{"id":7008,"date":"2022-01-04T10:19:40","date_gmt":"2022-01-04T17:19:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/?p=7008"},"modified":"2022-01-04T10:19:40","modified_gmt":"2022-01-04T17:19:40","slug":"protect-your-dental-practice-from-embezzlement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/protect-your-dental-practice-from-embezzlement\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect Your Dental Practice from Embezzlement"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Embezzlement has long been a prevalent problem within the dental industry. According to statistics published by the American Dental Association, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ebusiness.ada.org\/assets\/docs\/2260.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">35% of dental practices<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> have been embezzled once with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ebusiness.ada.org\/assets\/docs\/2260.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">17%<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0having been\u00a0embezzled\u00a0more\u00a0than\u00a0once.\u00a0Read on to learn how you can protect your practice.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">The\u00a0true cost\u00a0of embezzlement\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:396,&quot;335559739&quot;:396,&quot;335559740&quot;:640}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Over the last decade, the incidence of embezzlement at dental practices has increased by\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentistrytoday.com\/post-pandemic-fraud-in-dental-practices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">over 34%.<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0With embezzlement becoming a more common occurrence at dental practices, it\u2019s\u00a0become even more important\u00a0to\u00a0safeguard your practice.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Beyond the immediate financial costs, embezzlement can also cost your practice:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Baskerville, Baskerville_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Emotional costs<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Baskerville, Baskerville_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Physical costs<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Baskerville, Baskerville_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Legal costs<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Baskerville, Baskerville_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Reputation costs<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Baskerville, Baskerville_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"2\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Compromised trust<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keeping an eye out for possible embezzlement may seem like a juxtaposition with your caring and trusting behavior as a dental professional.\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">But staying vigilant can help you reduce the risk of falling victim to embezzlement at some point in your career. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How to protect your dental practice from embezzlement<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:396,&quot;335559739&quot;:396,&quot;335559740&quot;:640}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What is embezzlement?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Embezzlement is distinguished from ordinary theft in that it is the taking of money or property by someone who is\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">trusted<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, commonly at the workplace.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Who is likely\u00a0to\u00a0commit\u00a0embezzlement?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">At a dental practice, the entrusted person\u00a0could be a long-time employee, office manager, or supervisor. While it can be hard to conceive that anyone on your team, particularly the highly trusted ones, can be\u00a0capable of embezzlement,\u00a0practice owners need to stay alert.\u00a0This is because a\u00a0person who commits embezzlement\u00a0will\u00a0leverage\u00a0your\u00a0trust\u00a0to\u00a0steal from your practice.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What does embezzlement look like?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Embezzlement can\u00a0include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"4\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cash payments<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"4\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Patient payments via check or charge details<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"4\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Making personal payments with\u00a0practice resources<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"4\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Fund diversion<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"4\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Direct theft of practice financial or physical resources<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Unfortunately, as employees commit embezzlement and\u00a0find they can\u00a0get away with it, they are likely to continue to steal.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How does embezzlement work?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">An embezzler can follow more than one scheme. Their tactics can be simple or complex.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Embezzlement can be classified\u00a0in\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ebusiness.ada.org\/assets\/docs\/2260.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">three large categories<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Corruption: These can include kickbacks, extortion,\u00a0and conflicts of interest.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Asset misappropriation: Under this category, an employee can use cash skimming, check tampering, fictitious reimbursements, and other tactics to steal cash or other property.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Fraudulent statements: Here, an employee can commit embezzlement through\u00a0fictitious\u00a0revenue, overstating or understating revenue, or concealing liabilities.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In practice, this can look like:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A patient\u2019s cash payment is pocketed without being recorded as paid<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A patient cash payment is pocketed and then recorded as a \u201cwrite-off\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Expenses and account records are falsified<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"6\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Insurance claims are\u00a0submitted\u00a0for fake claims and the reimbursement is pocketed<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">More technically savvy embezzlers can even hack into the office system as\u00a0a system administrator. Entries can be controlled and manipulated to not leave an audit trail.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The more scenarios you can be aware of the better prepared you can be to spot them and protect your financials.\u00a0For more examples of what embezzlement can look like at a dental practice, review this\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ebusiness.ada.org\/assets\/docs\/2260.PDF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">ADA publication<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0on how to protect your practice from embezzlement.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Be thorough in your hiring process<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:396,&quot;335559739&quot;:396,&quot;335559740&quot;:440}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You cannot create an embezzlement-free system. But you can be more intentional and discerning when\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/blog\/how-to-onboard-new-dental-practice-employees\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">hiring your team members<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0&#8211; especially those tasked with financial access.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"8\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Trace a potential hire\u2019s reputation.\u00a0\u00a0Learn all you can about their previous roles and employment &#8211; look for any\u00a0red flags.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Baskerville, Baskerville_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"8\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Be\u00a0sure to ask for a candidate\u2019s\u00a0references\u00a0from previous employers and complete a thorough background check.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"Baskerville, Baskerville_MSFontService, sans-serif\" data-listid=\"8\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Read between-the-lines on your reference checks. Listen\u00a0to overall themes and watch out for overly vague or evasive responses.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Be well-equipped with safeguards<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:396,&quot;335559739&quot;:396,&quot;335559740&quot;:440}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Once an employee is hired, it\u2019s imperative that you protect your practice with safeguards against embezzlement.\u00a0Security should be\u00a0a standard\u00a0operating procedure\u00a0for\u00a0your practice management system and software.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"10\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Create and deploy a thorough reporting system. Include checks-and-balances that tip towards accountability for all users.\u00a0Our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/solutions\/denticon\/advanced-security\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Denticon\u00a0Practice Management Solution<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0offers\u00a0audit trails\u00a0and granular user permissions to help practice owners monitor all user\u00a0activity to protect\u00a0their practice from embezzlement.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"10\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Establish daily, weekly, and monthly report reviews. Have more than one set of eyes looking through your records to spot any inaccuracies or suspicious data.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Password protection:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559685&quot;:20,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"12\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Exercise good password hygiene so employees aren\u2019t sharing the same password.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"12\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Be discerning about who\u00a0aside from\u00a0you has administrative permission on your system or software environment.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"12\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Keep passwords secure and not in\u00a0open view\u00a0(e.g.\u00a0on post-its, in an accessible notebook,\u00a0etc.)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"12\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Promote good password hygiene at your office by training each team member to keep their passwords secure.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"12\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Create passwords that are not intuitive (e.g.\u00a0\u201cdental practice,\u201d\u00a0etc.). Use best-practice password creation such as upper\/lower case\u00a0letters, symbols, numbers, etc.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>David Harris, Founder and CEO of Prosperident joined the Dental Economist Show to share his expertise on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8wZKxiV35uI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">embezzlement<\/a>. Check out the full episode <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/_a-2pbnH73s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Be responsible for\u00a0accountability controls and policies<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:396,&quot;335559739&quot;:396,&quot;335559740&quot;:440}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Embezzlers are often\u00a0skillful manipulators.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A skilled embezzler knows how to manipulate data, software, reports, and more. Stay a step ahead by building accountability and control into the access your team has to sensitive practice information.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"14\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Implement check protection procedures such as remote-deposit capture.\u00a0Such a\u00a0system\u00a0can scan\u00a0patient checks\u00a0and\u00a0\u201cbatches\u201d them for immediate deposit into your bank account.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"14\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ask your insurance provider network to have reimbursements directly deposited and reports sent to your practice.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"14\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Review your\u00a0daily journal (also known as a day sheet)\u00a0immediately\u00a0and note any suspicious changes.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"14\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Regularly review\u00a0your audit trail\u00a0report. Look for adjustments, etc.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"14\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Batch your credit card statements daily and compare charges with your day-sheet.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"14\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Compare your daily bank deposit slip with cash and checks received.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"14\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Review patient sign-in sheets to compare\/verify payment or\u00a0adjustment totals with treatment provided.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"14\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Close out each month to prevent users from modifying or deleting transactions.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our\u00a0Denticon\u00a0Practice Management Solution allows you to easily run daily journal reports, audit trail reports, and control user rights to set who has rights to\u00a0make\u00a0adjustments\u00a0or delete transactions.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Train your team around your accountability protocols. And review them occasionally in your team meetings.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"16\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Do a quarterly reporting procedure audit with your team. Make sure your protocols are being followed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:255,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"16\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cross-train team members. This keeps more than one set of eyes and hands on your financial procedures.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"-\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"16\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Be aware of team members who are \u201cterritorial.\u201d Encourage them to value their role while being willing to relinquish duties on occasion for the purpose of safeguarding accountability.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:113,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Choose a secure solution that will help you\u00a0monitor\u00a0your sensitive data and help protect your dental practice from embezzlement<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:396,&quot;335559739&quot;:396,&quot;335559740&quot;:440}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Planet DDS\u2019s\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/solutions\/denticon\/moving-to-denticon\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Denticon<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is a proven cloud-based dental practice management solution in today\u2019s market among solo private practices, private group practices, and emerging, midsize, and large DSOs. Denticon can help you prevent embezzlement by controlling security rights, user permissions, and user audit trails for every transaction by every single employee.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/contact-us\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Contact\u00a0us for more information<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0about how\u00a0Denticon\u00a0can help protect your practice from embezzlement.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:56,&quot;335559739&quot;:283,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Embezzlement has long been a prevalent problem within the dental industry. According to statistics published by the American Dental Association, 35% of dental practices have been embezzled once with 17%\u00a0having&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7009,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[146,243],"tags":[903,158,904,191,66,13,905,906,550,907,908,698,130,909,637,349,89,910,601,911,229,912,230,242,20,913,72,199,342,805,914,915],"class_list":["post-7008","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-practice-management","category-security","tag-audit-trails","tag-business","tag-common","tag-costs","tag-dental","tag-dentistry","tag-embezzle","tag-embezzlement","tag-employee","tag-fraud","tag-incidence","tag-increase","tag-industry","tag-kickbacks","tag-money","tag-passwords","tag-practice","tag-prevent","tag-protect","tag-red-flags","tag-reduce","tag-rights","tag-risk","tag-safeguard","tag-security","tag-skimming","tag-software","tag-team","tag-theft","tag-trust","tag-user-permission","tag-victim"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7008"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7008\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7008"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetdds.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}