The September issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association covers succeeding in the business of dentistry.

The Business of Dentistry
An introduction to the issue
Arthur Curley, JD

The Legal Business of Dentistry
Terms such as evaluation, diagnosis, testing, and treatment are part of the everyday language of dentistry. However, the profession also entails agreements, contracts, legal duties, and obligations. This article provides an introduction, issue spotting, and tips to avoid those legal battles.
Steve Barrabee, JD, and Michael Kowalski, DDS, JD

Practical Employment Strategies: Win-Win Solutions for Dentists and Their Employees
By focusing on strategies presented in this paper, proactive California dentists can significantly reduce their employment-related risks now and in the future. In doing so, they also can increase the level of employee satisfaction and workplace harmony within their dental office.
Bernadette Bantly, JD

Making Standard of Caring Part of the Standard of Care
Effective communication strategies, as discussed in this article, can enhance the vitality of an existing practice. Delivering a consistent message is as powerful in dentistry as compounding interest is in banking. It doesn’t seem like much, but take a look at what it adds up to over time.
Clyde Schultz, DDS

Complication or Substandard Care? Risks of Inadequate Implant Training
The use of dental implants has increased substantially over the past decade, as have the number of implant-related complications. This paper discusses how comprehensive training on implant surgical procedures that includes patient selection, risk management, and complications allows dentists to incorporate implant placement into their practices with less risk to patients and less risk of serious legal consequences. 
Stephen Wheeler, DDS, and Cynthia M. Bollinger

Cone Beam Computed Tomography — Anatomic Assessment and Legal Issues: The New Standards of Care
Cone beam computed tomography-dedicated maxillofacial imaging scanners provide broader imaging tools for anatomic assessment and have become widely available. This article discusses the uses and benefits of 3-D imaging, as well as the impact on the standard of care, such that the occurrence of complications that were once considered risks of treatment may now be considered evidence of malpractice.
Arthur Curley, JD, and David C. Hatcher, DDS, MSc, MRCD

The Editor/
Free Lunches and Influence
By Kerry K. Carney, DDS

Impressions/

Dr. Bob/
H2Ohhhhhh
By Robert E. Horseman, DDS

CDA Presents/
Anaheim Table Clinic Winners

RM Case Study/
Specialist’s failure to follow up Leads to Litigation