Clinical Records Present Criminal Records

What if one missing note in your chart could cost you your license—or even your freedom?

That’s not a scare tactic—it’s exactly what happened to today’s guest, Dr. Roy Shelburne. A respected dentist turned federal inmate, Roy learned the hard way that poor documentation and billing practices can destroy even the most well-intentioned practice. Now, he's using his story to help others protect what they’ve built—and to ensure no one else has to go through what he did.

If you're running a dental practice and think documentation is just a formality, think again. This episode is a must-listen.

I'm joined by Dr. Roy Shelburne—a dentist, speaker, and compliance expert with a story that’ll stop you in your tracks. After being sentenced to federal prison for documentation-related issues, Roy has made it his mission to help other dentists avoid the same fate. In this conversation, Roy opens up about what happened, what he wishes he had known, and the simple (but often overlooked) systems that can protect your practice, your license, and your peace of mind.

We also talk about why clear documentation isn’t just about legal protection—it’s the key to smoother insurance reimbursements, fewer patient disputes, and stronger clinical care.

Here are some of the interesting things we talked about in this episode:

• If it's not in your chart, it didn’t happen—legally or clinically.

• Why blind disregard can be interpreted as intent to defraud.

• The real reason so many dentists struggle with insurance claims.

• How to build a 7-step compliance program that protects your entire team.

• Why moving to ICD-10 may be on the horizon (and how to get ahead of it).

• How better records actually lead to better patient care.

This episode is packed with wisdom every dental professional should hear. Don’t wait until it’s too late—learn from someone who’s lived it.

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Key Takeaways

00:42 Introduction and Event Announcement

03:04 Roy Shelburne's Journey: From Prison to Advocacy

10:24 The Importance of Clinical Record Keeping

16:57 Documentation: Key to Efficient Reimbursement

26:02 Implementing a Compliance Program

32:15 Final Thoughts and Lightning Round

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Connect with Dr Roy

📧 [e-mail]

📱 423-552-6111

 

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Learn proven dental marketing strategies and online reputation management techniques at DrLenTau.com.

This podcast is sponsored by Dental Intelligence. Learn more here.

This podcast is sponsored by CallRail, call tracking & lead conversion software for dentists. Find out more here.

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