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(well versed in New York law) can prove to be valuable with situations leading to potential mal-
practice claims such as unexpected/bad outcomes, dissatisfied/difficult patients, refunds, and
regulatory questions.

Fighting for the New York Dental Community: A final consideration in choosing the right dental mal-
practice insurance carrier is whether the carrier is vested in fighting for the interests of New York
dentists. Is the carrier active in fighting legislation that would expand dental malpractice liability
like the pending Grieving Families Act? Does the carrier have a record of fighting for tort reform
and supporting legislative efforts to lessen malpractice for the dental community. Has the carrier
partnered and collaborated with organized dentistry to lessen malpractice liability? Has the carri-
er regularly engaged in risk management education to help mitigate claims and/or liability? Part-
nering with a carrier that supports the dental community makes you part of the team fighting for
tort reform.

Choosing the right dental malpractice insurance carrier is an important decision in your professional ca-
reer. Choosing the right one based upon the considerations above will afford you support and guidance
before claims occur, provide you with ways to avoid malpractice claims, and provide you with protection
as well as peace of mind in the unfortunate event you are the subject of malpractice claim.

Al Anthony Mercado, Esq. is Managing Attorney of the Downstate
Region of the law firm Mercado May-Skinner and an employee of
MLMIC Insurance Company.

Member Article |Dentists As Inventors (cont.)

Schattner had a chemistry background and was experimenting with phenol when he discovered a mouth-
wash version of what he’d come to call Chloraseptic. Throughout the rest of his life, he focused on devel-
oping germicidal products for a range of industries. He held numerous patents and created disinfectants,
carpet shampoos, fabric cleaners, and the chemical sterilizer Sporicidin.

Finally, a Hong Kong dentist named Dr. Ng Tze-chuen, enjoyed inventing and solving unique problems as
much as doing dentistry. He came up with many ideas, but one of them made it to outer space. A special
pair of forceps he created as a possible appendage for a surgical robot turned out to be perfect for use in
space. The forceps have a simple locking mechanism, allowing them to continually grip something with-
out additional pressure being applied. After working with the Russian space agency and Hong Kong Poly-
technic University, the forceps he designed were sent to the Mir space station in 1997.

These are just a handful of our fellow dentists who chose to get out of the operatory and use their skills
in unique and different ways. Are any of you our next budding inventor? Let us know!

Do you have a unique hobby, side hustle, or story to share?
We would like to have a regular section of the Bulletin that highlights a member with a unique or special hobby, side business or story to tell. Maybe
you skydive or paint? Perhaps you have a unique collection of memorabilia, have a side business or help with a local charity organization. Maybe you
just have a fun story to tell from your years in practice. Whatever it is, we’d like to hear about it. Send us the story and a few pictures, if applicable, and
maybe you’ll see yourself in our next issue. Submissions should be sent as a word document to: eporcelli@nassaudental.org

Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ (516) 227-1112 | 29