title: Managing malpractice liability: tips to limit your risk.
abstract: Perceived poor communication and poor documentation are the primary culprits in litigation against dentists. Better communication can be attained by making strong efforts to involve the patient in the decision-making process when proposing treatment, and recording those discussions in the patient's record. Records should be meticulously kept, for legibility, accuracy, and objectivity protect a dentist from liability. The patient's medical history should also be a part of the record.
authors.affiliation: rmhelp@maih.com
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D003792:Dental Records / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D005568:Forms and Records Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010358:Patient Participation; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration; D012308:Risk Management / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence