1. (a) The dentist has special knowledge which a dental patient does not have; therefore, to avoid misunderstanding, the dentist shall advise a patient, before beginning treatment, of the proposed treatment, and any reasonable alternatives, in a manner that allows the patient to become involved in treatment decisions.

2. (b) Such advice shall include, at a minimum:

   1. (1) the nature and extent of the treatment needed by such patient;
   2. (2) the approximate time required to perform the recommended dental treatment and services;
   3. (3) the terms and conditions of the payment of his fee; and
   4. (4) any further or additional service or returns by the patient or adjustments, repair, or consultation and the time within which this shall occur.
3. (c) On the written request of a patient, the licensed dentist shall provide, in plain language, a written explanation of the charges for professional services previously made on a bill or statement for the patient. For this rule, the term "plain language" means language that avoids terms of art or usage of words having specialized meaning in a context typically understood only by health care professionals.
4. (d) Neither the dentist nor his employee(s) shall mislead dental patients as to the gravity or lack thereof of such patient's dental needs.
5. (e) A dentist shall not flagrantly or persistently overcharge, overdiagnose, or overtreat a patient. For this rule the meaning of the term "overcharge" includes, but is not limited to, collecting or attempting to collect a fee without reasonable justification for any element of dental services provided to a patient that is in excess of the fee the dentist ordinarily charges to others for the same service.
6. (f) A dentist may not employ an auxiliary to perform any dental procedure which he cannot personally perform.

Source Note:The provisions of this §108.2 adopted to be effective February 20, 2001, 26 TexReg 1494.