MDA/DYSTE WILLIAMS WEBINAR: PATIENTS, DENTISTS & LAWYERS, OH MY! HOW COURTS RESOLVE CLAIMS AGAINST DENTISTS

What can you do about that gut-wrenching feeling that your practice will be destroyed upon receipt of a malpractice law suit? When defending yourself in an arena governed by unfamiliar rules, it helps to understand how juries resolve disputes between patients and dentists and what would be expected of you in court. Dentists win a vast majority of cases because the patient has the burden of proving their claim. However, you still play an important role and can perform best when you have a credible plan supported by records and presented calmly and confidently. Richard Small, JD, has tried cases on behalf of dentists for 20 years. In this session, he will provide insights on what to expect while defending a malpractice claim and how you can be prepared.

You will learn:

• How the litigation system processes malpractice claims.
• The players – patients, dentists, lawyers, experts, judges and juries.
• The role of credibility through documentation, communication and informed consent.
• The impact on your practice – costs, lessons learned, insurance considerations.

Eligible for 1.0 elective CE credit.

PRESENTER
Richard Small, JD, Risk Management Consultant | Dental & OMS Practice | Dyste Williams

Mr. Small is a nationally recognized speaker on risk management in the dental practice environment. He is general counsel for the Michigan Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Council of Michigan Dental Specialties and a risk management consultant for OMSNIC, Fortress, and other groups. He’s tried cases on behalf of dentists for 20 years in Michigan and in other states. He then became an insurance agent for dentists, while continuing to practice law for the following 20 years.