CATEGORY AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST 33 INNOVATIONS ensure that when patients choose this option, they do so ethically, transparently, and with full awareness of the implications. We receive calls from patients from time to time that want to use their Super but their regular dentist believes the patient should use their super for retirement. I encourage dentists to allow the patient to seek the advice they require from their accountant of financial advisor, distancing clinical care from financial. Interviewer: Rob, early superannuation access for dental procedures has been under scrutiny in recent months, highlighting some deficiencies and fast-tracking of patients in order to expedite funds. Can you share your thoughts on what’s been happening in the industry? Rob Harwood: The recent investigations by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) have exposed concerning misuse of the Compassionate Release of Superannuation scheme. Certain third-party providers have been implicated in allegations of professional misconduct, misleading patients and prioritising financial gain over ethical practice. This has severely impacted both clinicians and patients, raising serious concerns about what guidelines must be highlighted to ensure the scheme and the reputation of the healthcare industry is cleaned up. gain, without ensuring compliance with ATO guidelines or obtaining proper informed consent. This puts both patients and clinicians at significant risk. Interviewer: Given these challenges, how important is it for practitioners to choose the right partner for superannuation access? Rob Harwood: Your reputation matters, so this service needs to be accountable. It is absolutely crucial that ethical, safe processes are in place. Clinicians need to be safeguarded, and patients need to be protected. The industry has suffered due to unethical practices and it’s time we restore integrity to the process. That’s precisely why we established Super for Health – to provide a compliant, ethical, and patient-focused alternative that adheres strictly to AHPRA and ATO regulations. Interviewer: How can the dental industry address concerns about conflicts of interest when dentists or clinics manage patients’ superannuation funds applications for treatment? Rob Harwood: That’s an important point. When dentists or clinics become directly involved in a patient’s financial decisions, it blurs professional boundaries and raises ethical concerns. This is becoming a concern within our industry and mentioning this to practitioners is an important reminder of this potentially being a serious conflict of interest. At Super for Health, we ensure strict separation between financial and clinical responsibilities by applying on behalf of the patient, not the practice. By using super for health, Patients are referred to our independent case managers to ensure transparency and avoid any undue influence. Interviewer: What message do you have for healthcare professionals who are looking for a responsible superannuation access provider? Rob Harwood: We receive numerous calls from the public, wanting to find practitioners that will allow them to opportunity to apply for release of their super. Simply because, they don’t have any other option and the related conditions are greatly effecting their quality of life. We encourage they seek a professional partner who upholds the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and patient care. And if your dentist doesn’t agree in the super access for treatment, we will always be delighted in recommending Super for Health dentists within our network that can offer you a second opinion. Super for Health is committed to protecting both clinicians and patients by ensuring that all applications meet eligibility criteria, that the correct informed consent is obtained and that ethical governance is maintained throughout the process. Interviewer: How does the portal facilitate communication with practices and patients? Rob Harwood: Practitioners and practices are updated via our LIVE portal of every stage of the Patients journey. Our case managers are in direct contact with the practice to update them with any information that is of relevant to supporting the Practitioner and team and importantly, when the ATO has approved the release of superfunds. No patient slips through the cracks and no practitioner/practice is not updated. Interviewer: What is in it for me, as a Practitioner? Rob Harwood: We say to practitioners, do it right so that vulnerable patients in genuine need can fairly access their funds. Make sure when using a third party company to manage your most valuable asset (your patient), you have experienced healthcare managers working in your best interests and the patients when supporting super access. We encourage all practitioners to reach out to our team or me directly – we’re always happy to assist however we can. With over 30 years in the industry of owning and operating successful, efficient dental practices I look to provide as much support in protecting your clinical team and supporting your patient through their journey. u To learn more, contact our team for a conversation tailored to your practice. Alternatively register your practice today to get setup with our practice portal. Call 1800 951 859 Email support@superforhealth.com Website www.superforhealth.com Interviewer: What are some of the major concerns by the ATO surrounding the Super access third-party providers? Rob Harwood: The biggest issues highlighted by the ATO include patients being misled about their eligibility for the scheme and the financial implications of accessing their super. Some providers have shown extreme negligence, by allowing the third party companies rush applications through for these companies own financial
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