California health care workers must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit to weekly testing under a new statewide order. What are dentists’ responsibilities as employers when it comes to unvaccinated staff? And what are their employees’ rights?

Several small to mid-sized businesses have been affected by a ransomware attack targeting Kaseya VSA, a software management company used widely by managed service providers that handle IT needs for companies in the health care sector, including many dental practices.

Patient safety remains a top priority for practice owners and dental teams; however, the dental office can often be a fast-paced working environment with distractions that can impede best safety practices. To better prevent mishaps, the Joint Commission requires accredited dental practices to implement a timeout before all surgical procedures.

How does your practice navigate unpredictable times? Beyond the challenges of the past year, dentists often face incidents they can’t anticipate or prevent. But they can be prepared and choose how they respond. Reporting every incident, accommodating modified duties and reducing return-to-work risks are important steps.

Dental professionals face a number of challenges in securing consent for oral care, but there are specific consent and documentation considerations when caring for older adults.

In 2020 alone, The Dentists Insurance Company’s Risk Management Advice Line received 18,018 calls from dentists seeking support to navigate practice challenges. It’s a number that illustrates the myriad conflicts dentists navigate today as well as the need for tools to help them de-escalate potential crises. 

There’s a rising wave of litigation based on violations of the Americans with Disability Act. In addition to “drive by” lawsuits grounded in physical barriers to access, “click by” lawsuits are being filed in increasing numbers.

After nearly a year of compliance with complicated, and sometimes uncomfortable, COVID-19 protocols, many dental professionals are exhausted. However, fatigue with wearing mandatory personal protective equipment doesn’t change the regulations or the potential for serious risks.

From unvaccinated patients to incomplete health histories, failure to cooperate results in ethical and legal challenges for dentists. In today’s practice environment, these challenges also include navigating interactions with patients who simply refuse to wear face masks.