Art and science are two equally significant disciplines that are combined in dentistry. Applying a composite to a tooth and calling it a day is insufficient. Instead, the dentist must be able to expertly mold the restorative material and prepare the tooth so that it appears as though there was never any issue. However, in order to achieve those dental mistakes, dentists need to be skilled, use the appropriate equipment, and understand the subtleties of the materials they are working with.
Ignorance of problematic patients
Risk management requires early identification of problematic patients. Long care histories from several providers, emergency-visit-dominated treatment plans, persistent complaints about previous or present care, persistent nonpayment of services, and persistent disregard for instructions and advice are some characteristics of problem patients. These characteristics are typical of litigious patients and claimants. Early detection of these characteristics may lead prudent practitioners to reject or discharge these patients. These choices frequently result in time, money, and frustration savings. Document the care and problems if you are caring for such a patient.
Following up on patient collections when there may be a concern about care
Dentists who pursue collection cases frequently face malpractice claims. A defense to the malpractice claim, no matter how weak, must be presented once it is filed in response to a collection claim. Although pursuing formal collection of money owing is within the practitioner’s power, the dentist needs to gain more control over the situation. Therefore, any option should be thoroughly considered before pursuing a collection matter—whether through letter or action. Consider the patient’s characteristics and nature, as well as whether you are ready to defend all of the care if a claim is made.
Not informing employees about the necessity of accurate, thorough, and consistent documentation.
The best witness in a lawsuit is a chart with thorough documentation. It is created in real time, has no fading memories, and is free of prejudice and bias. The secret to demonstrating that you provided high-quality. Timely care is to ensure that every facet of patient care is recorded in a timely, chronological, consistent, and readable manner. To decide whether to launch a case, a prospective plaintiff’s lawyer will first get and review a copy of the chart. With no gaps that could allow a plaintiff’s expert to make a claim. A well-documented chart lists every dental procedure and offers a clear timeline of the possible foundation for a claim.
Not keeping up proper chairside manners with patients
Patients who like and respect their providers are less likely to file lawsuits. The way a dentist and their staff treat patients greatly influences whether risk is reduced or increased. A patient may get upset with the dentist or organization even if they receive high-quality care. If they must wait forty-five minutes for each appointment, never receive an apology, and the staff is rude and hostile. Employees should avoid direct patient contact if they cannot maintain positive patient attitudes.
Inability to refrain from disparaging other doctors or treaters.
In front of patients or on a chart, no dental professional or employee should disparage another professional. Record the facts, but any critical views or opinions that a patient or lawyer hears or sees may encourage possible litigation and could be the foundation for expert opinions. When someone criticizes previous treatment, they will be sued by the person who made the criticism. Additionally, be wary of patients who try to provoke criticism. Since they might have already thought about or filed a lawsuit against someone else. It is in the best interests of dentists to make treatment suggestions based on objective assessment. Rather than subjective assertions or accounts of the patient’s medical history.
Not appropriately releasing patients from treatment
The statute of limitations may start to run after a patient is released from treatment, and the dentist-patient relationship’s responsibilities most likely end. This discharge procedure is frequently unofficial and poorly documented. Establishing a cutoff to liability will be aided by creating a formal method. The accompanying documentation in the record, including correspondence with the patient.