APS Victoria branch
in cooperation with AOS Vic and ASP Vic presents:
Dinner-meeting and
Online stream
(for interstate members and guests):
Psychological Screening in Cosmetic Dentistry: Understanding the New AHPRA Requirements
We are pleased to invite the members of Dental Societies and Guests to join us for an informative and practical lecture on the new AHPRA guidelines come into effect in 2025, which introduce mandatory psychological screening for patients undergoing cosmetic dental procedures.
Prosthodontists routinely manage highly aesthetic, appearance-driven and complex cases — from veneers and crowns to full-mouth rehabilitation. With the new guidelines placing greater responsibility on clinicians to assess patient motivations, expectations, and psychological suitability, this topic is directly relevant to all of us. For this reason alone, this lecture is not to be missed.
To be discussed:
- What the new AHPRA psychological screening requirements mean for dentists
- How to conduct a holistic assessment of patients’ motivations and expectations
- How to recognise and screen for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
- Practical screening questionnaires and assessment tools
- When and how to refer patients to independent psychologists or psychiatrists
- Documentation tips to support compliance
- Special considerations for patients under 18, including cooling-off periods, BDD screening, and parental involvement
Dr Toni Pikoos, BSc (Hons), PhD (Clinical Psychology), MAPS
Dr Toni Pikoos is an accomplished clinical psychologist, researcher and public speaker. She has a PhD in the intersection of cosmetic procedures, mental health, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and patient satisfaction.
Toni is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Swinburne University and also a practicing clinical psychologist in Melbourne, specialising in BDD and psychological evaluations for patients undergoing cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures. Toni is a sought-after speaker and educator, being invited to many national and international conferences to present on BDD and the intersection of psychology and cosmetic procedures.
Dr Pikoos has been involved in advocacy and consulting work to increase psychological safety in the cosmetic industry through her research and consulting with large companies such as Merz Aesthetics and Allergan Aesthetics, among others. She was also involved as a psychological consultant in the AHPRA review into patient safety in the Australian cosmetic industry.
The event is proudly sponsored by:
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