The threat of employment practices liability claims against dentists should be taken seriously. Even charges without merit require costly legal defense to properly address. Unfortunately, some dental offices lack even the most basic policies and procedures that could help reduce these types of risks. Here are some tips to reduce your exposure:
• One of the least costly but most effective ways to begin addressing these risks is by having an employee handbook that sets formal personnel policies and expectations in your office.
• Other important steps include formal job descriptions, regular performance appraisals and properly documented employment decisions. Your best defense will be a well-maintained employee file and thorough record keeping.
• Another critical piece of the puzzle is adding Employment Practices Liability insurance to your portfolio. Premiums for this important coverage are generally quite reasonable. However, it is not automatically included on many policies, so don’t assume you already have it.