Compliance is not a silver bullet but a continuous series of risk assessments and improvements. Many have false notions about compliance, most notably, a perception of the need for compliance in the first place. Some myths that may be far from the truth are as below:
A well-structured and vigorous compliance program allows dental practices irrespective of size to benefit, as being compliant helps the practice follow guidelines, adhere to ethical standards, and abide by the regulations. A compliant dental practice aids in avoiding potential legal issues, managing patient data effectively, and maintaining the safety of patients and staff.
The extent and requirements may differ, based on the size of the practice. It would not change the need for a compliance program. Instilling a culture of accountability and integrity would greatly benefit a developing practice and would increase its reputation value.
Compliance aids dental practices in staying away from legal issues and it is an ongoing process that reduces probable risk. As part of the ongoing process, it also ensures that pre-emptive steps are put in place to skip legal trouble.
At the same time, one cannot disregard unforeseen circumstances or even just human errors that cause potential setbacks or harm to the dental practice. Due to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the regulatory landscape, not keeping up with the same or updating policies could cause a case of a compliance breach
The need for compliance does stem from following guidelines and policies, however, about an oral healthcare practice, it is more than a legal mandate. Compliance not only assures and provides customers with a certain quality standard of dental care but also strengthens bonds with customers.
Establishing an ethos of compliance raises the standards of the practice and shields it from legal setbacks and financial challenges. The benefits of staying compliant are hence worth the energy and time spent on it by the dental team.
Compliance might cost money and seem like an expensive proposition. But for a dental practice, it can pay huge dividends in the long run especially as the practice grows and scales. When the dental team consciously follows set guidelines, the practice can evade steep penalties and build a strong reputation. It can assist the practice in defending against legal liabilities.
An investment in a robust compliance program can help save money in the long run. In a complex business landscape, it holds the key to a sustainable business. It results in a practice that thrives and not one that seems undependable by employees and patients. In many cases, the cost of non-compliance can be greater than the cost of staying compliant.
A dental practice, depending on size, can have a compliance team or a compliance officer to manage and ensure compliance demands for operating the business are met. This helps the practice to make a shift from being reactive to proactive by following guidelines and avoiding unwanted offenses that can be committed knowingly or unknowingly.
It is important to note that multiple teams in a business are responsible for many aspects of compliance. The compliance team can act as an anchor to support and orchestrate the overall compliance efforts of the practice. The staff needs to be trained periodically on the various components of a compliance program. The management and proprietors of the business also need to spearhead and instill the spirit of compliance across the organization.
In today’s competitive business scenario, a dental practice cannot operate in a static or isolated environment. Economy, technology, competition, and consumer behavior are dynamic variables that can drastically affect how a dental practice responds to change.
The environment within which the dental care industry operates is always evolving. Coding, insurance rules, and guidelines from regulatory bodies keep changing making compliance a challenge. A compliance program is dynamic as it must reflect constant change and demands.
Compliance is not a burden to a practice nor an unnecessary investment. It does not hinder profits but can be profitable for a dental practice in the long run. Compliance is everyone’s responsibility and the entire organization needs to support the compliance team or compliance officer in making the practice compliant.
