If dentists have taken a 60-hour course that includes 10 clinical cases (e.g. back in 2007, Minnesota offered a course prior with only 10 clinical cases), would the DEB consider working with them on an acceptable way that they could obtain an additional 10 cases in order to meet the requirements (60 hours and 20 clinical cases) for the Class II permit without having to find another 60-hour course that specifically includes 20 rather than 10 clinical cases?

Sedation

The rule as written will not allow this at the present time. The 10 additional cases are required in order for the course to be approved.

See this year’s exhibitors

InSession Exhibitors

A-Dec Advantage Technologies AFTCO Ameritas Group Dental Association Gloves Belmont Equipment BQ Ergonomics Brasseler USA Carestream Dental/Kodak Dental Systems Centrix Inc. Cherry Tree Dental Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin Colgate COSMODENT, INC. D&S Dental Laboratory, Inc. Dairyland Handpiece Express DDS Refining/Medidenta DeLeers Construction, Inc. Delta Dental of Wisconsin Dental Health Products DentalMarketing.net Dentsply Implants Dentsply… Continue Reading See this year’s exhibitors

What do I need to be concerned about if a patient requests that I not do an exam or take X-rays (e.g., because of fear of radiation or financial reasons)?

X-rays and Exams

Wisconsin law requires that patients being seen by a dental hygienist without the dentist present must have been examined by the dentist within the last 12 months. It doesn’t dictate how often exams must be provided if the dentist is always present but from a liability standpoint, a dentist should examine a patient on a… Continue Reading What do I need to be concerned about if a patient requests that I not do an exam or take X-rays (e.g., because of fear of radiation or financial reasons)?

How can I end a doctor/patient relationship and avoid abandonment?

Patient Abandonment

The doctor/patient relationship is the central focus of any dental practice. There are legal issues to consider for properly ending the doctor/patient relationship. The relationship can terminate for many reasons. Some of the typical reasons the relationship might end are: The patient changes dentists The patient moves The dentist moves The dentist retires, or sells… Continue Reading How can I end a doctor/patient relationship and avoid abandonment?

What is the statute regarding mandatory coverage for temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?

Mandatory Insurance/Benefit Coverage

In 1997, the Wisconsin statutes were changed to include insurance mandates for TMD coverage. 632.895 Mandatory coverage. (1) Definitions. In this section: (a) “Disability insurance policies” mean surgical, medical, hospital, major medical or other health service coverage but does not include hospital indemnity policies or ancillary coverage such as income continuation, loss of time or… Continue Reading What is the statute regarding mandatory coverage for temporomandibular disorder (TMD)?

What is the statute regarding mandatory coverage for hospitalization and general anesthesia?

Mandatory Insurance/Benefit Coverage

In 1997, Wisconsin statutes were changed to include an insurance mandate for coverage of anesthesia and hospital charges relating to the delivery of oral health care services. The mandate reads as follows: 632.895 Mandatory coverage. (1) Definitions. In this section: (a) “Disability insurance policies” mean surgical, medical, hospital, major medical or other health service coverage… Continue Reading What is the statute regarding mandatory coverage for hospitalization and general anesthesia?

What is the statute of limitations for dental malpractice actions?

Malpractice

The statute of limitations for dental malpractice actions based upon an injury arising from any treatment or any omitted treatment by a dentist is 893.44(1), Stats. The statute provides that the action must be commenced within the later of: Three years from the date of the injury One year from the date the injury was… Continue Reading What is the statute of limitations for dental malpractice actions?

Where can I obtain information about amalgam recycling and dental waste guidelines? Is it mandated that I install a separator?

Amalgam Recycling and Dental Waste

The WDA developed a Best Management Practices brochure on how to manage dental office waste. It includes a contact sheet on various vendors in the state that are licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to assist you in your recycling needs. This can be accessed at WDA.org. Yes, this is a nationwide deferral… Continue Reading Where can I obtain information about amalgam recycling and dental waste guidelines? Is it mandated that I install a separator?