Category: Legal Issues

Dental radiographs provide information critical to the identification and treatment of oral health problems. For example, radiographs are the only reliable way to view the bone, roots, attachments, interproximal areas and under and around restorations. Despite the significant benefit of such images, some patients refuse to have radiographs taken ... [continue reading]

A well-defined office manual can be of great benefit to a dental practice. Employment issues are some of the most difficult matters to confront as a small-business owner. Oftentimes, the best way for employer dentists to avoid the common problems that arise with employees is to establish an office employee manual. Establishing an employee ... [continue reading]

As spring inches near so does everyone’s favorite time of the year, tax season. That’s a terrible joke from a recovering tax attorney. But I did want to take the time to write about a few of the taxes that affect dental offices and encourage members to use tax professionals when navigating these waters. In this spring season everyone thinks of ... [continue reading]

In the past few years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know so many of our members throughout the state. I can honestly say in that time it has become abundantly clear that the dental profession is one of the most sincere and professional groups of people that I have ever encountered. Obviously, there are bad actors in any profession, but ... [continue reading]

Over the last few months phone calls to the ODA have picked up regarding the Terminal Distributor of Dangerous Drugs license (TDDD). Due to the significant amount of conversation on this topic I think that it is worthwhile to let all member dentists know that the exemption from having a TDDD license has not changed. Most phone calls are due to ... [continue reading]

A new Ohio law mandating e-prescribing went into effect Friday, Sept. 23. The law requires prescriptions for schedule II-controlled substances to be done electronically, however, those prescribers who write 50 or fewer schedule II prescriptions per year are exempted from the requirement. There are also exceptions in situations where it is ... [continue reading]

Over the past few years it has become more common to see an animal in a dental office or in public places. During that time the ODA has received many calls with questions about animal owners’ “rights” to have an animal in the office or offices wishing to bring in their own animal. The answers to all of these questions depend on the liability ... [continue reading]

A new Ohio law mandating e-prescribing went into effect Friday, Sept. 23. The law requires prescriptions for schedule II-controlled substances to be done electronically, however, those prescribers who write 50 or fewer schedule II prescriptions per year are exempted from the requirement. There are also exceptions in situations where it is ... [continue reading]

A new Ohio law mandating e-prescribing went into effect Friday, Sept. 23. The law requires prescriptions for schedule II-controlled substances to be done electronically, however, those prescribers who write 50 or fewer schedule II prescriptions per year are exempted from the requirement. There are also exceptions in situations where it is ... [continue reading]

If you have read my columns in the past, you know that a consistent point that I have brought up is that documentation is key in the dental office. If it isn’t documented, then in the eyes of most regulatory or legal entities it did not happen. It is great to have all this documentation, but how long should you or do you have to keep it? The ... [continue reading]