News Articles

Radiation machine inspections in the dental office: What to expect, how to prepare

Dentists and X-ray machine registrants must properly document occupational exposure to radiation and maintain those records in anticipation of periodic inspections. In California, dental offices are to be inspected every five years and may be scheduled for an on-site inspection. 

September 12, 2023 |Environment & Radiation, News Articles, Regulatory Compliance

Dentists’ greatest concerns about practice management addressed in CDA Journal collection

The collection’s discussions, review articles and guidance cover all aspects of running a dental practice, from creating an annual business plan to achieve practice success to fostering employee engagement and retention and understanding the practice evaluation process.

September 7, 2023 |Leadership and Practice Ownership, News Articles, Practice Management

Establishing practice protocols of inclusivity will help dentists avoid AwDA violations

Effective communication and a basic understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act are important tools to reduce risk and improve care for patients with special needs. One call to TDIC’s Risk Management Advice Line illustrates how AwDA violations might occur when practice protocols are not in place. 

September 5, 2023 |News Articles, Patient Care, Practice Management

Flu season begins: In California, dentists can provide flu, COVID vaccines

The CDC recommends that individuals receive their flu vaccination in September or October. Some cities and counties in California mandate that certain health care workers, including workers in dental offices, receive the flu vaccine. 
 

August 31, 2023 |COVID-19/Respiratory Illness, Infection Control, News Articles, Regulatory Compliance

Dentists continue to receive non-renewal notices from commercial property insurers

Through The Dentists Insurance Company, CDA continues to hear from concerned members who have received non-renewal notices from their business owner insurance carriers. As insurance companies discontinue offering policies that dentists in California rely on, members can count on their CDA benefits for support.

August 24, 2023 |News Articles, Risk Management/TDIC

L.A.’s new Freelance Worker Protections Ordinance should prompt California dentists statewide to review associate classification

A Los Angeles city ordinance requires employers who hire and retain freelance workers within the city to provide a written contract and timely payment.

August 15, 2023 |Early Career Dentists, Employment Practices, Laws & Regulations, News Articles

Ensuring ethical dental care: Obtaining legal consent for nonverbal adults

Obtaining proper, legal consent for nonverbal adults is of paramount importance in the dental practice. By becoming familiar with local laws, employing effective communication strategies, involving caregivers and advocate, and maintaining documentation, dentists can provide ethical care for a vulnerable population. 

August 9, 2023 |News Articles, Patient Care, Patient Management, Privacy/HIPAA, Regulatory Compliance

‘That was the turning point of my life’ Herman Ostrow student shares what inspired her to become a dentist

Each month, CDA highlights a student from one of California's seven dental schools. Get to know Narges Mirjalili of Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry's class of 2024.

August 9, 2023 |News Articles, Students

Survey on hand pain in dental students discussed in CDA Journal collection

The latest collection of the Journal of the California Dental Association explores several topics beginning with a case study on a survey about hand pain in dental students. Dentists can earn C.E. through this collection.
 

August 8, 2023 |Education and Events, News Articles, Patient Care

CDA-sponsored bill signed into law, improves dental plan disclosures for dentists, patients

In a victory for California dentists and their patients, Gov. Newsom has signed CDA-sponsored legislation that will help dental offices communicate the details of dental plan coverage to their patients. Plans also will be required to disclose whether a patient’s plan is state or federally regulated.

August 3, 2023 |Advocacy, Billing, Contracts and Fees, Dental Plan Reform, Legislation, News Articles

California court rules employer did not discriminate against worker in COVID-vaccination termination case

California employers still can choose to mandate COVID-19 and flu vaccination for their workers with some potential exemptions. A recent California appeals court decision provides guidance for employers who choose to do so.
 

August 2, 2023 |COVID-19/Respiratory Illness, Employment Practices, Laws & Regulations

Thinking of bringing on a virtual assistant in the dental practice? That’s an option, but proceed with caution

HIPAA does not prohibit the use of virtual assistants, including those who work outside of the U.S. However, as HIPAA-covered entities, dentists and the business associates they contract with are responsible for ensuring assistants are trained to safeguard patient information.

July 26, 2023 |Hiring, Firing & Performance, News Articles, Privacy/HIPAA
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