title: Avoiding your greatest fear--malpractice.
abstract: This article discusses ten clinically based behavioral approaches to minimizing the risk of a malpractice claim. Suggestions are stated in both a positive and negative way and ranked from least significant to most significant. Recommendations include the need to develop effective listening skills; learning to communicate with patients verbally and in writing; keeping patient expectations realistic; being thorough when examining and diagnosing; and knowing one's limitations. Also included is the need to inform patients concerning adverse events; keeping written records of what was said and done; discussing alternatives, risks, complications, and fees in advance; and developing a relationship with patients based on mutual respect and trust. Case examples are presented for each approach.
authors.affiliation: University of Oklahoma, Department of Dental Services Administration.
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Coy
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stratton
mesh_terms: D003729:Dental Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003792:Dental Records; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008318:Malpractice; D010350:Patient Credit and Collection; D012308:Risk Management / Q000379:methods*; D014342:Truth Disclosure