How Long Does a Patient Have to Sue for Dental Malpractice in New York State?

How long a patient has to sue a dentist for dental malpractice is governed by the statute of limitations. The application of the statute of limitations can be confusing and a source of misunderstanding. From a legal perspective, it's very important for dentists to know the basics and realize its complexity so they can reach out to their dental professional liability provider when such questions arise.

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The Importance of Documenting Consent in Dentistry

It's vital that dentists understand the importance of documenting consent in dentistry. The law and best practices require that informed consent be obtained before treatment begins on a patient. The failure to do so may result in malpractice liability.

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Social Media Risk Management Tips for Dentists

When used appropriately, social media for dentists can help with business promotion, customer testimonials, reviews and more. While the benefits of using social media may be obvious, the pitfalls of its use may not be as apparent. Below are some important risk management considerations for using social media for your dental practice.

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How to Effectively Treat Difficult Dental Patients: Part 1

In almost every dentist's practice, there are difficult dental patients. In this first installment in our new blog series, we will provide recommendations for treating patients who demand or abuse narcotics; are rude or threatening to the dental professionals; or are noncompliant. All patients, even difficult ones, must be evaluated and treated by their dentists until and unless they have been formally discharged from care.

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Improving Hand Hygiene in Dental Practices to Promote Safety and Instill Confidence

Practicing diligent hand hygiene is a well-known principle of patient and healthcare worker safety and a standard precaution for infection prevention and control in dental practices. Hand hygiene is one of the most important steps that dental staff can take to prevent the spread of infections. Here are strategies to reduce hygiene risks in your practice.

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Case Study: The Legal Pitfalls of Dental Patient Noncompliance

A difficult patient with pre-existing periodontal disease and poor oral care habits presented to a MLMIC-insured dentist. The dentist attempted a total mouth restoration, which failed. Missing portions of the patient's chart and films made this case difficult to defend and the case was ultimately settled for more than $250,000.

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Is Your Dental Professional Liability Insurance Policy Due for a Checkup?

Is it time to update your liability insurance policy? With most COVID-19 restrictions being lifted and practices returning to normal, it is important that you review your policy and update our underwriters of any changes to ensure proper coverage is in place. The following checklist will help you determine if you should reach out to MLMIC or your liability provider.

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Four Foolproof Ways To Network In Dentistry

For dentists, networking provides opportunities to learn, grow your practice and develop relationships, so it's important to know how to do so in a professional setting. Here are four ways to start networking ASAP!

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