Dentists are obligated to document and report suspected cases of abuse in all states, and dental hygienists are similarly obligated in some, but not all, states. The obligation is not to prove abuse or neglect, just to report what is suspected. Each state has different regulations on mandatory reporting for healthcare and other professionals, as well as specific reporting requirements for private citizens. It is essential that dental professionals know the potential signs and symptoms of the various types of abuse, are able to identify these, and understand the mandatory requirements for reporting in the state(s) in which they live and practice. It is by identifying, documenting and reporting abuse that victims can be protected and perpetrators prevented from continuing abusive practices and patterns.

One of the most dangerous risks a small business faces is being the target of fraud or embezzlement. Over one-third of all dental practices have experienced fraud at least once, but distressingly, few dentists are properly trained or equipped to prevent it. In a small business, fraud comes in many varieties, including skimming, lapping, payroll fraud, and out-and-out larceny, among others. Each has its own modus operandi and telltale signs, but there are broader measures a dentist can take to safeguard his own practice. These range from prehiring screening techniques to using secure accounting software and even retaining a private investigator. If the dentist is married, the spouse can also play a valuable role when it comes to fraud prevention. In the event that an embezzler is found within the dentist’s staff, proper steps need to be taken in order to ensure that any legal action taken is as effective as possible. Despite the large number of dentists who have been or are victims of embezzlement, they don’t have to be easy targets.