Of the Community. For the Community
NYSDA VP strives to provide her Hispanic patients with comfort and understanding.
On the occasion of marking Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month, we asked NYSDA Vice President Amarilis Jacobo to offer her thoughts on the significance of the observance and what influence her heritage has had on her as a person and professional. Dr. Jacobo is a native of the Dominican Republic. She currently treats patients at two locations, one in Harlem, the other in the Bronx.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you, and how do you celebrate it?
It means the celebration of our ancestors and their trials and tribulations. What we as Hispanics have accomplished over the years.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your personal values and outlook on life?
It has not necessarily influenced my personal values, since these come from family, teachers, mentors and what I
Award-Winning Mentorship in Touro’s College of Dental Medicine Leads to Research Excellence
AS THE DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH at the Touro University College of Dental Medicine in Hawthorne, Jaffer A. Shariff, D.D.S, M.P.H, D.P.H, M.S., has guided more than 50 research projects to completion; organized and hosted the school’s research fair; and personally mentored dozens of students. In March, his work was recognized by the American Association for Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) when he received the organization’s National Student Research Group Faculty Mentor Award.
“Research is not just a requirement; it serves as the catalyst for innovation and excellence in dental medicine,” Dr. Shariff said. “Students become pioneers, shaping the future of oral health with every discovery they make. Engaging in research equips
Dr. Amarilis Jacobo, far left, at NYSDA House meeting with, from left, her mother, Altagracia, and sisters Ana and Astrid.
Dr. Jaffer Shariff. Award-winning research mentor.
Tools of UB Dental Professor’s Bitemark Research Included in Smithsonian Exhibition
Mary Bush, D.D.S., a forensic dentist and associate professor of restorative dentistry in the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, has devoted more than a decade of her career to refuting that bitemark evidence can determine a suspect’s guilt.
Now, tools used in her groundbreaking research will be included in a yearlong exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. The “Forensic Science on Trial” exhibition, which opened June 28 and runs through June 2025, explores the way people influence the development, presentation and interpretation of forensic science.
Objects and archival documents on view span 150 years of historic cases and include about a dozen different forensic techniques, from hair to handwriting analysis.
“This is the ultimate honor,” Dr. Bush said. “We had such a battle with the legal system and the pro-bitemark people trying to discredit us. Having evidence of our work included in the Smithsonian feels validating.”
“Forensic Science on Trial” looks at how the science used in criminal trials has evolved. Divided into three sections, “Of People,” “By People” and “For People,” the exhibition underscores the longstanding desire to create systems that can reliably turn trace evidence of criminals into convictions, how the collection and judgment of data can be influenced by personal beliefs, and the way the past can shape how data is exhibited for those tasked with deciding guilt or innocence.
The UB pieces include dental models created by graduate student Hannah Holtkoetter and an apparatus used for testing bitemarks on cadavers, which Kyle Thorsrud, ’09, now a practicing oral sur-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 1
OCTOBER 2024
Volume 37 • Issue 3
EDITOR
Chester J Gary, D D S , J D
MANAGING EDITOR
Mary Grates Stoll
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER
Jeanne DeGuire
ART DIRECTOR
Ed Stevens
NYSDA OFFICERS
Prabha Krishnan, President
Maurice Edwards, President-Elect
Amarilis Jacobo, Vice President
Paul Leary, Secretary-Treasurer
William Karp, Speaker of the House
Mike Herrmann, Executive Director
Editorial and advertising offices are at Suite 602, 20 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Albany, NY 12211-2370
Telephone (518) 465-0044
Fax (518) 465-3219
Email info@nysdental org
Website www nysdental org
The NYSDA News (ISSN 1531684X) is published quarterly, in February, May, October and December, by the New York State Dental Association, Suite 602, 20 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Albany, NY 12211-2370 It is available in digital form only and accessible online in the members-only section of the NYSDA website, www .nysdental .org, under publications
Mary Bush
Managing Your Security as Cyberattacks Intensify
Robert McDermott
IN FEBRUARY OF 2024, Change Healthcare, a major healthcare technology provider that processes over 15 billion prescriptions a year, was attacked and its data held for ransom by cybercriminals, forcing Change Healthcare to disconnect over 100 systems. In addition to the significant impact on healthcare providers who were unable to process payments, even more patients were unable to get medically necessary drugs.
Unfortunately, the impact of this attack sent out a tsunami, impacting critical components of digital healthcare delivery, from billing and insurance to payments and ePrescribing.
You may think cybercriminals only attack big organizations, but that’s not true. Attacks can happen to any sized practice. As dental care providers, it’s a reminder that healthcare security and reliability are a chain, only as strong as the security mechanisms of the most vulnerable link.
As with any attack, mitigation efforts, understanding the key vulnerabilities and strategies to lessen them, is the first step:
1. The risk of unauthorized users gaining access to sensitive patient information can be mitigated by implementing multi-factor authentication and role-based access control to limit system access only to authorized personnel.
2. Data breaches can lead to compromised confidentiality and privacy, along with the risk of fines and reputation damage. To mitigate this, encrypt data both at rest and in transit to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, configure “ransomware resistant” backup to enable a quick recovery in the event of an attack and regularly update security protocols.
3. The risk of phishing emails targeting dental staff can be limited by educating employees about recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts through regular training sessions and implementing email filtering systems or secure HIPAA-compliant email to detect and block suspicious emails.
4. Exploitation of software vulnerabilities may allow malicious actors to gain access or disrupt operations. This can be avoided by keeping software up to date with the latest patches and security updates and conducting regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Word of Mouth Has Gone Dark and Digital
Learn how to manage what patients say about you online—or lose them to your competitors.
Eric Kaufman
Your online reputation matters. It always has. Patients trade experiences, collect what info they can and then make their dental decisions. What’s changed is that it’s now almost entirely done digitally, at an enormous scale and with incredible reach. If a patient leaves an online review, it’s exposed to more than just that person’s friends and family. The audience extends exponentially to strangers everywhere.
With the vastness and importance of online reviews and digital word of mouth comes the need for tools to manage them quickly and efficiently—to use them for your practice, and to keep them from doing harm to your practice. The automation possibilities that exist now are no longer optional; they’re indispensable. They can initiate review requests, consolidate reviews from different sites into a single platform and notify you when your attention is needed, so you can attend to concerns quickly and all in one place.
Online reviews serve as a key component of a complete online presence, and the backbone of your digital word-of-mouth efforts. A reviews solution is, therefore, a must-have when crafting a comprehensive digital marketing strategy. Let’s explore further how reviews and word of mouth work and how dentists can leverage the value of online reviews within a complete digital marketing solution to attract and retain patients.
Digital Word of Mouth Empowered by Human Conversation
It’s important to note that the impact of positive review word of mouth goes beyond what’s publicly visible on review sites. Dark social refers to private communications that take place in emails and private messages within digital platforms. Much of the value of a practice’s reputation manifests from this form of person-to-person referral working behind the scenes. Although not measurable by analytics, it is estimated to be responsible for 95% of your web traffic. So, when you make the extra effort to cultivate a healthy reviews presence, keep in mind that the value of those efforts branches off and continues to work for you.
Root Canal?
Next-gen Treatment Could Involve Stem Cells, Not Surgery
Camila Sabatini, D.D.S., Ph.D., associate professor of restorative dentistry in the School of Dental Medicine at the University at Buffalo, has received the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program (AMFDP) award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to study novel therapies to repair damaged teeth.
The selective four-year $420,000 grant will allow Dr. Sabatini to investigate strategies for the regeneration of tooth defects. She is working in collaboration with Techung Lee, Ph.D., associate
Seven Things for New Dentists to Know About Practicing Dentistry in New York State
Editor’s note: The following article first appeared in June on the MLMIC Insurance Co. dental blog.
CONGRATULATIONS! Years of hard work and dedication have paid off! You’ve completed dental school and residency training, but what’s next? If you plan on practicing in New York State, there are many things to consider before you start providing dental care. Below, MLMIC shares information on seven important topics to be mindful of before you start to practice.
Finding Coverage That Works for You
Before you start to practice, it is imperative to obtain dental professional liability insurance that suits your unique practice. There are many insurance carriers that offer coverage for dentists, but it is important to obtain coverage through a financially stable carrier with a wealth of experience in New York State. Also, not all coverage is created equal. Here are a couple of things to consider:
• Claims Made vs. Occurrence Coverage. There are two forms of coverage: claims made and occurrence. The occurrence form of coverage protects a dentist for alleged acts of malpractice that occur while the policy is in force no matter when a claim is brought against the dentist by, or on behalf of, a patient. The claimsmade form of coverage protects a dentist for alleged acts of malpractice that both occur and are reported to the dentist’s insurance company during the time the policy is in continual force or within 60 days following the policy’s cancellation or nonrenewal. It is important to have a good understanding of these two forms of coverage because if you cancel or nonrenew a claims-made policy, you will need to purchase a tail to protect yourself from claims of dental malpractice made after the cancellation of your policy.
• Tail Coverage. Dentists who cancel or nonrenew their claims-made policy are automatically afforded a 60day reporting extension. However, as mentioned above, to be protected for claims reported anytime from day 61 on, it is strongly advised to purchase Extended Reporting Endorsement Coverage, also known as a tail.
• Added Benefits. When looking for coverage, you should also look for a carrier that offers value-added benefits, such as risk management services, a 24/7 hotline for risk management advice, coverage that includes legal defense costs, and an automatic tail upon permanent and total retirement from the practice of dentistry.
Litigious Climate in New York State
New York is one of the most litigious states in the country. According to statistics from the National Practitioner’s Data Bank, between 2010 and 2023, there were 2,507 payments made on behalf of dentists in New York State. Dental
have gleaned from life. To me, it’s not just a month, it’s an everyday celebration and acknowledgement.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your career in dentistry, and in what ways does it shape the way you connect with patients, especially those from Hispanic communities?
Fifty percent of my patients are Hispanic. A meaningful segment of my patients have been clients for over 10 years. My practices are located in underserved communities. This enhances my ability to communicate with my patients and to better serve their needs. And it increases my patients’ comfort level interacting with me, a Hispanic dentist.
In what ways do you think Hispanic culture has contributed to the dental community?
Our culture is intertwined with the American and overall dental culture. Our participation helps broaden and enhance the wellness and healthcare dialogue.
How can dental associations and organizations better support Hispanic professionals?
Educate Hispanic professionals about the role dental associations and organizations play in their careers and create collaborative programs.
What advice would you give young students aspiring to pursue a career in dentistry?
They have to work hard, achieve good grades, be tenacious, disciplined and want to care for people. Dentistry is a rewarding career because you as a provider are not only strengthening your patients’ health, you are also boosting their confidence by giving them better smiles.
Who are Hispanic figures, past or present, who inspire you and why?
I take my inspiration from my family: my father, a force for good within his community; my mother, an educator who always pushed me to do more; and my sisters, because of their determination to succeed. How does embracing diversity, including Hispanic heritage, enhance the dental profession overall?
It has opened the door to many in the profession at every level, not just dentists but educators, hygienists, clinicians, researchers and more.
What unique perspectives do you think Hispanic dentists bring to patient care and the dental profession as a whole?
In the U.S., there are 60+ million Hispanics—nearly 20% of the population. Having access to a Hispanic dentist provides patients with confidence, as they are being seen by someone who knows how to interpret their concerns.
What does the concept of “community” mean to you, and how has your culture influenced your views on community involvement and giving back?
Community is your family, your neighborhood, your church, your spirituality, your friends and neighbors, as well as your colleagues. My father was a community activist, so I grew up knowing the importance of giving back to the community. In my teenage years, I cleaned community gardens, helped the seniors at church and in assisted living centers. These experiences shaped me into the person I am today. z
Long Island Dentist Named to State Board
Martin R. Boorin, D.M.D., of Dix Hills, Suffolk County, Long Island, has received a five-year appointment to the State Board of Dentistry. Dr. Boorin’s appointment was approved in August by the Board of Regents of the State Education Department. He will serve through Aug. 31, 2029.
Dr. Boorin is in private practice in Dix Hills and also on the faculty of Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine. He received his dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from the University at Buffalo. z
Award
TCDM students with the tools to become evidence-based practitioners, enabling them to make informed decisions grounded in scientific rigor. This foundation not only prepares them to excel as future general dentists but also lays the groundwork for success to pursue specialization with a deep understanding of the latest advancements in oral health.”
The combined aspects of research and mentoring have long been a thread in Dr. Shariff’s career, which began with dental school in his native India, continued with a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Tulane University, and concluded with a Dental Public Health residency at Columbia University, where he also earned an M.S. in periodontics and completed a Faculty Implant Fellowship.
“I realized early on that I enjoyed explaining things,” recalled Dr. Shariff, who was a faculty member at Columbia University before joining TCDM. “My love for teaching came from that. When my mentors praised me for it, I listened to them. This led me to pursue a career in academia and research, where I’m able to guide students.”
Dr. Shariff joined TCDM in 2021. He sees his work as promoting evidence-based practice and increasing Touro’s presence in the world of dental research.
Two recent projects overseen by Dr. Shariff have received national attention. Jawad Tamimi, a member of the class of 2024, presented his paper “Immediate Implant Placement and Immediate Provisionalization Using Digital vs. Conventional Fabrication Techniques with Bis-Acryl: Literature Review and Case Report” at the 2023 American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) Annual Meeting in October in San Diego. Mr. Tamimi examined the difference between fabricating a temporary tooth by hand versus fabrication through digital dentistry. He concluded that the results were similar, though the traditional process required more effort and skill from the dentist. For his work, Mr. Tamimi received a third-place prize in the category of Best Student and Resident Dental Research.
Anish Cheriyan, another member of the class of 2024, authored “Impact of Socio-Demographics Status on Children’s Dental vs. Medical Health,” under Dr. Shariff’s guidance. Mr. Cheriyan’s research examined dental care across socioeconomic levels in patients seen at the TCDM clinic. Surprisingly, he found that children at higher socioeconomic levels had worse teeth. They haven’t discovered a reason for the discrepancy, and Mr. Cheriyan is still gathering data.
Mr. Cheriyan presented his research at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) Annual Meeting and at the American Academy of Dental Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) - National Oral Health Conference (NOHC), where he was awarded second place for his poster presentation in the Predoctoral Dental Student Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community Dentistry category. z
A longer version of this article appears at https://dental.touro.edu/ news--events/news/stories/mentorship-leads-to-research-excellence.php
CONTINUING DENTAL EDUCATION
Wednesday Evening Lecture Series via ‘live Zoom’ meetings 6-8pm
Doctor $45; RDH/DA $35, CE HRS: 2
Oct 23: Classification of Perio/Peri-implant Disease
Oct 30: Irrigation and obturation in Modern Endodontics
Nov 20: How AI can advance Periodontic Treatment
Dec. 4: Cysts and Odontogenic Tumors
SPRING 2025…MARK YOUR CALENDAR! (Speakers/topics TBS; dates subject to change)
Fri, May 9, 2025, 9am-4pm, Buffalo, NY
Annual UB Dental Hygiene Symposium
RDH Checklist for Implant Maintenance and Identifying Failure & 5 Things Hygienists should know about Myofunctional Therapy
Irene Iancu, RDH, Toothlife Studio, Toronto, ON
Fri, June 6, 2025, 9am-4pm, Buffalo, NY
John J. Cunat Educational Fund annual orthodontics lecture program
Fri, June 13, 2025, 9am-4pm, UB SDM
Principles and Techniques for Safe, Successful Endodontic Therapy
Jorge Vera, DDS, MS, Director of Endodontics Certificate Program, UB
SDM Lecture & Hands-on Workshop
Thur-Fri, June 26-27, 2025, Ashville, NY
Sebastian G. Ciancio annual Chautauqua Dental Congress featuring Dr. Richard Hall on Friday!
Register online now www.BuffaloCE.org or call (716) 829-2320
Touro College Research Society officers, 2023-24. Front row, from left, Luke Whelan, Daniela Benzaquen Bar-Levav, Rachel Sebastian, Dean Guevarra. Back row, from left, Warren Ismail, Jawad Tamimi, Jordan Sahawneh, Dr. Jaffer Shariff (mentor), Anish Cheriyan, Andrew Sahawneh, Mullar Zakher.
geon in Dearborn, Mich., created while working in Dr. Bush’s lab. It is juxtaposed with a photograph of a wax bite impression of Ted Bundy’s teeth, used in his 1979 murder trial.
Other artifacts in the exhibition include arsenic tests from the 1872 trial of Lydia Sherman, who was suspected of poisoning three of her husbands and eight children; one of the earliest polygraphs used for lie detection; an early sexual-assault examination kit; and materials related to fingerprinting and DNA identification on loan from the FBI.
The exhibition also looks at how the media, through news coverage and on fictional television shows, such as “Dexter” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” shape how the public understands forensic evidence and what is called the “CSI effect.”
For years, Dr. Bush argued that human dentition is not unique with regard to bitemark analysis and seemingly perfectly matching bitemarks could belong to a litany of suspects.
Bitemarks aren’t only inadequate, Dr. Bush said, they also have been misused in courtrooms. In a commentary published in the May 2023 issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association, Dr. Bush pointed out that 26 people have been wrongly convicted primarily because of a bitemark found on the victim. At least three of the suspects ended up on death row.
“People assume that human dentition is unique because dental records are often used to identify the dead,” she said.
However, in those cases, the combination of 32 teeth—present, missing and restored—are analyzed, compared with only the incisal edge of the six teeth that typically leave a bitemark, she noted.
Throughout her research, Bush discovered that the teeth marks that fit best usually do not belong to the actual perpetrator. z
Managing your Security
5. Malicious actions or unintentional errors by authorized personnel, resulting in data breaches, can be mitigated by requiring the use of auditable user-activity monitoring and logs to detect suspicious behavior.
6. Security vulnerabilities in third-party components or services integrated with ePrescribing software present a risk. When selecting third-party vendors, establish clear contractual agreements outlining healthcare security requirements and responsibilities.
The Change Healthcare cyberattack highlights the interconnected nature of digital healthcare systems. An attack on one component can have far-reaching consequences across an entire healthcare network, disrupting operations and compromising patient safety. Beyond HIPAA compliance, safeguarding patient data and maintaining the trust of patients and stakeholders are paramount.
There are a lot of measures you can take to ensure the safety and security of your dental practice’s IT infrastructure and the sensitive data contained within. While no measure is foolproof, implementing risk-mitigation efforts is required not just by law, but through your commitment to your patients, your team and your practice. z
Mr. McDermott is president and CEO of iCoreConnect. NYSDA endorses iCoreExchange encrypted HIPAA email from iCoreConnect. To prevent breaches of sensitive patient information, iCoreExchange ensures all email communication is safe and secure. Book a demo now or call (888) 801-7706 to learn more. Member discounts apply.
BOOK A DEMO
Reviews Influence Patients
Online reviews are powerfully persuasive to prospective patients, offering a glimpse into the patient experience and the quality of care provided. According to maxill.com, 70% of dental patients say online ratings and reviews influence their choice of dentist. Just like with verbal recommendations, positive online reviews attract new patients and foster trust, while negative reviews can sow doubt and erode confidence. To solidify this trust, you must actively manage your online reputation by encouraging positive reviews and promptly address any concerns raised by patients by taking the conversation offline as quickly as possible while remaining attentive to their concerns in the public eye.
ReviewTrackers reports that 51% of customers expect businesses to respond to reviews within seven days. Imagine dealing with a steady stream of reviews across multiple platforms. Manually keeping up with this task can be challenging amid the usual tasks of operating a practice. But failing to keep on top of things can result in undesired consequences—where one negative review drives prospective patients to your nearest competitor.
One option for practices looking to simplify and consolidate tasks is a professional reviews management solution that can provide incredible time savings. These solutions ensure that action items are addressed without delay and in accordance with information provided by real-time analytics and can save time.
professor of biochemistry in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo. Frank Scannapieco, Ph.D., SUNY Distinguished Professor of Oral Biology, serves as advisor in this fellowship.
Dr. Sabatini’s research, investigating novel biologically based avenues for tooth repair, may reduce the need for root canals and could, potentially, have major implications in the way dental care is rendered.
“Root canals happen when an infection has advanced to the nerve of the tooth,” Dr. Sabatini said. “The nerve is removed, and the canals are sealed with a synthetic material. The loss of vitality weakens the tooth, making it prone to fracture.”
In this proposal, Dr. Sabatini explained, the team will investigate ways to use stem cells of dental origin to promote the repair of damaged teeth, potentially avoiding the need for a root canal.
“Over the past two decades, scientists have come to rely on stem cells for tissue regeneration. We haven’t tapped into that nearly enough in dental medicine,” Dr. Sabatini noted. “The standard of care in dentistry today —fillings and implants—is still quite outdated, as it is based on the use of synthetic materials only. We are looking to increase our understanding of the biology of the host, so we can identify potential avenues for tissue repair.”
The four-year grant will allow the team to investigate a drug repurposing approach with an immunostimulant drug used in cancer therapy and a gene therapy strategy.
malpractice claims arise from a number of procedures, such as dental implants and root canals. Common allegations seen in these claims include improper performance of treatment or procedure, improper management of treatment and diagnostic errors. Injuries in these types of cases can range from the need for an additional procedure, nerve damage, tooth damage and in extreme cases, death.
If you are involved in a dental malpractice case, it is important to have an insurance carrier with knowledge and experience in handling dental claims in New York.
Use of Botox in New York
The use of Botox in the practice of dentistry can be risky in New York State. If you plan to use Botox injections as part of your treatment plan, you must ensure and document that the treatment is related to the restoration and/ or maintenance of dental health. The use of Botox outside the definition of dentistry can put a dentist at risk for dental malpractice claims. It should be noted that certain uses of Botox that do not fall within the definition of the practice of dentistry may not be covered by your professional liability insurance policy, placing your personal assets at risk. It is recommended that you review your insurance policy or speak with your insurance carrier before offering Botox treatment as part of your practice.
Risk Management Tips for New Dentists
One of the most important aspects of patient care is communication, especially when referring a patient to a specialist.
Lack of communication between dentists can result in a delay in diagnosis or treatment, the failure to act upon abnormal test results or findings, the duplication of a prescription, a failure to prescribe appropriate medications or a failure to order diagnostic testing. When referring a patient to a specialist for dental care, MLMIC recommends the following:
• Referring dentists should develop a method for determining whether a consultation has been completed and if a written report has been received.
• As a matter of standard of fice policy, all consultation reports must be reviewed by a dentist, initialed and dated prior to being filed in the patient’s dental record.
• If a written repor t from the consultant is not received in a timely manner, you should contact the consultant to determine whether a written report has been generated.
In addition to communicating with specialists, as a practicing dentist, you will want to have a policy in place to address patients who miss or cancel appointments. The failure of a dentist to follow up or contact a patient who missed or cancelled an appointment may result in a serious delay in diagnosis or treatment and a subsequent risk of liability to the dentist.
To protect yourself from liability, MLMIC recommends a proactive system to follow up with patients about missed or cancelled appointments that allows a dentist to promptly assess and respond to clinical situations, thereby maintaining continuity of patient care. Here are some recommendations:
• Develop policies and procedures in your practice for following up with patients who have missed or cancelled appointments.
• Dentists should be made aware of any patients who have missed or cancelled appointments. The staff should inform the dentist(s) of these patients at the end of the day and have each patient’s record ready for review.
• The dentist should assess the clinical importance of the appointment, the severity of the patient’s condition and the risk(s) associated with the missed or cancelled appointment.
• A reminder telephone call should be placed to the patient. The date and time of the telephone call and the content of the message or conversation should be documented in the patient’s record.
Office of Professional Discipline
In New York State, the Office of Professional Discipline (OPD), in the Department of Education, governs the licensure of dentists and is responsible for investigating complaints regarding dentists. This agency is empowered to review a complaint regardless of the source. Dentists often receive telephone calls or letters from the agency asking for a patient’s records and/or also an interview. On rare occasions, someone from OPD may come to visit the office unexpectedly because of the nature of the complaint.
The disciplinary process may well result in serious implications, which can impact the livelihood and license of the dentist. It may also impact the dentist’s reputation. The penalties that OPD can impose vary from censure and reprimand all the way to surrender of the license and/or appropriate referrals if a drug problem is identified. This agency also has the power to impose fines that may be up to $10,000 per violation. Any final disciplinary action that OPD takes against a dentist results in a report to the National Practitioner Data Bank. This disciplinary action may also be listed on the OPD website, which is open to the public.
Dentists should seek the advice of counsel when contacted by OPD. A dental professional liability policy with MLMIC includes a defense-only endorsement to cover legal fees up to $25,000 to assist in protecting a provider’s license to practice dentistry.
If you are involved in an OPD investigation, MLMIC is always here to support our insureds during this difficult process.
Employment Contracts
Many dental practices and especially dental support organizations require new dentists to execute an employment contract. It is important to read every section of your contract and know that in many circumstances, portions of an employment contract can be negotiable. For assistance in reviewing and negotiating an employment contract, your best bet is to retain an attorney who is experienced in writing and negotiating employment contracts. If you are a member of the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA), you may be able to take advantage of the Association’s Legal Protection Plan. For information on the plan, contact Patty Marcucia at pmarcucia@nysdental.org. z
REFERENCES
1. https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/analysistool/.
2. https://www.mlmic.com/dentists/blog/botox-in-dentistry-case-study.
This document is for general purposes only and should not be construed as medical 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 or professional obligations, the applicable state or federal laws or other professional questions.
Cultivate a Culture That Encourages Positive Reviews
You can begin to create a culture of open communication among patients that encourages positive reviews by sending follow-up emails, post-appointment surveys and direct requests during visits to prompt patients to leave reviews. Highlighting positive feedback on a practice’s website and social media platforms improves their visibility and underscores the practice’s dedication to patient satisfaction.
Address Negative Feedback Right Away
Negative reviews are inevitable, but how you respond to them can shape the narrative. Unlike traditional spoken word of mouth, negative online reviews don’t go away. You can’t hope that people move on and forget about the issue. The post persists and can influence every potential new patient who comes along.
But the benefit of online reviews is that now you can control and reshape your brand image with a carefully crafted response that speaks volumes to help change a prospective new patient’s feelings about your practice. Imagine if they’d only read the initial bad review without your clarifying or sympathetic response. z
Mr. Kaufman is a writer and editor with creative, marketing, instructional design and technical writing experience. He is a content writer for ProSites.
Root Canal continued from page 15 -
“The appeal of drug repurposing is the potential for immediate clinical translation since phase I trials can be bypassed, moving directly to phase II trials,” Dr. Sabatini said. “Gene therapy could provide a cost-effective avenue for the healing of tooth defects.”
The therapies will be investigated using dental pulp stem cells obtained from extracted human molars and animal trials in mice where artificially induced tooth defects will receive the various therapies. The animal studies proposed under this award could take the investigators a step closer to the next phase in the process of regulatory approvals of therapies and devices by the Federal Drug Association (FDA).
Dr. Sabatini joined the dental school in 2007 as a clinical assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2015. She also currently serves as an adjunct professor in oral biology and in chemical and biological engineering. z
