Medical Errors in Dentistry

Sept. 28, 2015

A Peer-Reviewed Publication Written by Richard Nagelberg, DDS

Abstract

Medical errors leading to adverse events can occur in dentistry. The literature indicates that such errors broadly include: errors related to the prescription of medication, errors based on neglecting current scientific evidence regarding treatment, errors occurring during treatment or associated with improper maintenance of equipment, errors based on failure to properly maintain patient records, errors arising from the failure to acquire informed consent, the failure to establish and maintain appropriate infection control measures, the failure to properly diagnose, the failure to prevent accidents or complications associated with care or to pursue appropriate follow-up care when they occur, and the failure to follow authoritative dictates reflecting current standard of care or practice rules or regulations established by individual state laws. This course reviews the most common medical errors likely to occur in the practice of dentistry.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of this educational activity participants will be able to:

1. Describe the most common medical errors in the dental profession.
2. Identify medical errors associated with providing and prescribing medications.
3. Identify medical errors associated with dental record keeping.
4. Implement strategies to reduce medical errors associated with the maintenance of patient records, informed consent and in the diagnosis or misdiagnosis of patients.

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