Compliance: Introduction to Risk Management, Record Keeping and Ethics in Dental Practice

This course consists of three modules. The modules are taken from Forensic Dentistry: Working from Failure, Moving Forward with Solutions.

Dr. John Dovgan, DDS, is a State Board consultant and expert witness. He’s a veteran Standard of Care Investigator (S.C.I.), whose resume includes more than 1300 dental board cases, 130 lawsuits, and multiple state and federal class action lawsuits. In this course, he explains how you can navigate the grey areas in your practice, predictably, to minimize complaints. This online course qualifies for 1 hour of CE credit that is automatically issued with a digital certificate once you have completed the program. The course is also useful for members of a state dental board, current and future dental consultants to state boards, and permit examiners.

Forensic Dentistry and the Standard of Care

Proposed treatment plans often differ among dentists. By itself, a variety of opinions is to be expected. However, problems arise whenever a treatment plan falls outside of the standard of care. In this module, Dr. Dovgan defines the standard of care and explores its relationship to treatment planning. He shows the evidence dental boards look at when considering complaints. He also reveals the “weapons” he uses as an expert witness in depositions and trials.

Landmark Cases that Created the Standard of Care

The standard of care principle for dentists has surprising origins. The court rulings on which it’s based had nothing to do with dentistry! Still, it’s essential that dentists understand their obligations under the standard of care. In this module, Dr. Dovgan highlights what you need to know, based on two landmark cases. He also demonstrates how the consent requirements of one high-regulation state can be used by dentists, unobtrusively, to protect themselves.

Local Anesthetic Maximums and Half Lives

Dentists must be exceedingly cautious when administering drugs to patients. Adverse outcomes risk both the patient’s health and the dentist’s livelihood. In this module, Dr. Dovgan provides formulas for determining the correct amount of anesthetic to use on patients. He illustrates how the standard of care works when administering two or more drugs.

Buy this course today and you’ll have access to it for one whole year. Or you can buy the full course, Forensic Dentistry and the Standard of Care: Risk Management, Record Keeping and Ethics in Dental Practice, and have access to it for one year.

Purchase of this course grants access for one year and requires an internet connection, computer with video and audio capabilities, and in some cases, Adobe Reader to view handouts and articles. 

You can download this course and watch it anywhere using the DOCS APP. Get it on Google Play or the Apple Store.

Watch the video and complete the quiz to earn one CE credit.

Scientific support and additional resources are available here. 

NOTE: Many dental boards require that a specified portion of your CE credits be via in-person attendance at live courses. Check your state's rules!