Many regulations effect dental practices today and it may seem difficult to stay abreast of them all. Failing to comply with the regulations affecting the delivery of patient care, such as infection control practices, can have potentially more far reaching consequences than one might initially imagine. For example, not only does the practice owner risk sanctions to his or her dental license, including possible license probation, suspension or revocation, other licensed staff, such as associate dentists or dental hygienists, who may also be involved in the delivery or supervision of the patient care may also be at risk for such licensure sanctions.
It is important to maintain accurate documentation regarding compliance with the different regulations governing dental practices today and in some instances, as with infection control practices, it is required that records be maintained by the dental practice. Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 4715-20-02 documentation of testing must be maintained for a period of at least two (2) years and said records must be maintained on site at the dental practice (for dental practices with multiple locations such records must be maintained at each individual practice location). The records must be made available to an authorized agent of the Ohio State Dental Board upon request. Not only is maintaining appropriate documentation required, but it will assist any dental practice in defending a claim, either from the Ohio State Dental Board or any claim made by an individual patient.
Failing to comply with regulations effecting patient care, such as failing to properly monitor infection control practices, often spark unwanted publicity and it is not uncommon for local media to highlight and publicize suspected actions that they believe will create public interest (whether or not the suspected actions are in fact true). This can ultimately impact patient confidence and practice success. It is of the upmost importance to have the right advisors in place to address the constant changes and expansion of regulations that apply to dental practices.
