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.
CDA’s experts answer members’ questions about adding a new dentist or utilizing locum tenens and the accompanying considerations for the dentist’s working relationship with dental benefit plans.
Licensed general and pediatric dentists in California who practice in a federally designated health professional shortage area can apply for educational loan repayment through the California State Loan Repayment Program. Applications reopen in July 2024.
When offering refunds to dental patients, it is essential to have clear policies and procedures in place. Refund policies should be communicated clearly to patients, so they understand under what circumstances refunds will be offered and what documentation may be required.
Several CDA members have contacted CDA in the last week to report receiving calls from a scammer who is posing as a Dental Board of California official for the purpose of fraudulently collecting sensitive personal information and payment.
Each month, CDA highlights a student from one of California's seven dental schools. Get to know Somkene Okafor-Okwuego of Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry's class of 2026.
The online orthodontics company SmileDirectClub must remove certain conditions from its refund policy for U.S. customers and release more than 17,000 customers nationwide from those provisions in the company’s nondisclosure agreements as a result of a lawsuit settled last week.
Dental practices must print and display in the workplace six revised posters issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, California Civil Rights Department and Califoria Department of Industrial Relations.
Qualified California small businesses and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs for providing COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2022, can apply now for up to $50,000 through the state's relief grant program.
Important new and ongoing services for Medi-Cal Dental patients include language translation and free transportation to and from their appointments. Learn about all the services available, as well as assistance and training to help dentists establish and provide care for Medi-Cal Dental patients.
Each month, CDA highlights a student from one of California’s seven dental schools. Get to know Chioma Aniwigbo of Western University’s Class of 2023.
The recording of conversations between dentists and patients can pose significant risks to dental professionals, including potential HIPAA violations, loss of control over the use of the recording and legal issues related to consent. Dentists should take steps to protect patient privacy.
