[Changes in court practice in cases of poor quality of dental care]. / Izmeneniya sudebnoi praktiki po delam, kasayushchimsya nekachestvennogo okazaniya stomatologicheskoi pomoshchi.

The study objective is to analyze changes in court practice over a 10-year period (from 2013 to 2022) including the quantitative and qualitative composition of complaints for conducted dental treatment, considering legislative changes in the procedure for the provision of dental service and formalization of the relationship between patient and medical organization. An investigation of 1800 legal cases containing complaints, forensic reports and court decisions allowed to identify tendencies in increasing the number of cases in which patients' demands were fully or partially satisfied, from 54% in 2013-2017 up to 61% in 2018-2022. At the same time, the amounts of payments determined by the courts increased by 14 times. In addition, the percentage of claims against medical organizations providing care under the CHI program increased significantly (from 5% in 2013-2017 to 15% in 2018-2022). A significant impact of changes in normative legal documents regulating the provision of dental care on the qualitative composition of complaints and the issues formed for medical experts by court has been noted.

Consideraciones legales sobre las notas de evolución en odontología / Legal considerations on medical charts in dentistry

El expediente clínico es considerado un documento de importancia médica y legal en donde se integran los datos necesarios para registrar el diagnóstico y los tratamientos realizados en cada paciente. Uno de los elementos más importantes dentro del expediente clínico son las notas de evolución, documentos con los que el odontólogo informa sobre el estado general del paciente y los tratamientos realizados cita tras cita. Existen legislaciones específicas en México que orientan al estomatólogo sobre los componentes mínimos necesarios que una nota de evolución debe tener; sin embargo, una de las omisiones más comunes de los odontólogos es que, por desconocimiento, no se dé la debida importancia a la elaboración de una adecuada nota de evolución, aumentando el riesgo de problemas legales. El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar la importancia de las notas de evolución dentro del expediente clínico, destacando su importancia clínica y legal (AU)

The clinical file is considered a document of medical and legal importance where the data necessary to record the diagnosis and the treatments performed on each patient are integrated. One of the most important elements within the clinical records are the medical charts, documents through which de dentist reports on the general condition of the patient and the treatments performed appointment after appointment. There are specific laws in Mexico that guide the stomatologist on the minimum necessary components that a medical chart must have, however, one of the most common omissions of dentist is that, due to ignorance, due importance is not given to the preparation of an adequate medical chart, increasing the risk of legal problems. The aim of this article is to analyze the importance of the evolution charts within the clinical records, highlighting their clinical and legal importance (AU)

Legislación y Normas Atingentes a la Atención Odontológica y el COVID-19. Una Perspectiva Desde las Clínicas Universitarias / Lesgislation and Norms Related to Dental Care and the COVID-19. A Perspective from University Clinics

RESUMEN: La enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por el Coronavirus 2 del Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Grave (SARS-CoV-2). La mayoría de los pacientes infectados con SARS-CoV-2 tiene una evolución asintomática o leve. Sin embargo, una parte de los infectados presentará un deterioro en su condición de salud, desarrollando una neumonía aguda grave, que puede producir la muerte. Las personas vinculadas a las clínicas odontológicas están en riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2, pues la saliva es un importante método de transmisión del virus. Por su naturaleza, la atención odontológica se realiza a corta distancia del paciente, con constante exposición a saliva, sangre y otros fluidos corporales, y es frecuente el manejo de instrumentos cortopunzantes. Por consiguiente, los elementos de protección personal cobran gran importancia y las reglamentaciones de la autoridad sanitaria en el contexto de la pandemia que actualmente se vive deben cumplirse a cabalidad, debido a obligaciones éticas y legales. En esta revisión narrativa se revisa y discute la reglamentación de la autoridad sanitaria que involucra las prestaciones odontológicas en el contexto del COVID-19, cómo se aplicará en las clínicas universitarias y cómo complementar la normativa con la evidencia científica disponible.

ABSTRACT: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by Coronavirus 2 of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). The majority of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 have an asymptomatic or mild evolution. However, a part of those infected will present a deterioration in their health condition, developing severe acute pneumonia, which can lead to death. People linked to dental clinics are at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, since saliva is an important method of transmission of the virus. Due to its nature, dental care is performed at a short distance from the patient, with constant exposure to saliva, blood and other body fluids, and the use of sharp instruments is frequent. Consequently, the elements of personal protection are very important and the regulations of the health authority in the context of the current pandemic must be fully complied with, due to ethical and legalobligations. This narrative review reviews and discusses the regulation of the health authority that involves dental services in the context of COVID-19, how it will be applied in university clinics and how to complement the regulations with the available scientific evidence.

Civil claims related to dental care in Chile according to court rulings 2011-2017 / Reclamaciones civiles relacionadas con la atención odontológica en Chile según sentencias judiciales 2011-2017

Objective: To describe Civil Claims (CCs) related to the provision of dental care according to court rulings published on the website of the Chilean Judicial Power. Material and methods: Descriptive study of 62 CCs filed against dentists or dental clinics according to court rulings available on the website of the Chilean Judicial Power between the years 2011 ­ 2017, identified by court rulings using a keyword search. Data were tabulated and analyzed using EXCEL and Stata.15, through descriptive statistics, proportions comparison test, and Spearman's Rho test. Results: An increase in the number of CCs according to the 2011-2017 court rulings was observed. CCs were filed on average 27.5 months after the events occurred. Judicial processes lasted a mean of 27 months, and the Araucanía region accounted for the highest rate. The highest number of lawsuits were placed against male general dentists with a mean age of 44, filed by female patients with a mean age of 46. A total of 66.13% of the CCs were rejected by the court, and 33.87% were ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The financial compensation claims reached an average of $37,751,516 CLP (1500.32 Chilean UF), approximately $47,000 USD as of the date of the data collection process. Conclusion: There is an upward trend in the filing of CCs in Chile, although most were rejected by the court. A better understanding of the reasons that lead to the legal processes is necessary to prevent their occurrence.

Objetivo: Describir los Reclamos Civiles (CC) relacionados con la prestación de atención odontológica según sentencias judiciales publicadas en el sitio web del Poder Judicial de Chile. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de 62 CC interpuestas contra dentistas o clínicas dentales según sentencias judiciales disponibles en el sitio web del Poder Judicial de Chile entre los años 2011 - 2017, identificadas por sentencias judiciales mediante búsqueda por palabra clave. Los datos se tabularon y analizaron mediante EXCEL y Stata.15, mediante estadística descriptiva, prueba de comparación de proporciones y prueba Rho de Spearman. Resultados: Se observó un aumento en el número de CC según las sentencias judiciales de 2011-2017. Los CC se presentaron en promedio 27,5 meses después de ocurridos los hechos. Los procesos judiciales duraron una media de 27 meses y la región de la Araucanía registró la tasa más alta. El mayor número de demandas se presentaron contra dentistas generales varones con una edad media de 44 años, interpuestas por pacientes mujeres con una edad media de 46 años. El 66,13% de las CC fueron rechazadas por el tribunal y el 33,87% falló a favor. de los demandantes. Los reclamos de compensación económica alcanzaron un promedio de $ 37.751.516 CLP (1500,32 UF chilenas), aproximadamente $ 47.000 USD a la fecha del proceso de recolección de datos. Conclusión: Existe una tendencia ascendente en la presentación de CC en Chile, aunque la mayoría fueron rechazadas por el tribunal. Es necesario comprender mejor las razones que conducen a los procesos legales para prevenir su ocurrencia.

Quackery in Dental Practice in Nepal.

Quackery and fraud in dental practice, seen in many countries, is also rampant in Nepal, and they are unethical practices. There is a growing need for strict enforcement of government policy measures to eliminate quackery and fraudulent dental practice in Nepal. The government should mobilize all dental workforce (dental specialists, dentists, and dental auxiliaries) and aware of their responsibilities and limitations. This article presents a brief review showing some cases of malpractice in dentistry in Nepal.

Noise-induced hearing loss in the military dental setting: a UK legislative perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Health professionals working in the dental environment are potentially at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to the use of clinical and laboratory equipment. Workplaces engaging in the practice of dentistry within the UK are subject to legislation from the Control of Noise at Work (CNW) regulations 2005. Clinicians working in the military are at further increased risk of NIHL due to exposure from additional risk factors such as rifles or aircraft engines. To our knowledge, no authors have previously studied the noise levels experienced in a military dental setting or compared noise levels in a typical dental practice with current UK legislation. METHOD: Measurements of noise levels experienced by a dentist, dental nurse and dental hygienist during a standard conservation procedure were assessed using wearable noise dose-badges. Furthermore, noise levels within a dental technician's work space were also assessed. Noise levels produced by representative clinical and laboratory equipment were assessed and compared with CNW legislation. RESULTS: The highest level for clinical equipment was produced by the suction apparatus while aspirating up a cup of water at 76 dB. For laboratory equipment, the lower exposure action value (LEAV) of 80 dB would be exceeded in 2.1 hours' use of the trimmer, 3.6 hours' use of the vibrating table and 9 min use of the airline. CONCLUSIONS: Noise levels experienced by clinicians within the dental surgery were well below the legislative LEAV thresholds for both peak and continuous noise. However, noise levels produced by laboratory equipment were far higher and there is clearly the potential for excessive noise exposure for dental professional in the everyday setting. Dental professionals responsible for dental laboratory settings must be familiar with the CNW regulations and measures put in place that control the inadvertent breach of legislation. Hearing protection must be mandated when using equipment that exceeds the LEAV and an educational programme is required to explain both their correct use and the rationale behind it. Methods of mitigating that risk further require exploration such as alternative methods of completing the tasks performed by the airline or reducing the noise generated by it, such as by reducing the supply pressure or using an alternative nozzle design.

[Legislative framework and legal regulation of dental care organization to patients with infectious diseases]. / Zakonodatel'naia osnova i normativnoe pravovoe obespechenie okazaniia stomatologicheskoi pomoshchi infektsionnym bol'nym.

The existing normative legal framework does not fully correspond to modern requirements for the organization and delivering dental care for adult population with various infectious diseases. The authors basing on the analysis of regulatory guidelines consider that in order to provide timely, high-quality and affordable medical care to patients in the infectious diseases departments and clinical hospitals, it is necessary to update the normative legal framework and develop criteria for monitoring the quality of dental care for infectious patients at the stages of its delivering.

[Organizational and legal aspects of implant dentistry according to the analysis of judicial practice]. / Organizatsionno-pravovye aspekty okazaniia stomatologicheskoi pomoshchi s primeneniem implantatov s uchetom analiza sudebnoi pravoprimenitel'noi praktiki.

The aim of the study was the analysis of complex forensic examinations and decisions of civil courts in cases related to poor-quality provision of implant care in 2013-2016. It determines specific features and algorithms for optimization of legislative protection system for dental surgeons and prosthodontist by provision of implant-related dental care.

A Public Health Perspective on Paying for Dentistry, the Affordable Care Act, and Looking to the Future.

Health care costs have traditionally been provider generated whereas payment has been split between public and private sources. There has been little pressure on health care providers to demonstrate value. The quest for value in health care financing is now widely evident as demonstrated by governmental and private sector pursuits of a 3-part aim: better health outcomes at lower cost with improved patient and population experience. Value-based approaches involve payment innovation with its attendant constraints and opportunities for innovation. This contribution posits a growing role for dental public health by exploring interfaces with these forces within the contexts of US dental care financing.

'Blowing the whistle': the ethical, professional and legal implications of raising concerns and self-regulation within dentistry.

'Whistle-blowers' are a necessary part of any system; dentistry is no different. The role of whistle-blowers in dentistry has been enshrined in Australian law since 2010. Raising concerns has become a legal duty as well as an ethical and professional obligation. It is important that these different aspects of raising concerns are explored as each adds another layer of consideration to the issue. The health professional's duty to whistle-blow could be viewed as problematic; the observance of this duty is associated with being 'trapped between a rock and a hard place' where any decision to engage or not may have negative consequences. For the obligation of raising concerns to gain acceptability within the dental profession, the concept requires reframing as being necessary for the profession's continued success. The stigma of mandatory reporting needs to be removed to allow this essential process to occur. This article will discuss the ethical, professional and legal imperatives for the dental profession to engage with whistle-blowing and the likely challenges that are likely to be met in doing so.

Oral Health Care in Rural America.

(1) Rural Americans are twice as likely to lose their adult teeth as their urban counterparts. (2) Seventy-two percent of the country is classified as rural, but is home to only 15 percent of the population (46.2 million people). (3) According to the Pew Center on the States, rural residents are more likely to use emergency departments for their oral health needs because of a lack of dental insurance and a shortage of dental providers.

Experiences of the Kansas Extended Care Permit Providers: A descriptive study.

Purpose: A total of 40 states to date have expanded the role of dental hygienists with the goal of improving access to basic oral health services for underserved populations. In Kansas, legislative changes have resulted in the Extended Care Permit (ECP) designation. The purpose of this study is to describe the experiences of registered dental hygienists in Kansas holding ECP certificates (ECP RDH) as of July of 2014.Methods: Secondary data analysis was performed utilizing data collected from a survey conducted in 2014 by Oral Health Kansas. All registered ECP RDH's were sent the 32-item survey via Survey Monkey®. Descriptive statistical analyses consisted of frequency distributions, and measures of central tendency. Inferential analyses using t-tests and ANOVA were conducted to compare groups.Results: A total of 73 responses were received from the (n= 176) surveys that were e-mailed for a 41% response rate. Of the clinicians who responded, 80%, worked at least part-time and in school settings. The most consistent barriers to providing care were the inability to directly bill insurance (52%), financial sustainability (42%) and physical requirements (42%). Follow-up tests found significant differencs between clinician groups when examining barriers.Conclusion: Although the ECP legislation appears to be expanding access to care for citizens in Kansas, significant barriers still exist in making this a viable model for oral healthcare delivery.

Medical malpractice: An introduction for the dental practitioner.

With the plethora of medical malpractice claims, health care providers are forced to deal not only with medical matters but also with legal issues. Thus, unfortunately, every time health care providers give a medical treatment, they should be aware of the legal implications of their act. Most medical malpractice cases will be resolved in civil law and will have financial implications, but in extreme cases (such as causing death by negligence) criminal procedure may also be conducted, meaning criminal sanctions (imprisonment or fine). This paper is intended to provide dental practitioners with an introduction to basic legal knowledge and concepts regarding medical malpractice law along with a short legal overview regarding the liability regime in different countries. The paper focuses on tort law and the meaning of "negligence," reviewing the main different liability regimes that exist and the legal elements that must be proven in each regime in order to receive compensation. In an era of increase in medical malpractice law suits, it is essential that physicians and dental professionals recognize the basic legal concepts of medical malpractice.