Dental Practice Acts Webinar-Dental Practice Acts

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, hosted by the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, introduces the California Dental Practice Act course (first in a three-course CE sequence) and features dental law attorney Ali Oromchian. Oromchian frames compliance as a series of “subtle choices” that determine whether practices face serious consequences.<br /><br />He emphasizes that Dental Board violations extend beyond fines: disciplinary actions become public, can damage patient trust, jeopardize loans and insurance credentialing, and may lead to probation, suspension, or revocation. The Dental Board’s mandate is public protection, and investigations can begin from any complaint (patients, staff, or competitors), often moving quickly.<br /><br />Key compliance risks discussed include: timely license renewals (no grace period for practicing after expiration), accurate disclosures on renewals (underreporting is worse than reporting), and clear identification of who practices in the office (posting names and/or compliant name tags). He warns about misleading advertising—especially overstated specialties, unclear pricing language, or “painless dentistry” claims—and highlights fee-splitting and improper third-party arrangements as major pitfalls.<br /><br />Operational topics include proper corporate/fictitious name filings, additional office permits, and communication requirements for translated medication directions and accommodations for deaf/hard-of-hearing patients. He reviews mandatory reporting for adverse events and the proper sequence for offering patient financing (treatment plan before credit).<br /><br />Oromchian also covers delegation and supervision rules for dental auxiliaries, required training timelines for dental assistants, and the need to post permitted duties in common staff areas. He concludes with mandatory reporting obligations for suspected child abuse and elder/dependent adult abuse, stressing that reasonable suspicion—not proof—triggers reporting. He urges attendees to write down three action items to implement immediately.

Keywords

California Dental Practice Act

California Society of Pediatric Dentistry

dental law compliance

Dental Board of California investigations

license renewal requirements

disciplinary action public record

dental advertising regulations

misleading specialty claims

fee splitting prohibition

third-party dental arrangements

corporate and fictitious name filings

additional office permit

translated medication directions

accommodations for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients

mandatory reporting child and elder abuse