RM Matters
C D A J O U R N A L , V O L 4 8 , Nº 9
COVID-19 and Informed Consent: What You Need To Know TDIC Risk Management Staff
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OVID-19 has no doubt impacted every aspect of our lives. After months of practice interruption, many dental practices have resumed routine care, and dentists are taking extraordinary steps to protect the safety of their patients and staff. While dental practices are learning more every day about how to best provide care during the pandemic, there are still many unanswered questions that create uncertainty, stress and unease. The Dentists Insurance Company’s Risk Management Advice Line is continuing to receive calls from practice owners about how to navigate issues related to COVID-19. These inquiries range from how to obtain enough PPE to how to address staff who are fearful of returning to work. Many calls concern informed consent and communicating any risks of contracting the virus in a dental setting. Informed consent is a fundamental component of managing risk in dentistry. It’s more than just a form. It is a dialogue between a dentist and patient about the nature of the recommended treatment; the risks, complications and benefits of treatment; and alternatives to the recommended treatment, including no treatment at all. A signed informed consent form is considered the first line of defense when facing a professional liability claim. Attorney Art Curley, JD, of Bradley, Curley, Barrabee & Kowalski PC in Larkspur, Calif., discussed consent in the era of COVID-19 during a recent webinar hosted by TDIC. He stated that at its most basic level, the agreement to undergo
People know that contracting the virus is a risk anywhere they go in public, whether it’s to the dental office, the grocery store or the bank.
treatment by health care providers is implied by the mere reason a patient walks into an office for dental care. With COVID-19, people know that contracting the virus is a risk anywhere they go in public, whether it’s to the dental office, the grocery store or the bank. “Everybody knows COVID-19 is out there. This is one thing that nobody can say ‘I’ve never heard of it,’” Curley said. “So, they’re consenting to come to
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From one-on-one risk management advice by phone to informed consent forms to expert-led seminars, we’re here to help you practice with confidence. We are The Dentists Insurance Company. Learn more at tdicinsurance.com/rm
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