Risk management--a pediatric dentist's view

The term "risk management" is a relatively new one for most practicing dentists. The concept of risk management comes from hospitals, where programs targeted at reducing or preventing financial awards and settlements have been implemented over the last ten years in response to trends in litigation. For hospitals and professional liability insurers, it is the financial risk or exposure that is of primary importance. To individual practitioners, the emotional stress and potential damage to professional reputation that may accompany charges of malpractice are also substantial risks worthy of "management."