As an orthodontist, charting is an essential part of your daily work. Accurate and efficient charting and documentation can also keep you and your team out of hot water when it comes to communication with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. In this short lecture, I will show you the important items to consider when charting as an orthodontist, and you will also see what “not to do” as shown by several cases I have recently reviewed as an expert witness for the California Dental Board. Excellent documentation is crucial for providing quality patient care, and minimizing the risk of legal issues. Ensure that your office’s charting meets professional standards and guidelines!
1. Identify key components of Diagnosis and Treatment Planning that should be included in the patient’s chart.
2. Distinguish essential items that should be included in the treatment record and chart for each appointment visit.
3. Describe why sloppy and neglectful charting can lead to trouble with the Dental Board and/or legal ramifications.
1. I have only had 3 staff members leave me in 12 years of practice—1 retired, 1 moved out of state, and 1 decided to be a stay at home mom!! 😊
2. I LOVE to dance and I am a back-up dancer for the all-orthodontist jam band, Relapse!
3. In my next life, I am coming back as a professional party planner…I love ridiculously over the top themed parties!
Dr. Lauren Manfred grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and moved westward to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Arizona. She then attended the UCLA School of Dentistry, where she graduated with Cum Laude honors in 2009, and went on to complete her Orthodontic residency at Oregon Health & Science University where she graduated at the top of her class in 2011. Dr. Manfred maintains a private practice in Fountain Valley, California, where she describes her office as fun, family-oriented, and focused on excellent customer service. Dr. Manfred enjoys working as an expert witness for the California Dental Board, serving the community by protecting both the public as well as the integrity of the orthodontic profession. Dr. Manfred stays current with her continuing education by participating in the prestigious Academy of Orthodontic Excellence in Newport Beach. Dr. Manfred feels strongly about giving back to the community, as she plays an active role in volunteerism as a member of the Board of Directors for Connecting Hands Orange County– an incredible grassroots organization of women helping women. When she’s not in the office, Dr. Manfred resides in Newport Beach with her husband, Brian, and their 2 sons, Reid and Hayes, where they enjoy all the beauties of coastal living!