MOBILE DENTAL PROVIDERS AUSTRALIA
Helping dental professionals proactively address potential risks, support continuous improvement, and maintain the highest standards of patient care
Our Risk Management Log is designed to prioritise patient safety through incident logging and collaborative review. By documenting and sharing critical insights, our dedicated team provides expert guidance, helping you proactively address potential risks, support continuous improvement, and maintain the highest standards of patient care.
Our Panel
Prof. Alexander Holden
Dr Elizabeth Milford
Dr Mark Wotherspoon
Jacqueline Biggar
Kylie Robb
Shida Taheri
We encourage you to make yourself familiar with the examples and determine the impact, likelihood and risk level to their particular business model. Note as well that some may or maynot apply, and this is a broad risk management log to help everyone stay safe.
Date: 13/01/2025
Category: Infection Control
Risk/ Hazard: Cross-contamination
Description: Risk of infections being transferred between patients via tools or staff contact.
Control Measures:
- Sterilise all tools before/after use.
- Use single-use PPE.
- Strict hand hygiene protocol.
- Regular audits.
Outcome/Notes: Ongoing monitoring, no incidents reported as of last review.
Date: 13/01/2025
Category: Transportation of Equipment
Risk/ Hazard: Equipment damage during transit
Description: Dental equipment may be damaged while being transported to facilities.
Control Measures:
- Use padded transport cases.
- Secure equipment properly in vehicle.
- Train staff on safe handling.
Outcome/Notes: New padded cases reduced risks, no incidents in the last month.
Date: 13/01/2025
Category: Medical Emergency
Risk/ Hazard: Patient medical emergency
Description: A patient may experience a medical emergency (e.g., allergic reaction, cardiac arrest) during treatment.
Control Measures:
- Obtain medical history before treatment.
- Have emergency response tools (oxygen, AED).
- Train staff in CPR.
Outcome/Notes: Emergency response drill conducted on 2025-01-10, team passed readiness check.
Date: 13/01/2025
Category: Communication Issue
Risk/ Hazard: Miscommunication on fees
Description: Family misunderstands cost of treatment or payment terms, leading to disputes.
Control Measures:
- Provide clear, written treatment and cost plans.
- Obtain signed consent.
- Regularly communicate with families.
Outcome/Notes: No complaints received; standardised written communication implemented on 2025-01-05
Date: 13/01/2025
Category: Staff Safety
Risk/ Hazard: Manual handling injuries
Description: Staff may injure themselves while lifting heavy dental equipment during setup or transport..
Control Measures:
- Provide manual handling training.
- Use trolleys/lifting aids.
- Conduct regular safety checks.
Outcome/Notes: Two lifting trolleys purchased on 2025-01-11, staff reported easier handling.
Date: 13/01/2025
Category: Patient Safety/ Operational process failure
Risk/ Hazard: Patient Identification and Procedure Matching Process Failure
Description: Elderly patient now unable to complete standard 3 point Patient Identification and Procedure Matching steps due to cognitive decline.
Control Measures:
-Develop alternative confirmation methods
- Review current confirmation workflow
- Develop flexible verification processes
-Train staff on handling non-standard confirmation scenarios
-Develop decision-making guidelines for exceptional cases
Outcome/Notes: Proactive identification and management of confirmation process gaps to ensure patient safety and operational efficiency.