Legal implications of using drugs and devices in the dental office

Choosing dental products that are FDA and/or ADA approved is a wise choice concerning their safety and efficacy for approved uses. However, the dentist must show that the product was indicated by a particular patient's needs. Uses of approved dental products in nonapproved ways or use of nonapproved products may be considered as negligence in some malpractice actions, but allowed under standards of reasonableness in other situations. The dentist must be able to justify decisions on a scientific basis. Legal ramifications of various decisions made in the context of difficult prescription choices are discussed.