Doctors

Recent cases of infection control lapses in dentistry

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In the past on this site cases of possible and confirmed infection control lapses have been discussed. See the posts Infection Control Lapse in Hawaii at VA Dental Clinic, More Dental Patients Warned of Potential HIV and Hepatitis Exposure in Pennsylvania, and Acquiring Hepatitis C at the Oral Surgery Office. Such lapses can potentially result in acquired infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C along with respiratory infections or the flu. Recently in late 2019, two separate reported potential cases of infection control lapse have occurred. The first case occurred in Oregon where a dental clinic admitted to using improperly sterilized instruments in November for six patients. The health care provider who manages the dental clinic sent out confidential letters to the six patients informing them of the incident and offering to pay for blood tests for them … Read more

Oral Surgeon Ordered to Pay $517,000 for Hit and Run Dentistry

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In November 2019, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in New Jersey had his license revoked by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry and was ordered to pay roughly $517,000 in penalties, costs, and restitution to patients. The oral surgeon was said to have engaged in “hit and run dentistry” that had harmful consequences for many patients. The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry ordered the oral surgeon to pay civil penalties totaling $138,500; restitution totaling $75,041.22 to fifteen patients; and aggregate costs and attorneys’ fees of $303,856.22. New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal said “…revolving-door dentistry that puts practitioners’ financial gain ahead of patient health and safety erodes public trust and undermines the integrity of the entire profession. That’s why it’s important for the Board to take decisive action in cases like this one, and we are pleased that … Read more

Improving the Dental Care Customer Experience

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Everyone knows that the vast majority of patients do not like going to the dentist. In fact many people are afraid of the dentist and won’t even go when there is a problem. Therefore, it is important that dentists focus on the customer experience to create customer success and have patients keep coming back. Having positive outcomes for patients can lead them to refer their friends and family to the practice. Dentist should consider questions such as “are our customers happy?” and “do we provide quality care?”. Below are some ways to improve the customer experience for dentists that will lead to better outcomes for patients and for dentists: 1. Stay in Touch Even though you may have a dental patient, it is important to continue to cultivate that relationship. After they leave the dental office you may consider calling … Read more

Why You Need Tooth Extractions before Orthodontic Treatment

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Orthodontic treatment for each patient needs to be planned differently based on the individual patient’s, needs and requirements. Therefore, before placing teeth braces, your orthodontist checks for any severe crowding or other factor that helps decide if tooth extraction is required or not. When tooth extraction will be needed: Orthodontists generally avoid tooth extractions unless a critical factor encourages them to recommend it. However, some major factors that may convince your orthodontist to extract your tooth are: Crowded teeth Extra teeth must be removed as they affect the position of other teeth too.  It also helps create space for necessary tooth movement. Besides, lack of space for all teeth can cause a crooked smile or lead to a bad bite. Expansion of arches can help treat mild to moderate crowding of teeth, but it is limited to facial aesthetics and … Read more

Is it Safe for Children to Receive Sedation/Anesthesia from an Oral Surgeon or Dentist using a Single Provider/Operator Model?

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Recently on this site there has been much discussion on updated guidelines put out by various groups that argue that children having deep sedation and anesthesia are not safely being served by dentists and oral surgeons using a single provider/operator model. Instead these guidelines call for a multi-provider model where the person doing the dental work or oral surgery and the person administering and monitoring the sedation/anesthesia are two separate individuals. See the posts AAOMS Pushes Back on Anesthesia Guidelines for Pediatric Patients and Updated Sedation Guidelines in Dentistry for Children for additional details. Some of the individuals leading the charge against the current anesthesia delivery model for children have published a new opinion piece titled “The Single-Clinician–Operator/Anesthetist Model for Dental Deep Sedation/Anesthesia: A Major Safety Issue for Children” published online in JAMA Pediatrics on Oct. 28, 2019 (written by … Read more