Navigating compliance waters: Introduction to POPIA, HIPAA and GDPR for oral health practitioners

Abstract

In the complex field of oral healthcare, the regulatory landscape is always changing, creating both difficulties and possibilities for dentists and other stakeholders. Understanding and managing the currents of regulatory compliance becomes critical to the success and sustainability of dental offices. Dental professionals and stakeholders must follow regulations to preserve patient rights, provide excellent care and maintain healthcare systems integrity. These standards cover a wide range of topics, from data protection and 
patient confidentiality to billing procedures and infection control. Maintaining compliance in dentistry requires understanding 
local, national and international regulations. Dentists and oral health stakeholders must constantly modify their practices to meet the ever-changing compliance landscape, addressing not only present rules but also predicting and preparing for future alterations in regulatory requirements.