Risk Management for Dentists: Mock Trial

Thursday, January 28, 2027

2:00 – 4:00 pm

Course Code:

426TL

Cost:

$94

Credits:

2

CE Hours

Dentist
Lecture
Practice Management

This interactive mock trial will take a close look at an actual lawsuit brought by a patient against a dentist involving an allegation of negligent impacted third molar extraction. The course will demonstrate the steps and processes in a dental malpractice case—from the early claim investigation through litigation preparation and the mock trial presentation. Participants will view key evidence, hear witness and expert testimony, listen to attorney arguments, and render a mock verdict before learning the real outcome. The program will emphasize practical risk management takeaways for dentists, including informed consent, documentation, communication and follow-up, and how post-operative management can influence liability exposure.

Speakers

After this course attendees will be able to:

  • Identify the legal elements of dental malpractice and how they relate to the “standard of care”
  • Describe how a dental malpractice case is developed and evaluated, including the roles of fact witnesses, expert witnesses, and documentation
  • Explain why accurate, objective recordkeeping is critical to patient safety and litigation defense, including common pitfalls in electronic records
  • Apply risk management principles to reduce exposure, with emphasis on informed consent/informed refusal and documenting material risks, benefits, and alternatives
  • Recognize how communication, follow-up, and referral “closed-loop” practices can affect both clinical outcomes and liability risk
  • Discuss ethical principles and professional obligations that commonly arise in claim scenarios

*Attendees will be eligible for 5% risk management discount on their professional liability premium with EDIC.

The Massachusetts Dental Society is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at

ADA.org/CERP