Risk management in the dental office

Abstract

This article is devoted to risk-management strategies regarding oral surgical procedures in the general dental office. Lawsuits are more likely to be filed following poor outcomes related to oral surgical procedures rather than after operative or prosthetic dental procedures. The article is not meant to discourage practitioners from performing oral surgical procedures if they have the experience, training, and appropriate skill set to complete the planned procedure. Rather, it advises clinicians as to the steps one can take to limit the chances of litigation from occurring, and avoid the emotionally and painful time-consuming process associated with a malpractice lawsuit.