By Dr. Sarah Parsons, D.D.S. Private Practice Dentist and Associate Executive Director of The Dentist Professional Liability Trust of Colorado
An unexpected treatment outcome can be stressful for both a patient and the dentist. Patients want answers, and dentists want to address concerns with honesty and compassion. Yet the fear that a conversation could later be used in a lawsuit can make those discussions feel difficult.
Colorado’s Candor Act offers a structured path forward: an opportunity for open, protected communication after a qualifying adverse incident. Enacted in 2019, the law can help dentists and patients work toward understanding and resolution.
An opportunity to rebuild understanding
A patient who feels heard may be better able to understand an unexpected outcome.
Candor creates room to explain findings, answer questions, discuss prevention, and an appropriate path forward. Under Colorado law, the Dentist must initiate the Candor process by sending a written notice to the patient within 180 days of adverse incident. The TRUST assigns legal counsel to help our Colorado Dentist navigate and prepare for a Candor meeting. This preparation and representation allow the TRUST Dentists to have more successful Candor outcomes and hopefully deter a formal lawsuit from being filed.
Contact the Trust early
If an outcome raises concerns, contact the Trust promptly before attempting to arrange a Candor meeting. We can work with legal counsel to evaluate the circumstances, reporting implications, and required steps.
You do not have to navigate a difficult patient situation alone. The Trust is here to help you respond thoughtfully, protect your interests, and keep patient care at the center of the conversation.
For dentists. By dentists. It’s personal.
“I’ve been with Dental Trust since completing my residency, and I can wholeheartedly attest to their exceptional professionalism and commitment. Their open communication always makes me feel valued and understood, with my best interests consistently prioritized. Dental Trust has stood by me, providing unparalleled support, and ensuring I’m well taken care of. I’m grateful to be part of the Dental Trust family and highly recommend them to any dental professional seeking trustworthy coverage.”
“I had insurance coverage with the AAO for over 20 years and switched to the Trust seven years ago. The AAO was fine, but I never had anyone to reach out to, when I had questions or concerns about patients. Having a personal connection with my local peers, like Dr. Delapp and Dr Geck at the Trust, has made it easy to discuss those difficult circumstances which we all have. Honestly, I would rather have my insurance contact being in Denver, vs calling a 1-800 number, probably one of the best moves I’ve made to protect my practice.”
“I have been practicing dentistry in the state of Colorado since 2007. It is an absolute privilege to work with The Trust. I am proud to be part of a member owned, non-profit organization where I am represented and supported by my peers. The Trust has given me advice in many aspects of private practice. This organization uses dentists to examine claims, and the best legal teams to guide you. They are professional and understand what the stresses and challenges are of being a dental professional. There are times in our careers where we are working long days or late night and we need advice. The Trust will be there for you 100%. I support The Trust as much as they support me. I would not want to practice without them.”
“It’s so nice to have a support system such as the Trust to help navigate through a situation. I greatly appreciate what you do to support dentists like myself throughout the entire state. Thank you, Thank you!"
"I have been working with the Trust for a total of 5 years. They have made it very easy to reach out for advice and are always protecting the dentist. They are a valuable resource and are consistently professional. The rates are very reasonable but more importantly, the resources and support you are getting by becoming a Member of the Trust is invaluable."
"Here’s my experience with The Dentists Professional Liability Trust as one of its defense attorneys: it exclusively uses seasoned dentists as claim professionals, so they know the dentistry, provide excellent assistance to legal counsel, and understand the emotional toll of having a patient sue, even though you’ve done your best. The Trust provides sound, honest advice to avoid or resolve conflicts; it arranges immediate legal help for insureds if complaints are made to the Colorado Dental Board; and if litigation is unavoidable, it lends thoughtful, steady support. It is a superior insurer."
"I brag to my friends in other states about the tremendous advantage Colorado dentists have with the Trust. I have more confidence knowing that a group of dentists are supporting me and looking out for my best interests and my practice. I'm assured knowing that I can call them anytime, with any question, and I'm able to talk to an actual practicing dentist. I feel like the Trust cares for me and my practice."
“The Trust is one of our state's most unique and beneficial resources for Colorado dentists and dental specialists. It offers exceptional value and excellent representation coupled with a very professional and knowledgeable staff who are always willing to offer advice and resources to ensure optimal risk management for our practices.”
“I have participated in The Trust since their establishment in 1987, and value their competent, professional staff, their reasonable rates, and their sound business practices. They have built a wonderful reputation for serving and protecting Colorado dentists! Their coverage cannot be beat!”
“I would be happy to share with my colleagues that my participation in the Trust over the past 25 years has been a consistent source of security, comfort, predictability and stability for my dental practice. I rest a little easier knowing that the folks at the Trust have engineered a liability safety net that provides excellent protection for my practice and family assets. I cannot imagine practicing without this critical coverage.”