A Sneak Peek at the Must-Attend Event of 2026
WELCOMECELEBRATING THREE YEARS OF INDUSTRY NEWS!
We’re excited to bring you Issue 7 of the Industry Newsletter—a special milestone edition marking three years since our launch!
Inside this issue, you’ll find the latest mustknow updates shaping your practice and your team. We’re diving into:
• Ahpra’s new guidelines and what they mean for you
• AI opportunities and challenges for practitioners
• Key tax changes that could impact your business
Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at the 30th Australian Orthodontic Congress—the countdown is on, and registrations will open soon!
A huge thank you to our industry and guest contributors. Your insights and support make this newsletter an insightful, trusted resource for our community.
We hope you enjoy this special anniversary edition.
Dr Francis Wong ASO Federal Treasurer
Museum Honors Carriere Motion 3D Appliance
Museum Honors
Carriere Motion 3D Appliance
NSW Orthodontist Dr. Kamal Ahmed shares valuable advice on his webinar on Carriere Motion.
20 yrs
of clinical success in Class II correction with the Carriere Motion 3D Appliance.
20 yrs
of clinical success in Class II correction with the Carriere Motion 3D Appliance.
60% of American orthodontists use the appliance.
60% of American orthodontists use the appliance.
85
The amount of countries the appliance is sold in.
85
The amount of countries the appliance is sold in.
1 mil
1 mil
The amount of lives the appliance has transformed.
The amount of lives the appliance has transformed.
Dr. Luis Carrière’s JCO article on Severe Class III Malocclusion remains the journal’s most downloaded, available free online.
Dr. Luis Carrière’s JCO article on Severe Class III Malocclusion remains the journal’s most downloaded, available free online.
Recognised for its aesthetic design, the Carriere Motion 3D for Class III correction is on permanent display at the Barcelona Museum of Design. Inventor, educator and practicing orthodontist, Dr. Carrière speaks about the development of the Motion 3D Appliance and the reasons behind its wide acceptance.
Recognised for its aesthetic design, the Carriere Motion 3D for Class III correction is on permanent display at the Barcelona Museum of Design. Inventor, educator and practicing orthodontist, Dr. Carrière speaks about the development of the Motion 3D Appliance and the reasons behind its wide acceptance.
Learn more >
NSW Orthodontist Dr. Kamal Ahmed shares valuable advice on his webinar on Carriere Motion.
NEW GUIDELINES FOR NON-SURGICAL COSMETIC PROCEDURES – HOW DOES THIS AFFECT ME? GUEST ARTICLE
By Colm Harney, Dentolegal Consultant at Dental Protection
To set the scene, in a news article, as far back as mid-2023, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) signalled that proposed new resources for practitioners undertaking and advertising cosmetic procedures were being developed to safeguard the wider non-surgical cosmetic procedures industry. They advised that the National Boards, including the Dental Board of Australia (DBA), would be consulting on the proposed new guidelines.
The Public Consultation had a declared focus on “reforming the regulation of registered health practitioners who work in the non-surgical cosmetic procedures sector in Australia to improve practice and standards, improve public safety, and provide opportunities for more informed consumer choice.” (1)
The Ahpra news article states something that we as clinicians intuitively know from our training and experience – “while cosmetic dentistry can positively impact many people’s lives, the DBA warns that procedures such as tooth veneers can be major life-long undertakings that are not risk free”.
It goes on to say that “Practitioners must ensure patients are provided adequate time to properly consider the impact of cosmetic procedures, that realistic expectations are set, and that informed consent, including financial consent, is gained.” (2)
The consultation period has ended and at the time of writing, the Ahpra and National Boards have published advance copies
of the Guidelines for practitioners who perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures and the Guidelines for practitioners who advertise higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures, which came into effect on 2 September 2025. (3)
To provide some context, between September 2022 and March 2025, Ahpra investigated about 360 notifications related to non-surgical cosmetic procedures with about 300 of these now closed. Complaints about these cosmetic procedures can lead to regulatory action like cautions, conditions imposed on registration or an undertaking from the practitioner to do or not do something. (3)
Rest assured that Dental Protection will provide comprehensive and current resources to help our members understand and navigate these new guidelines, so they can continue to practice safely in the best interests of their patients, while at the same time ensuring that they remain compliant with the new guidelines.
Resources can be accessed through the Dental Protection Australia website and include a recent webinar, podcasts and articles. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed to keep members informed.
According to Ahpra, the new practice guidelines bring all registered health practitioners in line with medical practitioners, who already have their own guidelines. They also remind practitioners of their obligation to put patient welfare first and foremost with the prescriber remaining responsible for patient care. (3)
(Continued on page 06)
Removes+ 99.9% of odour-causing bacteria*3-5
Lifts stains, removes discolouration6,7
Helps keep appliances looking clear1,2
Compatible with common dental appliance material1,2
Retainers
Aligners Night Guards Mouthguards
GUEST ARTICLE
(CONTINUED)
The changes are broad and cover many aspects of practice including:
• Patient assessment (which includes an expectation to screen for suitability of treatment).
• Consent, including particular rules for under 18s.
• Scope of practice – education, training and competence in the relevant field.
• Guidelines on prescribing.
• Consent around use of images.
• Management of the patient including appropriate after care.
• Financial arrangements.
• Advertising.
There is a particular emphasis on advertising – according to Ahpra, the advertising changes include a focus on higher risk procedures, requiring advertisements to contain information about the practitioner performing the procedures, strengthening the ban on the use of testimonials from social media influencers and putting measures in place to stop the trivialisation or sexualisation of a cosmetic procedure.
Those under the age of 18 considering nonsurgical cosmetic procedures will have a mandatory seven-day cooling off period between their first consultation and any procedures, while advertising aimed at under 18s will be totally banned.
Ahpra CEO Justin Untersteiner, commented that “this industry relies heavily on having a social media presence, so
practitioners have been put on notice that their advertising must comply with the new guidelines when they come into effect later this year”. (3)
In summary, these guidelines are a significant update in how the non-surgical cosmetic sector is to be regulated.
Ahpra highlight the statement of Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM, Chair of the NMBA – “No practitioner should put their bottom line ahead of patient welfare, and these guidelines place the focus squarely on the safety of those in their care”. (3)
This is a strong signal to any practitioner working in this space to review the new guidelines and pay particular attention to all areas impacting their patient care, both clinical and non-clinical.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to review the resources available or contact one of our advisers who would be more than happy to help.
References.
1. https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/News/PastConsultations.aspx
2. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Cosmetic procedures by dental practitioners are not without risk
3. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Booming billion-dollar cosmetic industry on notice with new cosmetic procedures guidelines
Thisarticleisproducedbyathirdparty(notthe ASO)forguidancepurposeonlyandisnota substituteforlegaladvice.
Youcanfindmoreinformationinthenewly createdAhpraHubontheASOMember website.
INVITATION TO WATCH CARRIERE MOTION
WEBINAR PRESENTED BY DR KAMAL AHMED
Dr Kamal Ahmed completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with honours, and a Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics at the University of Sydney. He received a fellowship from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and membership from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in Orthodontics.
Beyond Australia, Dr Kamal Ahmed is also a member of the European Orthodontic Society, and completed additional study, gaining admission into the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Dr Ahmed worked as an orthodontist at various clinics across New South Wales before establishing his practice in the Illawarra region.
Dr Kamal shares his experience with the Carriere Motion 3D appliance and how it fast-tracks his Class II and Class III cases:
• “Using Motion significantly reduces the need for extractions”.
• “Small learning curve – minimum practice setup”
• “Time saving - adjustment appointments are quick - Motion emergency appointments are quicker”
RIDING THE INFLECTION POINT – AI IN ORTHODONTICS GUEST ARTICLE
By Matthew Edwards, Edward Systems
Since the ASO Industry Newsletter was launched in 2022, I've addressed key topics related to your practice's information technology. I've discussed cybersecurity and essential methods to protect your practice and patient data. I've also explored the ongoing question of whether and what to move to the cloud, and I've provided guidance on selecting the right practice management system for your needs.
Three years can feel like yesterday, but in a very real way — that I think we are all trying to understand — 2022 seems like a different era.
In his 1970 book, Alvin Toffler coined the term Future Shock – where the pace of technological and cultural change causes individuals and societies to experience disorientation, stress and a sense of dislocation.
In November 2022, OpenAI released ChatGPT, which initially garnered some headlines and buzz among tech enthusiasts. Many dismissed it as another overhyped tech gimmick, given the history of big tech's overpromises and under-deliveries. However, we soon realised we were approaching a significant inflection point. Just as previous generations spoke of events as before and after the war, and we spoke of before and after COVID-19, in the
long term, we will likely frame time as before and after AI.
Fundamentally, we have two choices. Embrace (cautiously) or reject AI. History suggests that an outright rejection of new technology may not give the best business, societal or clinical outcomes.
I wondered how Leonardo da Vinci would view AI. Would he resent it or embrace it and utilise it? While only he could answer this, I imagined he would see the opportunities these AI tools provide, accelerating learning, development, and manufacturing. His visions could become refined realities.
I’ve observed that orthodontists are generally very collegial. Not all of you need to embrace every new advancement at once. You share the testing and implementing, and the results, both good and bad.
For many orthodontists, you don’t need to find AI – it will find you in the various products you already use and value.
• Many of you use ChatGPT and love it.
• Google searches now have AI Overviews meaning we often don’t need to click any further links.
• Dental Monitoring, Invisalign, SureSmile, etc all embrace forms of AI to help you achieve the best clinical outcomes.
AIisexcellentatcreatinglettertemplates foryourpractice.BUT: Removeany patient-specificinformationbefore copyingorpastingintoaweb-basedAIlike ChatGPTasthismayresurfaceinthe futureandviolatesprivacylaw
UseAItohelpwith:
• Brainstorming
• Planning
• Putting together workflows
• Understanding broad HR topics
• Marketing ideas
• Current best practice
Work is currently underway on delivering private AI to practices that you will host inhouse. These AI models will not share any of your data outside your network. You will be able to use patient data with these. They will also handle many creative tasks and you will safely work with them.
Then, the next phase (within the year) you will be able to use natural language to query your own practice management data. You will ask the AI how many new patients are booked in this week? How many open banding spots do I have? How does that compare to this time last year?
Finally, you will use natural language to interact with your practice management program, much as you would with your practice manager: rescheduling appointments because you’ve had to cancel a day, altering the schedule, changing fee structures, etc.
In the future, a patient may walk into your practice and be greeted by a friendly avatar of you that recognises them, asks them to smile widely, and then open their mouths so the upper and lower occlusal are visible. These images will be analysed and stored and any relevant information passed along to the clinician. The patient will then be seated. An AI will instruct the patient to go to the correct chair, the clinician will complete the visit and then arrange for their next appointment with the same or similar avatar that welcomed them.
AI will define the future. In the short term, embrace what works for your practice, be cautiously inquisitive and share your discoveries with your fellow orthodontists.
This article is produced by a third party (not the ASO) for guidance purpose only.
DIVISION 296: WHAT ORTHODONTISTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PROPOSED $3 MILLION SUPER TAX
By Jon Cousins from Ord Minnett
As an orthodontist, you’ve likely invested a lot of hard work building both your practice and your personal wealth. For many in the profession, superannuation forms a cornerstone of retirement planning, offering a reliable and tax-effective way to grow long-term wealth. However, the Federal Government’s proposed Division 296 tax – commonly called the “$3 million super tax” – may have a direct impact on how you structure your retirement strategy.
While this measure is not yet legislated, if passed it will apply from 1 July 2025, with assessments beginning based on your balance as at 30 June 2026.
Given the average age of orthodontists in Australia is around 46, this change arrives at a time when many of you are in your peak earning years and starting to focus more deliberately on how best to position your finances for retirement. Understanding how Division 296 works is essential to avoid surprises later.
What the Tax Actually Applies To
It’s easy to assume this new tax is a flat rate on earnings above $3 million, but the calculation is more complex.
Here’s how it works:
The Division 296 tax applies to the increase in your total super balance (TSB) each year, which includes unrealised capital gains (increases in asset value, even if you haven’t sold them).
If your TSB exceeds $3 million, the proportion of earnings above this threshold will be subject to an additional 15% tax. Importantly, the normal one-third capital gains tax discount that super funds enjoy on long-held assets will not apply under Division 296.
This means you could find yourself paying more tax on paper gains in your fund – even if those assets later decline in value.
Want to know how this will impact your balance?
Ord Minnett have created a Division 296 tax calculator, which you can use here
Key Changes That Matter for Orthodontists
A few features of the proposal are worth your close attention.
The $3 million cap is not indexed: While you may feel distant from that threshold now, ongoing contributions and compounding returns mean more orthodontists will eventually cross it.
Unrealised gains are included: For example, if your super fund holds property or shares that rise in value during the year, that increase counts toward your taxable earnings - even if you haven’t sold them.
No refunds for downturns: If your fund pays tax in one year due to strong asset growth but then falls in value the following year, you won’t receive a refund of the tax already paid.
Is Super Still Worth It?
Despite the new tax, superannuation remains one of the most tax-effective investment structures available. Key advantages include:
• Lower tax rates on earnings compared with many personal investment structures.
• Asset protection benefits in the event of bankruptcy or litigation (a consideration for medical professionals).
• Tax-free pension phase once you meet retirement age, which remains untouched by Division 296.
However, as balances grow, it may be worth considering complementary strategies outside of super, such as:
• Personal investment portfolios
• Investment bonds
• Family trusts
• Company structures for retained earnings from your practice
These alternatives can provide flexibility, diversification, and a hedge against legislative risk.
What Should You Do Now?
Division 296 may seem distant if you’re not yet close to a $3 million balance, but for orthodontists, it’s a critical consideration. With continued contributions and strong investment performance, many in your profession will
find themselves impacted by this tax before retirement.
By taking steps now – diversifying your wealth strategies, understanding the mechanics of the tax, and seeking financial advice – you can ensure your retirement plan remains robust, taxefficient, and aligned with the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Helpful Tools and Resources
Start a conversation today with Senior Investment Adviser, Jon Cousins from Ord Minnett, Sydney. He can help you assess your position, tailor an investment strategy that aligns with your long-term goals.
We’ve also created a Division 296 tax calculator to help you estimate your potential tax liability.
And for more information, download our Division 296 Quick Reference Guide and FAQs.
Visit www.ords.com.au
Jon Cousins is an Authorised Representative (no 001267281) of Ord Minnett Ltd ABN 86 002 733 048, AFS licence 237121. This article contains general financial advice only. For a further discussion on your personal circumstances, Jon can be reached on (02) 8216 6616 or jcousins@ords.com.au
GUEST ARTICLE
GENERATIVE AI AND DEEPFAKES ARE FUELLING HEALTH MISINFORMATION. HERE’S WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR SO YOU DON’T GET SCAMMED
Lisa M. Given, RMIT University
False and misleading health information online and on social media is on the rise, thanks to rapid developments in deepfake technology and generative artificial intelligece (AI).
This allows videos, photos and audio of respected health professionals to be manipulated – for example, to appear as if they are endorsing fake health-care products, or to solicit sensitive health information from Australians.
So, how do these kinds of health scams work? And what can you do to spot them?
Accessing health information online
In 2021, three in four Australians over 18 said they accessed health services – such as telehealth consultations with doctors – online. One 2023 study showed 82% of Australian parents consulted social media about health-related issues, alongside doctor consultations.
However, the worldwide growth in healthrelated misinformation (or, factually incorrect material) and disinformation (where people are intentionally misled) is exponential.
From Medicare email and text phishing scams, to sales of fake pharmaceuticals, Australians are at risk of losing money – and damaging their health – by following false advice.
What is deepfake technology?
An emerging area of health-related scams is linked to the use of generative AI tools to create deepfake videos, photos and audio recordings. These deepfakes are used to promote fake health-care products or lead consumers to share sensitive health information with people they believe can be trusted.
A deepfake is a photograph or video of a real person, or a sound recording of their voice, that is altered to make the person appear to do or say something they haven’t done or said.
Up to now, people used photo- or videoediting software to create fake images, like superimposing someone’s face on another person’s body. Adobe Photoshop even advertises its software’s ability to “face swap” to “ensure everyone is looking their absolute best” in family photos.
While creating deepfakes isn’t new, healthcare practitioners and organisations are raising alarm bells about the speed and hyper-realism that can be achieved with generative AI tools. When these deepfakes are shared via social media platforms, which increase the reach of misinformation significantly, the potential for harm also increases.
How is it being used in health scams?
In December 2024, for example, Diabetes Victoria called attention to the use of
deepfake videos showing experts from The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne promoting a diabetes supplement.
The media release from Diabetes Australia made clear these videos were not real and were made using AI technology.
Neither organisation endorsed the supplements or approved the fake advertising, and the doctor portrayed in the video had to alert his patients to the scam.
This isn’t the first time doctors’ (fake) images have been used to sell products. In April 2024, scammers used deepfake images of Dr Karl Kruszelnicki to sell pills to Australians via Facebook. While some users reported the posts to the platform, they were told the ads did not violate the platform’s standards.
In 2023, Tik Tok Shop came under scrutiny, with sellers manipulating doctors’ legitimate Tik Tok videos to (falsely) endorse products. Those deepfakes received more than 10 million views.
What should I look out for?
A 2024 review of more than 80 scientific studies found several ways to combat misinformation online. These included social media platforms alerting readers about unverified information and teaching digital literacy skills to older adults.
Unfortunately, many of these strategies focus on written materials or require access to accurate information to verify content. Identifying deepfakes requires different skills.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner provides helpful resources to guide people in identifying deepfakes.
Importantly, they recommend considering the context itself. Ask yourself – is this
something I would expect this person to say? Does this look like a place I would expect this person to be?
The commissioner also recommends people look and listen carefully, to check for:
• Blurring, cropped effects or pixelation
• Skin inconsistency or discoloration
• Video inconsistencies, such as glitches, and lighting or background changes
• Audio problems, such as badly synced sound
• Irregular blinking or movement that seems unnatural
• Content gaps in the storyline or speech.
Ask yourself: is this something I’d expect this person to say?
How else can I stay safe?
If you have had your own images or voices altered, you can contact the eSafety Commissioner directly for help in having that material removed.
The British Medical Journal has also published advice specific to dealing with health-related deepfakes, advising people to:
• Contact the person who is endorsing the product to confirm whether the image, video, or audio is legitimate
• Leave a public comment on the site to question whether the claims are true (this can also prompt others to be critical of the content they see and hear)
• Use the online platform’s reporting tools to flag fake products and to report accounts sharing misinformation
• Encourage others to question what they see and hear, and to seek advice from health-care providers.
(Continued on page 14)
This last point is critical. As with all healthrelated information, consumers must make informed decisions in consultation with doctors, pharmacists and other qualified health-care professionals.
As generative AI technologies become increasingly sophisticated, there is also a critical role for government in keeping Australians safe. The release in February 2025 of the long-awaited Online Safety Review makes this clear.
The review recommended Australia adopts duty of care legislation to address “harms to mental and physical wellbeing” and grievous
harms from “instruction or promotion of harmful practices”.
Given the potentially harmful consequences of following deepfake health advice, duty of care legislation is needed to protect Australians and support them to make appropriate health decisions.
Lisa M. Given, Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change
Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING AWARDS CLOSE 30 NOVEMBER
The Australian Society of Orthodontists Foundation for Research and Education (ASOFRE) supports postgraduate students and recent graduates through a variety of initiatives, including by providing funding for a range of awards.
Applications for the following Awards close on Sunday November 30, 2025.
THE ELSDON STOREY RESEARCH AWARD
Presented to the most meritorious research paper by a postgraduate orthodontic student. Generally, it is based on a "first research" thesis carried out in Australia by a student studying to gain their qualification as an orthodontist. The Award is a medallion and $5,000.
AB ORTHODONTICS FELLOWSHIP –SUPPORTED BY AB ORTHODONTICS
The purpose of the Fellowship is to enable newly graduated orthodontists in Australia and New Zealand to travel overseas to a Centre of Excellence and thereby gain additional knowledge and experience. A grant of $7500 has been generously provided by AB Orthodontics.
ASOFRE Awards: Supporting Emerging Talent in the Profession
THE
MILTON R SIMS AWARD –SUPPORTED BY
ORMCO
This Award is offered on a biennial basis to those completing their Australian graduate programs. It is awarded to the most meritorious student in the two years preceding each Congress. The Award is an inscribed medallion and $5,000. This award is generously supported by Ormco.
If you have any questions on Award applications, please email admin@ aso.org.au. For more information, visit the ASOFRE Awards and Grants page.
Image caption: Dr Alex Yusupov (ASOFRE Treasurer), Annu Nangia (ASOFRE Chair) with Dr Brendan Chow (middle) winner
Poster Award
A SNEAK PEEK AT THE 30TH
AUSTRALIAN ORTHODONTIC CONGRESS
Get ready to experience the creative heartbeat of Melbourne at the 2026 30th Australian Congress — the premier orthodontic gathering of the year.
Hosted in Australia’s cultural capital, this event blends world-class education with the city’s unmistakable energy. From iconic street art and cutting-edge design to thriving music and culinary scenes, Melbourne is a true playground for innovation and inspiration.
The Congress will feature:
• Engaging academic sessions led by global thought leaders.
• Groundbreaking ideas shaping the future of orthodontics.
• Unforgettable social events that showcase Melbourne’s vibrant lifestyle.
Every moment of the program — academic and social — reflects the creativity and dynamism of the city itself.
Save the Date! Full program details, registration, and accommodation will be released in October.
Scan the QR code for the latest updates and secure your place at this unmissable event.
INVITATION TO ATTEND
On behalf of the Organising Committee, I am pleased to invite you to attend the 30th Australian Orthodontic Congress, held in Melbourne, Victoria, from 20–23 May 2026.
With this year's theme Focusing on Fundamentals, the Congress will feature an outstanding lineup of international and Australian speakers, including:
· Prof Lucia Cevidanes (USA)
· Dr Renato Cocconi (Italy)
· Prof Ama Johal (UK)
· Prof Bernd Lapatki (Germany)
· Prof Ambra Michelotti (Italy)
· Prof Sabine Ruf (Germany)
We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne in May 2026!
Dr Chris Theodosi Chair and Convenor, 30th AOC
