Starting a Dental Practice Key Terms

Understand dental practice terms to ensure proper setup

By Casey Holley

Starting a dental practice is a big step for any dentist. Some dentists start their own practice from the ground up and others opt to purchase an existing dental practice. Regardless of the method you choose to start your practice, there are some key terms you must understand to ensure that your practice is legal. Once you understand the terms associated with opening a dental practice, you can help your staff to understand the terms. This, in turn, will lead to a more efficient office.

Business owner's policy vs. malpractice insurance

Every dentist office should have an insurance policy. This can be called a business owner's policy or malpractice insurance. While the terms mean basically the same thing, there are some significant differences. A business owner's policy is more comprehensive. It covers the equipment and files in the practice, as well as protects your business from dissatisfied patients and instances of unintentional malpractice.
Try: Dentist's Advantage provides information on different types of insurance coverage you will need for your practice.

Licensure by reciprocity

Dental licensure refers to the type of dental license you have. Licensure by reciprocity means that although your license was issued by one agency or board, another agency or board is honoring it. This is done only by a formal agreement between the two and is only valid when both agencies have similar requirements.
Try: The American Dental Association provides in-depth information about dental licensure, including helpful information regarding licensure by reciprocity.

Sedation dentistry

In sedation dentistry, you provide your patients with a way to overcome dental anxiety through a combination of medications and other relaxation techniques. When you start a dental practice, you have to find a way to stand out from the crowd. Sedation dentistry, which requires a special license, provides this opportunity.
Try: Sedation Care provides information about sedation dentistry.

Dental insurance

A common misconception is that dental insurance is comprehensive insurance. However, unlike traditional health insurance, dental insurance is structured more as a discount plan than insurance. In almost every instance, a co-pay will be required from your patient. Knowing the specifics of dental insurance can help your staff to prepare your patients for the financial impact of the visit ahead of time, which can help to decrease delinquent accounts.
Try: You can find information about dental insurance on Animated-Teeth.com. This website details various types of plans.

Infection control

Infection control is necessary in any medical setting. It is what prevents illnesses and contagious diseases from getting passed from one person to another. Ensuring that your employees wash their hands, and using sanitizing equipment and disposable instruments are ways to encourage infection control.
Try: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website offers information, including slide slows, to help you to fully understand all the infection control measures necessary for a dental office.

Dental assistant vs. dental hygienist

A dental assistant is a person who helps the dentist by preparing equipment, sterilizing instruments and ensuring patient comfort during an office visit. A dental hygienist is licensed to perform certain procedures, such as routine cleanings on patients.
Try: The U.S. Department of Labor offers in-depth information about dental assistants. The information includes education requirements and normal job duties. American Dental Hygienists' Association provides an overview and educational requirements for dental hygienists.