News Articles

TDIC’s Risk Management Advice Line offers guidance for complex practice challenges

Seeking specialized advice from risk management experts is essential for addressing the complexities of running a dental practice and managing employee dynamics. Collaboration with TDIC’s Advice Line analysts contributes to the long-term viability, success and prosperity of the dental practice.

October 3, 2023 |Employment Practices, Hiring, Firing & Performance, News Articles, Office Policies & Manuals, Practice Management, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management/TDIC

Dentists can help prevent fentanyl deaths

Dentists are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution to reducing the harm of the current opioid/fentanyl crisis. Along with limiting the distribution of prescription opioids, dentists can take an active role in community efforts to raise awareness and increase access to naloxone.

September 27, 2023 |News Articles, Patient Care, Practice Management, Public Health

Yes on Proposition 35: Measure to secure new Medi-Cal funding set for November ballot

A coalition of health care organizations including CDA has filed a ballot measure for the November 2024 election to protect and expand funding for California’s Medi-Cal program, improving access to care for generations to come.

September 14, 2023 |Advocacy, Dental Plan Reform, Legislation, Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal, 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

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

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
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