Australia
Membership information 1800 444 542
Dentolegal advice 1800 444 542
Search
Membership information 1800 444 542
Dentolegal advice 1800 444 542

Pending prescribing predicaments?

20 November 2019

Prescribing has featured heavily in the dental press over the last few weeks. Dr Annalene Weston, dentolegal adviser at Dental Protection, highlights the potential pressure points and how we can best manage our risk when prescribing or issuing medications to patients

Three critical matters have occurred in the pharmacological space in the last few weeks that members need to be aware of.

Firstly, the Oral and Dental Therapeutic Guidelines, aka ‘the clown book’, have been overhauled, with the anticipated release of the updated guidance set as December 2019. Naturally, it is critical to be familiar with the current guidance, and we would encourage all dental practitioners to have access to an updated version of this valuable resource, whether in its paper or digital form (it is also available as an app).

Next, the recently released AHPRA 2018-2019 Annual Report highlights that 10.7% of all complaints received by AHPRA related to “medication related issues”, making it the second highest reason for notification.[1] While this stat relates to ALL complaints received by AHPRA, it does serve to highlight that medication related issues are commonplace, and will also be occurring in dentistry.

Perhaps then this contextualises the recent commentary from the Dental Board of Australia relating to the concerns that have been raised with them about the direct dispensing of drugs to patients, omitting to utilise a pharmacist.[2] In this communiqué, the Dental Board highlights how practitioners dispensing directly to patients may inadvertently breach the Code of Conduct, reminding us of our obligations which include:

    • ensuring the care of the patient is the primary concern for health professionals in clinical practice
    • providing treatment options based on the best available information and not influenced by financial gain or incentives
    • conforming to the legislation in the relevant states and territories, including about self-prescribing
    • maintaining adequate records, including being mindful of additional informed consent requirements when supplying or prescribing products not approved or made in Australia.[3].

Exploring this in even more simplistic terms, the pharmacist acts as our ‘double checker’ when issuing medications to patients, regarding dose, potential drug interactions and allergies. Perhaps those practitioners considering dispensing directly may like to reconsider removing this safety backstop when issuing drugs to patients.

[1] AHPRA 2018-2019 Annual Report

Contact Us
Location
Guidance & Resources
Our Site

© 2010-2023 The Medical Protection Society Limited

DPL Australia Pty Ltd (“DPLA”) is registered in Australia with ABN 24 092 695 933. Dental Protection Limited (“DPL”) is registered in England (No. 2374160) and along with DPLA is part of the Medical Protection Society Limited (“MPS”) group of companies. MPS is registered in England (No. 36142). Both DPL and MPS have their registered office at Level 19, The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9SG. DPL serves and supports the dental members of MPS. All the benefits of MPS membership are discretionary, as set out in MPS’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
   
“Dental Protection member” in Australia means a non-indemnity dental member of MPS. Dental Protection members may hold membership independently or in conjunction with membership of the Australian Dental Association (W.A. Branch) Inc. (“ADAWA”).
    
Dental Protection members who hold membership independently need to apply for, and where applicable maintain, an individual Dental Indemnity Policy underwritten by MDA National Insurance Pty Ltd (“MDANI”), ABN 56 058 271 417, AFS Licence No. 238073. MDANI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MDA National Limited, ABN 67 055 801 771. DPLA is a Corporate Authorised Representative of MDANI with CAR No. 326134. For such Dental Protection members, by agreement with MDANI, DPLA provides point-of-contact member services, case management and colleague-to-colleague support.
    
Dental Protection members who are also ADAWA members need to apply for, and where applicable maintain, an individual Dental Indemnity Policy underwritten by MDANI, which is available in accordance with the provisions of ADAWA membership.
   
None of ADAWA, DPL, DPLA and MPS are insurance companies. Dental Protection® is a registered trademark of MPS.

Before making a decision to buy or hold any products issued by MDANI, please consider your personal circumstances and the Important Information, Policy Wording and any supplementary documentation available by contacting the DPL membership team on 1800 444 542 or via email.