A publication by the US Institute of Medicine titled: “To Err Is Human” estimated between forty four thousand and ninety eight thousand annual deaths caused by errors in health care. Dentistry lacks the organizational structure and collective data on the subject; however, recent strides have been made about recognizing patient safety measures to prevent medical errors in dentistry and related healthcare setting to minimize claims of negligence and malpractice. This course projects the most current information on the subject. It is of utmost importance that dentists, dental hygienists, and all members of the dental team as well as other similar healthcare settings to increase their knowledge about this topic which could save patients lives and ensures good licensure standing to all providers.
Upon completion of this course, participants will:
- Understand background information and definitions of the terms “medical error” vs. “medical accident”.
- Identify most preventable errors or “adverse effects” in dentistry.
- Recognize key factors which contribute to errors in dentistry.
- Develop a Root Cause Analysis Protocol aimed at preventing errors in routine dental procedures and similar healthcare settings.
- List best practices to promote dental patient safety.
- Describe the legal definitions related to the standard of care, negligence, and malpractice.
- Identify the reasons for dentists, dental hygienists, nurses, and other healthcare providers to carry professional liability insurance policies.
