, Communicating for Success in Dentistry, to be held at ADA NSW Center for Professional Development on 26th July 2023. This comprehensive program focuses on practical communication techniques, national law compliance, and building strong patient relationships. Suitable for both new and experienced dentists, p...
Jul 07, 2023•10 min•Season 8Ep. 74
The IDAA, or Indigenous Dental Association of Australia, was established in 2004 with the objective of enhancing the oral health of Indigenous Australians. Recently, the association has undergone a relaunch with a new board of directors focused on expanding its reach and advocating for the current needs of the Indigenous community. In a discussion with Cathryn Forsyth from ADA NSW and Dr Jodi Hart, director of IDAA, two newly appointed directors - Sophie L'Estrange, and Latisha Sykora - share th...
Jun 30, 2023•30 min•Season 8Ep. 73
This episode is the final in a three-part series on 'Risk in Dentistry', proudly brought to you by Guild Insurance, protecting Australian dentists for over 23 years. As there is increasing emphasis on public safety, patient rights, and greater consumer awareness, dentists are facing heightened scrutiny and patients are seeking legal advice. Join Rhett Clayton, from ADA NSW Advisory Services, in this compelling discussion with senior Meridian Lawyers Marianne Nicolle and Chandrika Darroch, encour...
Jun 26, 2023•40 min•Season 8Ep. 72
This episode is the second in a three-part series on 'Risk in Dentistry', proudly brought to you by Guild Insurance, protecting Australian dentists for over 23 years. Join Rhett Clayton, from ADA NSW Advisory Services, as he chats with Christie Boucher, Risk Services Manager at Guild Insurance about managing risk in the dental industry and the importance of communication. Stay tuned to learn more about the valuable insights Christie provides based on her extensive experience in handling dental c...
Jun 15, 2023•26 min•Season 8Ep. 71
This episode is the first in a three-part series on 'Risk in Dentistry', proudly brought to you by Guild Insurance, protecting Australian dentists for over 23 years. Join Dr Sarah Raphael, head of Advisory Services, as she chats with her colleague Rhett Clayton on the topic of risk mitigation in dentistry and how to safeguard yourself and your practice and continue providing exceptional care. Remember, prevention is the key to your peace of mind. Interviewer(s): Rhett Clayton Interviewee(s): Dr ...
Jun 03, 2023•15 min•Season 8Ep. 70
Power cuts, treating terrified refugees and considering life on the front line - these are some of the challenges of practising dentistry in a warzone. Join Stuart Turner from the Australian Dental Association New South Wales as he speaks with Dr Goncharuk-Khomyn, a globally noted lecturer and dentist, about how he has coped since Russia invaded his country in early 2022. Interviewer(s): Stuart Turner Interviewee(s): Dr Myroslav Goncharuk-Khomyn The Dental Practitioner is brought to you by the A...
May 22, 2023•57 min•Season 8Ep. 69
Radiographic devices are essential in modern dental practice to help dentists diagnose and treat patients, and due to the dangers of radiation, they come with rigid hierarchies of control. Join Claire Schifter, ADA NSW's CPD Manager as she speaks with Makenzie Harris, founder and director of radiographic service Gamma Tech, about radiation safety, what it means to dentists and how dental practices can stay safe and remain compliant. Interviewer(s): Claire Schifter Interviewee(s): Makenzie Harris...
Mar 28, 2023•16 min•Season 8Ep. 68
“When we remember that patient care is the common goal that we're all trying to strive towards, we see a gathering of minds and a unified position. We are stronger together and can achieve change”. Dr Danielle McMullen, Vice President of the Australian Medical Association. In this episode, ADA NSW Advocacy and Policy Advisor Cathryn Forsyth chats with Dr McMullen about the importance of oral health to overall general health. Dr McMullen affirms patient care as the common goal for the dental and ...
Nov 07, 2022•25 min•Season 7Ep. 67
With the ever-growing pressure on our healthcare industry, improving treatment efficiency is paramount for patients to receive the best possible care. By establishing significant relationships with teams of medical specialists and allied health professionals, dental practitioners are building new models of patient-centred care for more efficient and comprehensive treatment. Join general dentist and practice owner, ADA NSW Vice President, Dr Rohan Krishnan as he explores a multidisciplinary care ...
Aug 06, 2022•31 min•Season 7Ep. 66
After success in many other states, the government initiative 'SafeScript' was recently launched in NSW (in the ACT it is called 'Canberra Script') - a very valuable tool to assist practitioners when prescribing patients with certain high-risk medicines, known as monitored medicines. This initiative allows prescribers and pharmacists to access real-time information about their patient's use and potential misuse of these monitored medicines. Join dentist Dr Patrick Meaney as he unpacks all the fa...
Jul 08, 2022•13 min•Season 7Ep. 65
Being an Indigenous dental practitioner in Australia comes with a whole host of challenges. Join ADA NSW’s Cathryn Forsyth as she sits down with the directors of the Indigenous Dental Association Australia, Drs Gari Watson, Jess Manuela, and Jodi Hart, as they talk about their personal and professional journeys and the many underlying factors that impact the health disparities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the rest of mainstream Australia. The aims of the Indigenous Dental A...
Jul 04, 2022•23 min•Season 7Ep. 64
This episode features Dr Louise Hanrahan who delivered a powerful message in her Annie Praed Oration at SIDCON22 this year. Having observed a career through a public health lens, Louise reflects on the experiences working in wildly differing communities across Australia and the connections between them. Join Faiza Ahmad, ADA NSW Head of Communications and Public Affairs in this engaging conversation uncovering a fascinating life story for this young dentist. Listen to the Oration in full at the ...
Apr 09, 2022•31 min•Season 7Ep. 63
The face of healthcare in this country is changing fast, and all healthcare providers need to keep up with the times. Join ADA NSW's Kylie Robb as she chats with SIDCON22's Keynote Speaker, Dr Norman Swan, about how a better understand of the role of the consumer in healthcare is critical in providing good quality dental care. Dr Norman Swan will be appearing at SIDCON22 at the Sydney International Convention Centre on the 16th of March 2022. Register now at https://sidcon.com.au for Australia's...
Jan 27, 2022•20 min•Season 7Ep. 62
How do you decide what is the best course of action for the treatment of your patients? Do you read the latest dental journals, reflect on your training or consult your network on social media? In today's changing world the general dentist is overwhelmed with information and often times finds it difficult to know what is the best current evidence and how they should apply this to their practice. Join Dr Sarah Raphael from ADA NSW as she explores Evidence Based Dentistry with Dr Paul Beath, a gen...
Mar 16, 2021•55 min•Season 6Ep. 61
For billions of years bacteria have inhabited the earth. These microbes are survivors; highly adaptable to external forces and enhanced abilities to evolve rapidly in changing environments. However, since the discovery of penicillin, antibiotics have predominantly kept the ravaging effects of harmful bacteria at bay ... until now. Due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals worldwide and a lack of new drug development by pharmaceutical companies, bacteria are back! They ha...
Nov 17, 2020•29 min•Season 5Ep. 60
