After serving in the US Air Force and graduating from the University of Detroit School of Dentistry, William Fay, DDS, established a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area through which he has facilitated orthodontic care since 1971. In conjunction with his day-to-day responsibilities as an orthodontist, William Fay, DDS, holds membership with the American Association of Orthodontists.
In a January 2017 news release, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) provided guidance to practice owners on several property and liability factors that, if managed poorly, can have a significant impact on their financial well-being. While it’s not possible to guard against every possible scenario, the AAO does offer the following tips about some pitfalls that can be avoided:
Avoid speaking negatively about other orthodontic practices. It’s important to let the quality of one’s own work do the talking. Moreover, claims of reputational harm can be litigated and often wind up being costly in court.
Screen the driving records of employees who use their vehicles for business purposes, as accidents can be another potential source of liability and cost.
Perform regular inspections for electrical issues, such as overloaded outlets and damaged cords, as the neglectful use of electricity-powered equipment is to blame for than half of all workplace fires. Similarly, watch for and immediately address cracked sidewalks, burned-out light bulbs, and other common property issues that create an unsafe environment and can potentially lead to injury liability.
