ADAVB 2018/2019 Annual Report

1 4 | A D A V B A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 8 / 1 9 Following changes to our service last year, we have continued to make improvements to our processes and the system has been running relatively smoothly. As a result, we have been able to assist members with Guild insurance the same as previously, without exposing the ADAVB to the risk of being considered a complaints entity. As well as new processes, we have had additional changes to the team. In November, Dr Loula Konidaris moved from a locum to a permanent position. Locum Dr Anna Talacko worked extra hours to assist with the CRO workload, particularly while Dr Ann Monteith was on long service leave. Dr Tony Robertson continued to provide some locum services when his availability allowed. I will be taking some long service leave later in the year so it has been important for our locums to have the ability to cover the rosters with no disruption to member assistance. The end of 2018 and start of 2019 presented the challenge of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) Act and Review letters (sent to 1000 dentists around Australia). After the CDBS experience a few years ago, Guild and ADA consortium branches recognised the need to develop a timely strategy to assist members immediately, but to also be prepared for any future actions should Medicare continue to send letters or enter into an auditing process. As always, Guild and Meridian Lawyers were instrumental in helping us to develop this strategy and we are now placed to quickly address future actions as they arise. There have been some concerning developments with private health insurers now demanding refund of payments on concluding that auditing has identified that clinical records are below the regulatory standard. I had alluded to this emerging issue last year with respect to the increasing level of noise (audits) in this sphere. These demands pose a big risk for the future of third-party interactions and an equally big challenge in protecting the profession. Once again, Guild’s lawyers are assisting these members and the ADAVB in developing responses, but keeping adequate records is a never-ending message that doesn’t seem to be getting through to members – yet another challenge for the ADAVB. I have continued with presentations to group meetings and in conjunction with CPD, developed a 10-minute presentation at CPD events for CROs to deliver short update messages about topical issues and be available for questions. This has worked well – especially at those events that offer refreshments in wonderful locations such as the museum and wine bars! Guild has recognised the contribution of the CROs by awarding the CROs with a financial delegation whereby we can settle small claims without needing to seek prior approval from Guild. This was possible as comprehensive auditing and scrutiny of past settlements by Guild acknowledged the independent and professional calibre of the CROs in managing claims. This is to be highly valued in the present climate of financial services regulations coming out of the Royal Commission. Guild feels comfortable enough that it can still meet its regulatory obligations to APRA by delegation and authorisation to the ADAVB. In my opinion, this recognises the great contribution not only of the present CROs, but the past generation from whose experience and judgement we have all learnt. I would like to especially remember and thank Dr Bruce Drysdale and Dr Fred Widdop for passing the baton to those of us currently in the position. We have adopted best practice secure messaging for all our documentation to ensure we minimise the risk of any confidential data breaches. We take the opportunity whenever we can to advise members to do the same. A huge thanks as always to Mrs Maria Omizzolo, Community Relations Administrative Officer, who has had an extremely large workload this year, meeting her usual capacity, and additionally supporting the ongoing mentoring of the new CROs. Dr Eryn Agnew ADAVB Community Relations Manager/Professional Consultant Community Relations and Professional Consultant Service