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A breakdown in communication is often the underlying factor in negative online reviews, lawsuits or complaints. TDIC’s Risk Management analysts explain how a confirming communication climate in the dental office reduces risk and share ways to create one.

Identity or treatment plan mistakes can occur in any dental practice. Research by TDIC’s analysts reveals the most commonly occurring elements are referral slip errors, performance or production pressure and staffing shortages. Prevention requires a proactive approach.

CDA encourages its members to take a proactive approach to employee meal and rest break compliance. Doing so requires an understanding of the regulations involved and communicating with employees about them.

“Sad or Mad: Fear and Loss of Control in the Pandemic,” an editorial by Kerry K. Carney, DDS, CDE, that appeared in the April 2021 Journal of the California Dental Association, is the first-place recipient of the 2021 William J. Gies Editorial Award.
 

Every quarter, CDA publishes a Practice Health Check focusing on a different topic related to the business side of dentistry. Evaluating dental benefit plan fees, costs and billing tools is the focus during the fourth quarter of 2022. CDA members are invited to take the Q4 Practice Health Check consisting of just three questions. 

Handling unhappy patients can be an unfortunate reality of practice ownership. On the rare occasion anger escalates to aggression, be mindful of your obligation to provide a safe working environment for your employees. Follow guidance for safe and appropriate de-escalation tactics.

Questions arise regarding if and when dentists should consider dismissing patients. Recent calls to TDIC’s Advice Line showcase the unique complexities of dismissing patients prior to completion of treatment.

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.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation that revises language in the written informed consent form that dentists must provide to patients prior to administering general anesthesia and deep or moderate sedation. Although the new law does not impact the practice of dentistry, dentists should ensure that beginning Jan. 1, 2020, they are using a consent form that is compliant with the new law.