Risk Management & Documentation Essentials for Dental Practices
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Implementing tools and systems to help doctors focus on patients, not on running the practice.
In this episode of Inside the Practice, hosts Alan Hollander and Sarah Boylan, MBA welcome Christopher Verbiest , an industry expert with over 40 years of experience in dental risk management and insurance.
Chris shares invaluable insights on protecting dental practices from lawsuits, mitigating HR disputes, and ensuring proper documentation to avoid costly mistakes.
The Three Pillars of Risk Management
Chris highlights that effective risk management relies on communication, documentation, and informed consent.
Poor documentation is often the weakest link in defending against patient claims and legal disputes.
"If It's Not in the Chart, It Didn’t Happen"
Chris stresses the importance of detailed charting.
Courts consider a well-documented chart as the most credible evidence in disputes, often outweighing verbal testimony from both the dentist and patient.
Patient Expectations & Financial Disputes
Many claims stem from misaligned expectations rather than malpractice.
Dentists must clearly communicate treatment plans and avoid agreeing to unrealistic requests from patients, especially those based solely on budget concerns.
HR Disputes & Employee Documentation
Chris emphasizes the necessity of maintaining proper employee records.
Terminations without proper documentation can lead to costly lawsuits, even in at-will employment states.
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Performance evaluations, attendance records, and disciplinary actions must be documented consistently.
The Power of Informed Consent
Informed consent is critical for legal protection.
Whether required by law or not, failure to document patient consent and treatment risks can leave a dentist vulnerable to lawsuits.
The simple acronym P.A.R.Q. (Procedure, Alternatives, Risks, Questions) can streamline the process.
Chris leaves us with a powerful message: Documentation isn’t just an administrative task—it’s a dentist’s best defense.
By implementing structured risk management strategies, dental professionals can safeguard their practice from unnecessary legal and financial risks.
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