Closing the Series & Applying These Insights to Your Practice
When you started this series, did you ever imagine you would gain so much insight from a single disciplinary case?
The case of Dr. A.R. wasn’t just about one dentist’s mistakes—it was a window into the standards, expectations, and legal responsibilities that shape our profession. From overlooking periodontal evaluations to incomplete documentation and a failure to communicate with patients, each issue highlighted real-world challenges that many dental professionals face, often without realizing the potential consequences.
If nothing else, this case has shown us that the smallest oversights can have lasting impacts. But more importantly, it’s proven that knowledge is power. When we understand the standards we’re held to, we gain clarity, confidence, and control over our own professional futures.
As we close this series, let’s take a moment to reflect:
- What stood out to you the most?
- Did this case challenge the way you think about documentation or patient communication?
- What small changes could you make today to strengthen your practice?
Let’s dive into the five biggest lessons from this series—and explore how we can apply them to protect our careers, serve our patients better, and elevate the profession as a whole.
📝 Download a PDF copy of the case
1. Periodontal Evaluations: The Foundation of Every Treatment Plan
Skipping a comprehensive periodontal evaluation may seem like a minor oversight, but as we saw in Dr. A.R.’s case, it’s anything but. Without a clear periodontal assessment, undetected disease can compromise treatment outcomes, restorations, and overall patient health.
What This Means for Your Practice:
A comprehensive periodontal evaluation should be part of every new patient exam—and if existing patients haven’t had one, it’s time to start now.
✔ Measure pocket depths and clinical attachment levels
✔ Identify systemic risk factors
✔ Document radiographic bone levels
For existing patients who have never had a full periodontal evaluation, there’s no better time to start than now. Incorporate it into their next exam, particularly if there has been a significant change in their medical history.
Proper documentation doesn’t just support clinical decisions—it protects your license.
2. Documentation: The Greatest Shield in Dentistry
If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen—and in Dr. A.R.’s case, his lack of thorough records left him defenseless. Missing diagnostic justifications, procedural details, and post-operative notes created gaps in his case that could not be explained.
What This Means for Your Practice:
Your records should tell the full story—clear enough that, years later, another provider (or an investigator) could understand exactly why you made each clinical decision.
✔ Justify why a treatment was necessary
✔ Include detailed procedural notes
✔ Document post-op instructions and follow-up plans
Example:
Instead of: “RCT #9 completed.”
Write: “RCT #9, topical placed followed by 1 cartridge (1.7 mL) of 4% Septocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine administered via infiltration at tooth #9. Access cavity prepared with high-speed handpiece. Working length confirmed radiographically at 22mm. Canals irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl, dried, and obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. Final radiograph taken to confirm fill.”
Detailed documentation isn’t just about compliance—it’s about clinical integrity. If a Board complaint were filed tomorrow, would your notes tell the full story?
3. Patient Abandonment: A Dentist’s Worst Reputation Killer
Nothing breaks patient trust faster than being left without care—and in Dr. A.R.’s case, his failure to notify patients of his practice closure led to serious consequences.
What This Means for Your Practice:
Whether you’re closing your practice, selling it, or dismissing a patient, follow proper protocols to ensure a smooth transition.
✔ Notify patients well in advance through multiple channels
✔ Ensure access to records for a reasonable period
✔ Offer emergency care or referrals
Ghosting patients, even unintentionally, erodes trust in the profession and puts your license at risk.
4. The Florida Board of Dentistry: Knowledge Equals Freedom
Many dentists view the Board of Dentistry as a regulatory body that exists solely to discipline practitioners, but that’s not the full picture. The Board does not create the standards of care—it enforces them based on existing laws, professional guidelines, and best practices.
But here’s the real truth: The more you understand the regulations, the more freedom you have in your practice.
When you are well-informed about the legal and professional guidelines governing dentistry, you’re not constantly second-guessing yourself or fearing disciplinary action.
Instead, you gain:
✔ Confidence – You know exactly what’s expected of you.
✔ Clarity – You can make decisions without hesitation, knowing they align with the standards.
✔ Protection – You have a strong defense if a complaint is ever filed.
The dentists who run into trouble are often the ones who never took the time to fully understand the rules. The more informed you are, the more freedom you have to practice confidently and without fear.
5. Need Help Strengthening Your Practice? IgniteDDS Coaching Can Help
Running a dental practice comes with constant challenges—patient care, team leadership, compliance, and documentation can feel overwhelming. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At IgniteDDS Coaching, we help dentists create self-determined futures with expert guidance in hygiene coaching, clinical systems, documentation, team management, best business practices, and leadership development.
If you’re ready to take control of your practice and get the support you need, schedule a call with Dr. David Rice today.
Let’s build a practice that supports your goals, your team, and your patients.
Did You Enjoy This Series? We Want to Hear from You!
If you found this series valuable, email “Editor and Chief” of “Get Lit” Dr. Sable Muntean and let us know!
Your feedback helps shape future content—and we’re happy to explore other real cases that provide valuable lessons for dental professionals.
Thank you for joining me on this 6-week journey. Together let’s continue striving for excellence, integrity, and accountability in dentistry.
Download the PDF of the Case
Photo by Burak The Weekender
