Dental Residency: Bridging the Gap Between Professing and Practice. A Simple Guide to Risk Management and Protecting Your Future.
By: Kevin Henner, D.M.D, F.A.C.D., F.I.C.D.
Beginning your residency and career in the profession of dentistry is a wonderful rite of passage into the world of patient and clinical care. However, there are some basic principles and guidelines that will help you avoid the most common mistakes and liabilities that are inherent in the practice of dentistry. Being knowledgeable and aware of these standards of care and best practices will likely provide the framework for a wonderful, successful career.
In the realm of organized dentistry, as oral healthcare providers, we are subject to rules, regulations, and requirements that govern the way we practice dentistry. Consideration of federal, state and local law, with specifics related to practicing in New York State in addition to a Code of Ethics, both nationally and in New York State, provides the framework for patient safety and high-quality care. In other words, utilizing these best practices allows for minimal risk and the best outcome for the patients and public we serve. Hence, welcome to the world of risk management, which includes but is not limited to:
- Patient confidentiality
- Sterilization and infection control
- Records, record keeping and documentation
- Understanding billing, insurance and handling financial disputes appropriately
- Informed consent and patient involvement
- Effective and appropriate patient communication
- Adhering to ethical standards
- Understanding legal responsibilities
- Dentist and auxiliary staff training
- Emergency preparedness and protocol
- Radiation safety guidelines and recommendations
- Quality assurance and quality control.
As residents entering the prime of your professional careers, the guidelines of risk management and the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct provide the daily playbook for sitting chairside, providing care to the patients and public we serve. However, there are several additional suggestions that will help to ensure a smooth career experience in the practice of dentistry that directly correlate with your risk management and ethics skillset. Again, included but not limited to:
- Keeping current with continuing education, current techniques and advancements,
- developing good communication skills with patients and colleagues and your dental staff team,
- focusing on strong relationships with colleagues, staff and referral sources,
- determining and implementing a healthy work/life balance, which includes prioritizing patient care and your time management skills,
- taking care of yourself and focusing on your own health and well-being,
- keeping current with Federal, State and Local laws.
Finally, and possibly one of the most important aspects of your journey in dentistry, is that experience truly is one of your greatest assets and it helps you navigate the various challenges and opportunities that come your way, making your career not only more effective but also more fulfilling as well. Therefore, I would strongly recommend that you find a seasoned mentor or mentors to help you negotiate the wonderful road ahead in the practice of dentistry. Experience is just that, and it accounts for so many of the issues, dilemmas and solutions you will find along the way in your professional career. The knowledge of ‘been there, done that,’ from a seasoned mentor, is much more efficient and accurate than trying to recreate the wheel by yourself. Additionally, it is important to note the incredible safety net mentors can provide along that journey until, of course, you become that mentor, more competent and skilled, which ultimately leads to a more successful and rewarding career.
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This document is for general purposes only and should not be construed as medical, dental or legal advice. This document is not comprehensive and does not cover all possible factual circumstances. Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors for any questions related to legal, medical, dental or professional obligations, the applicable state or federal laws or other professional questions.
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