Patient Care

This CDA Journal collection includes an update on efforts to integrate dental coverage in the Medicare program, a review of recent data on the number of patients who seek dental care at hospital emergency departments and other articles. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.
 

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. 

The June collection of the Journal of the California Dental Association provides insights into the latest advancements in AI technology and their potential impact on dentistry and dental professionals, while also inspiring new ideas and innovations in the field. 

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.

In the May collection of the CDA Journal, readers will find articles and a case study on the use of oral appliances for the treatment of various conditions, along with regulatory compliance guidance and an opportunity to earn C.E.
 

The age-1 dental visit is a critical first opportunity for dentists to identify disease early and manage caries using conservative, nonsurgical techniques, as well as to educate the parent or caregiver about good pediatric oral health habits.

The Journal of the California Dental Association continues to evolve as an open-access scientific publication of reviews and original research articles. Now, the Journal is transitioning to a new digital online platform. This change will make Journal research more accessible and searchable.

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.