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In this episode, Karen Wood discusses dental malpractice and risk management with Dr. Al Rizkalla. The podcast covers various aspects of dental malpractice, focusing on informed consent, documentation, patient interactions, and the critical role of detailed, ethical patient care. Dr. Rizkalla highlights common claims against dentists, the importance of effective communication with patients, and the necessity of thorough and accurate documentation. The episode also explores the significance of hiring well-trained staff and proactively using malpractice insurance resources, including risk management consultations and educational opportunities available through Dentist’s Choice.

HOST: Karen Wood manages the VDA Member Perks program. She has been in the dental field for over 20 years, having experience as a dental assistant, managing a periodontal practice, and working with dental teams as a sales consultant and trainer.   

GUEST(S): Dr. Al Rizkalla, Head of Professional Liability-Practice Risk Management – Dentist’s Choice graduated from Georgetown University School of Dentistry with honors in 1988. He also completed a General Practice residency at the Veterans Administration Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Dr. Rizkalla was the President of the Northern Virginia Dental Society (NVDS) and also represented NOVA for several years as a member of the Executive Board of the Virginia Dental Association (VDA). In 2013, Dr. Rizkalla was appointed to the Virginia Board of Dentistry, and in 2016, he was elected President of the Board. 

He has held several positions in the VDA and the NVDS, including Continuing Education Chair, Peer Review Committee Chair, Executive Committee Chair, Ethics Committee Chair, and Dental Health and Public Information Committee. He is an examiner for the CWC testing agency and previously served on the examination committee of ADEX. 

Dr. Rizkalla is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the VDA. Dr Rizkalla teaches Restorative Dentistry, Interdisciplinary Healthcare Ethics, and Practice Management. He is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the NVDS.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

VDA Member Perks: https://www.vdamemberperks.com/ The Virginia Dental Services Corporation (VDSC) was created as a subsidiary of the VDA to recommend products and services to the members of the VDA. By utilizing the VDA Member Perks-endorsed vendors, VDA members can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using recommended companies, take advantage of special benefits, and receive discounted pricing, all while supporting the VDA. Since 1997, the VDSC has been pleased to provide over $3.7 million in funding to the VDA, VDA Foundation, VCU School of Dentistry, and others.

Dr. Al Rizkalla Adel.rizkalla@aspen-insurance.com

R.K. Tongue Co., Inc. https://rktongue.com/ 800-638-6353

Michael Urbanik murbanik@rktongue.com 410-369-3957 

EPISODE CREDITS:

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Karen Wood

Guest(s): Dr. Al Rizkal

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The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Music in this episode from Epidemic Sound