Risk Management Checklists for Dentists: Patient Safety

MLMIC publishes Risk Management Checklists to assist insured dentists with the creation of policies and protocols in critical areas, including patient safety. These checklists focus on specific risk management issues policyholders are likely to encounter in the dentist setting, like managing equipment for patient care and safely caring for patients of size in the office practice.

We encourage you to review these checklists on a regular basis to promote patient safety and reduce potential liability exposure:

Management of Equipment For Patient Care

Many procedures are performed in the office setting using dentist-owned or leased equipment. Failure or malfunction of this equipment may lead to patient, staff or dentist injury. The appropriate maintenance of equipment is essential to patient safety.

View or download the checklist here: Management of Equipment For Patient Care.

Safely Caring For Patients of Size in the Office Practice

Obesity continues to be a serious health issue in the Unites States. Dentists’ offices may not be well equipped to accommodate patients of size. Injuries can occur if appropriate equipment is not available to accommodate them. Further, bias or ambivalence by dental professionals in treating obese patients can negatively affect patient care and lead to poor outcomes. Providing a safe environment, while optimizing sensitivity to the needs of this patient population, will enhance patient care and minimize exposure to claims of negligence.

View or download the checklist here: Safely Caring For Patients of Size in the Office Practice.

MLMIC’s Risk Management Consultants are available to assist insured dentists in their ongoing efforts to identify and address areas of concern related to patient safety. For guidance regarding a specific situation, please contact MLMIC’s Risk Management Department at (800) 275-6564.

In addition, policyholders can stay up to date on the latest risk management guidance and alerts by monitoring the MLMIC Dental blog, The Scope: Dental Edition, Dental Impressions and other MLMIC communications.