COVID-19’s pandemic has caused many clinicians to consider ways in which services might be delivered more safely. Dental procedures involve multiple routes for pathogen transmission, from direct contact between saliva and blood and rotating tools through direct or indirect paths of pathogen transference.
Health policy emphasizes patients’ shared responsibility, and one contract currently being piloted in NHS general dental practice places patients into traffic light categories labelled RAG to encourage conversations about tooth-brushing habits and lifestyle choices. This article investigates what this ‘risk work’ entails within everyday clinical contexts.
Risk Assessment
Most dental practices evaluate patients at intake, but that’s only part of an effective risk evaluation. A holistic system for clinical and patient management is necessary to identify and address risks effectively; this process begins by assessing lifestyle habits as well as health status such as how often someone brushes, flosses or uses mouthwash. Any family history which could have an impactful influence can also be considered important when conducting risk analyses.
As COVID-19 comes into force, many dentists are reviewing their risk classification system and adding in categories to reflect both salivary and bloodborne pathogen transmission and aerosol (spray) pathogen exposure during dental visits. This allows practitioners to more accurately reflect risks during a visit while making more informed decisions regarding protective measures required.
As is true of any health-related profession, dental industry practices require constant updating and refinement in order to remain effective and safe for patients. This is particularly relevant to those whose work includes direct patient interaction; their risk assessments must also be regularly revised and enhanced as technology and scientific knowledge progresses.
If you want to transform your smile, porcelain veneers can correct a number of cosmetic issues. These custom-made shells are made of porcelain and are placed on the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. But you have to understand the risks and potential negative side effects of these types of procedure.
An emerging class of risk communication tools are emerging to assist patients in understanding and communicating risks to them. Based on the Willingness-to-Pay model, they explore patients’ preferences for different forms of information regarding risks related to their behaviors as well as measure whether this kind of data leads to behavior change and any obstacles blocking that path.
Risk Communication
As part of the risk management process, it is vitally important that risks are communicated to all those who might be affected – patients seeking dental services, healthcare workers and any stakeholders involved in providing these services. To communicate risks effectively, several key elements should be taken into account, including trust building, transparency, early announcement and listening.
One of the primary health risks associated with dental procedures is infection transmission. This risk can arise from instruments, cleaning and disinfection products, saliva or other sources. To lower this risk in dentistry, practicing good hand hygiene, using high-quality disposable gloves and providing sufficient ventilation may help.
An additional health hazard of dental procedures is the potential risk of metal allergies and rejection when receiving titanium-made dental implants, although this risk can be reduced by having a metal sensitivity test conducted beforehand.
Vibrations from working dental instruments can cause health care providers to experience musculoskeletal issues, leading to pain and discomfort in their arms, hands, neck, shoulders, and back. Repetitive movements like typing can aggravate these symptoms; ergonomically designed equipment should be used regularly along with frequent breaks as well as ergonomic cushions to limit time spent operating dental instruments. To reduce risks associated with working dental instruments.
As part of their response to COVID-19 pandemic, many dentists took steps such as closing their offices or restricting non-urgent visits and surgeries in accordance with state shutdown orders. Once back open however, it will be vital for these practices to assess anticipated risks and implement control measures to avoid exposures to bloodborne pathogens or contaminants; this requires changes in telephone triage services, scheduling patient protocols for visits and surgeries, sanitizing treatment rooms as well as calculating revised costs/revenues as well as rebuilding their essential trust relationships with patients.
Although tackling occupational risks can be daunting, they’re essential for running an efficient dental practice. By assessing and communicating them to their patients, dentists can ensure their patients receive optimal care.
Risk Management
An effective risk management process in dentistry should include conducting an annual risk analysis and consulting with experts, which may include working with a professional liability insurer offering risk advisory services that help dentists recognize and avoid potential malpractice threats.
Preventing negative outcomes is key to protecting any practice’s liability, and reviewing patient medical and dental histories are an invaluable source of data that could show high-risk conditions or potential complications that should be thoroughly considered when planning treatment plans. This information must also be reviewed thoroughly by all staff involved in treatment planning.
Informal consent is another essential aspect of risk-management strategies. Patients should be informed clearly regarding what procedures are offered and their benefits, with written documentation to confirm all parties have agreed on a course of action and enable the practice to demonstrate compliance with key standards of care.
One way for practices to limit their exposure is to operate within their scope of practice. Dentists operating outside their license may find themselves facing malpractice lawsuits, so it’s essential that dentists consult state dental boards and specialty organizations on regulations for their areas of expertise. Refusing to perform procedures not included within your scope can further lower their risks of malpractice claims.
Other risk-reduction strategies include adhering to infection control standards. This is particularly essential during an epidemic such as COVID-19 when patients’ risks of transmission increase substantially. The CDC’s Universal and Standard Precautions can help limit blood-borne pathogen spread within clinical environments.
At all dental practices, it’s essential for all practitioners to abide by occupational health and safety laws. This involves adopting policies designed to protect patients from bloodborne pathogens, respiratory infections, chemical hazards and ionizing radiation exposure. Furthermore, it’s imperative that practices stay up-to-date on local regulations as these may change quickly.
Risk Reduction
Undergoing dental procedures is an integral component of dentist practices. Unfortunately, when treatments go awry they can lead to legal allegations of malpractice and lawsuits being filed in response. According to dental risk management experts, treatment-related claims account for most malpractice lawsuits and settlements; several strategies exist that may help reduce this likelihood, including identifying procedures with high risks.
Patients suffering from chronic hepatitis are at an increased risk for anesthesia and surgery-related complications. Hepatitis B and C are both hepatocellular diseases which may result in liver cancer, cirrhosis or impaired liver function; for this reason it is wise to implement standard infection control precautions, such as conducting preoperative screening tests using viral hepatitis panels to ensure their safety during procedures.
Concerns should also be expressed regarding patients’ use of tobacco products, which poses risks for oral, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Dentists can assist their patients in quitting smoking by encouraging them to visit a smoking cessation clinic for guidance or referral.
Dentists should conduct an assessment of a patient’s health status prior to performing procedures, taking into account both physical and emotional stressors such as surgery. The assessment process includes reviewing their medical history as well as any potential risks related to the proposed procedure and an informed consent discussion.
Dentists should assess a patient’s blood-clotting and platelet activity to see if any medications (including aspirin) taken are likely to cause abnormal bleeding or interfere with hemostasis. Furthermore, dentists should review dietary habits that increase heart rate or blood pressure such as caffeine consumption or stimulant medications like TCAs – such as these may lead to abnormalities that require medical intervention for proper diagnosis and management.
Although no risk can ever be completely eliminated, an evidence-based approach to risk reduction can significantly lower the probability of adverse incidents. Effective risk management includes identifying, prioritizing and managing all significant threats that threaten successful outcomes. By employing daily risk reduction strategies with professional liability carriers like MLMIC’s support they can increase patient safety while protecting themselves from malpractice claims. MLMIC-insured dentists also enjoy access to 24/7 legal advice as well as numerous risk management resources including forms and protocols related to informed consent, HIPAA and other common healthcare practices.
