Category Archives: Legal

To change or not to change (my last name)

When I announced to family and friends that my partner, Mitch, and I had gotten engaged last October, the first question I got was: “When is the wedding?” followed by: “Are you going to change your last name?” — a question to which I still don’t feel I have a good response. I need to decide my plans… Read More »

What Went Wrong Wednesdays: 3 contract issues that got expensive

Written contracts protect both sides from misunderstandings and can put your relationship on equal ground. No matter whether you are joining a practice as an associate, intending to pursue a sale/purchase, or hiring someone, a contract helps you start your relationship on the right foot. This week, we will examine three scenarios where contract misunderstandings turned into more… Read More »

Secure yourself from identity theft

Identity theft occurs when someone acquires key pieces of another person’s identity – such as name and credit card information or Social Security number – with the intent to commit fraud. In 2016, the Federal Trade Commission recorded 399,225 cases of identity theft in the United States. Identity theft can happen to anyone, regardless of whether or not… Read More »

Webinar: ‘Managing Professional Risks’ will highlight legal updates

Three ADA councils are coming together to present a June 18 webinar that provides guidance on dealing with many of the professional risks that exist in the dental practice. The webinar, titled Managing Professional Risk: Legal Updates for Dental Practitioners, will stream from noon to 1 p.m. Central. “Identifying the risks that exist in a dental practice is… Read More »

FAQ on name change and licensing

Changing one’s name due to marriage or other reasons can lead to confusion for both dentists and patients. Keep in mind that whatever name you elect to use personally or professionally, ensure that the proper name is used on all pertinent documents. This means you need to check your Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number, state drug license, malpractice… Read More »

ADA launches resource for managing professional risks

Dentists take risks each and every day, and identifying the risks that exist in a dental practice is the first step to effectively managing them. That is the reason why the ADA Council on Dental Practice has unveiled the new Guidelines for Practice Success module on Managing Professional Risks, housed at ADA.org/GPSrisk within the ADA Center for Professional… Read More »