Medical Malpractice Insurance News

Two years into the pandemic, we have the benefit of research and experience to help dentists make informed decisions for their practices. Unfortunately, the end is still not in sight. New York State and the entire country are facing a surge of coronavirus cases due to the incredibly infectious Omicron variant. To help you handle the current situation, read our risk management best practices for dental offices during COVID-19.

A longtime patient of a MLMIC-insured dentist underwent extensive dental work over a period of seven years. The patient filed a lawsuit shortly after the work was completed, alleging a negligent full-mouth restoration resulting in bone loss, extractions, and the need for re-treatment. The dentist being sued reported to MLMIC that he was unable to produce much of the patient’s record as there had been multiple floods in the building that affected his office dental records.

Like many industries and sectors, dental school clinics in the U.S. were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those impacts extended to dental students, community members, faculty, finances and more. A recent study assessed the effect of COVID-19 on dental school-based clinics.

It is challenging to handle dental record protocol in the event that paper or electronic records have been damaged or destroyed by floods, other types of storms or by a ransomware attack. When dental records have been damaged or lost by accident, natural disaster or criminal computer compromise, prompt and appropriate action must be taken to mitigate the damage and/or loss. Immediate remedial measures must be undertaken for the benefit of patients as well as the dentist and the practice, as these losses may involve records from many years of treatment.

MLMIC Insurance Company has received an A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “aa-” (Superior) from AM Best.

MLMIC encourages policyholders to review these important Risk Management Checklists on patient safety, including guidance on managing equipment for patient care and safely caring for patients of size in the office practice.

It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of our colleague, Dr. Mark Feldman, after a long illness. For many years, Dr. Feldman led the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) as its executive director. He also served on the MLMIC Board of Directors. His colleagues remember him as a man of unfailing grace and charm who believed passionately in MLMIC’s mission.

In this editorial from March 2015, Dr. Kevin J. Hanley writes that if leaders of dental organizations don’t come up with creative ways to attract the new generation of dentists, organized dentistry may be a thing of the past. This article is reprinted with permission from The New York State Dental Journal.

MLMIC encourages policyholders to review these important Risk Management Checklists on opioid management, including guidance on managing patients with chronic pain and managing drug-seeking patients.

New York State dentists are invited to join us for upcoming events in November 2021, including a celebration of women in dentistry and a lecture on implant dentistry. Read the event details in this blog and sign up soon. These events are right around the corner!