Dental Law Blog | The Health Law Firm Blog

Dentists File Class Action Lawsuit Against 3M over Faulty Dental Crown Materials

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

In April and May 2016, dentists from Florida, Georgia and Texas filed a class action lawsuits. Six suits have been filed in federal court in Minnesota against the Minneapolis-based 3M Co. (http://www.3m.com/). These have been consolidated by the federal court. Each of the complaints in these six cases alleges that 3M’s Lava Ultimate restorative material used to make dental crowns chair-side by dentists was defective. The suits claim the material contains defects that cause the crowns to de-bond inside patients’ mouths, come lose and need replacing. […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:45-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

It is Always a Bad Idea For a Dentist To…

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

In my 30 plus years of practice representing physicians, dentists, nurses and psychotherapists, I have defended clients involved in many different situations. Several of these seem to be problem areas which we see repeatedly.

Following is a list of those problems which it would seem to be common sense for a dentist or other health care professional to avoid doing. If you do any of these you can rest assured that you will eventually be confronted with charges and an investigation by your state licensing board, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), your national certification board, any facility […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:45-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

Former MetroHealth’s COO Charged In Dental Program Bribery Conspiracy

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Former MetroHealth Medical Center Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Dental Director Edward Hills was charged on October 25, 2016 for running a perplexed bribery and kickback conspiracy selling positions in the medical center’s residency program. According to an unsealed indictment in Ohio federal court, three other former hospital dentists were also charged for being involved in the scheme.

Bribed With Cash and Lavish Gifts.

Hills also served as MetroHealth’s interim president and chief executive officer. Allegedly, Hills started receiving lavish gifts back in 2008. These gifts included a $3,879 Louis Vuitton briefcase, a 55-inch television, as […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:45-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

Arizona Appeals Court Affirms Dentist’s Suspension Over Questionable Prescriptions

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On December 13, 2016, an Arizona appeals court affirmed the suspension of a dentist who allegedly had a history of opioid addiction and who also allegedly wrote dozens of questionable prescriptions. The Arizona appeals court held that the state dental board didn’t violate his due process rights and had substantial evidence backing its decision that it wasn’t safe for him to practice.

The Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One, concluded that the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners had acted within its authority by suspending Dr. Michael Wassef’s license to practice dentistry in the state. […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:45-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

It is Always a Bad Idea for a Doctor, Nurse or Health Professional to . . . .

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

My experience in representing doctors, nurses and other licensed health professionals in disciplinary cases has lead me to conclude, us to conclude, its is always a bad idea for them to:

1. Write a prescription for any medication for yourself.

2. Start a romantic relationship with a patient.

3. Take someone else’s prescription medication, ever.

4. Write a prescription for or treat a patient, especially a family member, for a condition outside the scope of his specialty (e.g., a dentist prescribing antibiotics to her children to treat a cold; a […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:45-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

20 Tips Plus a Bonus for Physicians Negotiating Their Own Employment Contracts

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

At The Health Law Firm, we often receive calls from physicians and health professionals about reviewing and negotiating contracts, preparing contracts, helping employers and employees enforce contracts, voiding contracts, getting out of contracts and litigating various contract provisions. Physicians and other health professionals should understand the common language and terms found in employment contracts for professionals so they can recognize mistakes commonly when negotiating them.

Our comments here are meant to provide general tips we have learned from our experience. However, please remember, every situation is different and there are exceptions to every rule. I have […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:45-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

If You Are a Dentist Facing Legal Challenges, Choose an Attorney Who is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

Dentists, nurses, pharmacists, health professionals, and health facilities often face legal challenges from many different sources. These challenges can come from federal and state regulators, medical malpractice trial lawyers, hospitals, clinics and colleagues. If you find yourself faced with a legal problem, the first person you should contact is an attorney who is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law.

A Board Certified Health Law Attorney is Your Legal Specialist.

To find a lawyer who has expertise in the area of law relating to your legal needs, the Supreme Court of Florida directed The […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:45-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

Florida Woman Who Performed Illegal Silicone Injections Sentenced After “Patient’s” Death

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On May 26, 2017, a Sanford, Florida, woman who performed illegal cosmetic silicone injections was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison. According to prosecutors, the illegal procedures done by Deanna Roberts, led to serious health problems and the death of a prominent night club performer.
Illegal Injections.

From reports, Deanna Roberts bought about 178 gallons of non-medical grade liquid silicone between 2004 and 2015. She apparently told officials checking on this that she used the substance to lubricate medical equipment, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Despite what she told officials, prosecutors said she falsely […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:45-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

Jury Awards $4.4 Million To Chicago Anesthesiologist Defrauded By Business Associate

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

On June 9, 2017, a jury in Illinois awarded a Chicago-area anesthesiologist nearly $4.4 million. The jury unanimously agreed that his business associate defrauded him on a revenue sharing agreement and fraudulently reported his earnings to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The jury found that Dr. Martin R. Hall, owner of Keystone Orthopedic Specialists SC (Keystone), stuck Dr. Nicholas Angelopoulos with unwarranted expenses throughout the course of their business dealings. The jury ultimately agreed in favor of Dr. Angelopoulos on all five counts, including two breach of contract counts, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and violation […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:45-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agents May Surprise You at Florida Board of Dentistry Meeting

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M. Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law

At several recent Florida Board meetings, after hearings at which disciplinary cases were considered by the Board, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents approached the health professional. Even in instances where the dentist was represented by an attorney and the attorney was there, the DEA agents confronted the professional involved.

What Were the DEA Agents Trying to Do?

In the cases where The Health Law Firm’s attorneys were there representing clients, the professional received some type of discipline on his or her license. Some of these were Settlement Agreements. The DEA Agent approached the professional and urged the […]

By The Health Law Firm|2024-03-14T10:01:45-04:00May 15, 2018|Dental Law Blog|