What dentists need to know about employment law: a review of the benefits and pitfalls of using employee handbooks and manuals

Article Abstract:

Dentists and other employers who wish to create employee handbooks should consult with lawyers because such documents may be interpreted as contracts in legal disputes. Employees may use such handbooks as evidence of job security even in the absence of a formal contract. These handbooks often become important with regard to processes leading up to firing employees. Handbooks may contain a disclaimer in which any promises to the employees are denied, regardless of language in the handbook that suggests such promises. However, employers who use such disclaimers must behave in a manner that is consistent with the disclaimer. Some courts may find that an employer's behavior suggested certain binding agreements and nullified any such disclaimers.

Laws, regulations and rules, Labor contracts, Employee handbooks

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Unions in dentistry

Article Abstract:

Forming unions may not be the best route for dentists to gain bargaining power with third party payers. Laws set up to protect the collective bargaining process apply only to employees. Most dentists are legally considered to be employers. Dentists' unions would have to follow the same competition laws and face the same consequences for breaking those laws as other unions as illustrated by a case in Indiana. Other ethical issues to consider when forming dental unions include the possibility of strikes and bargaining for wages.

Analysis, Cover Story, Labor relations, Dentists, Labor unions

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Treating hearing-impaired people: a look at the use of sign interpreters in dentistry

Article Abstract:

The author encourages use of a sign language interpreter for patients with impaired hearing. He discusses the law, which insists "effective communication" must take place in order that consent to medical treatment be proper, and discusses how that may be interpreted. He also discusses costs and availability.

Social aspects, Usage, Physiological aspects, Dentistry, Hearing impaired, Sign language, Hearing impaired persons

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