Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

1.  Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) include the accounts of Milestone Scientific and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries, including, Wand Dental (wholly owned), and Milestone Medical (majority owned).  All significant, intra-entity transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidation.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

2. Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions in determining the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates relate to the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory valuation, and cash flow assumptions regarding evaluations for impairment of long-lived assets and going concern considerations, stock compensation expense, and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue [Policy Text Block]

3.  Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To perform revenue recognition, the Company performs the following five steps:

i.	identification of the promised goods or services in the contract;
ii.	determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance obligations including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract;
iii.	measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration;
iv.	allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations based on estimated selling prices; and
v.	recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies each performance obligation. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account in ASC 606.

The Company derives its revenues from the sale of its products, primarily dental instruments, handpieces, and other related products. The Company sells its products through a global distribution network and that includes both exclusive and non-exclusive distribution agreements with related and third parties.

Revenue from product sales is recognized upon transfer of control of a product to a customer, generally upon date of shipment. The Company has no obligation on product sales for any installation, set-up, or maintenance, these being the responsibility of the buyer. Milestone Scientific's only obligation after sale is the normal commercial warranty against manufacturing defects if the alleged defective unit is returned within the warranty period. 

Sales Returns

The Company records allowances for product returns as a reduction of revenue at the time product sales are recorded. Several factors are considered in determining whether an allowance for product returns is required, including the customers’ return rights and the Company’s historical experience with returns and the amount of product in the distribution channel not consumed by end users and subject to return. The Company relies on historical return rates to estimate returns. In the future, if any of these factors and/or the history of product returns change, adjustments to the allowance for product returns may be required. The Company recorded allowance of approximately $179,000 for sales returns from Henry Schein due to the termination of  the contract on December 31, 2022.

Financing and Payment

The Company's payment terms differ by geography and customer, but payment is required within 90 days from the date of shipment or delivery.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The Company operates in two operating segments: dental and medical. Therefore, results of the Company operations are reported on a consolidated basis for purposes of segment reporting, consistent with internal management reporting. See Note M for revenues by geographical market, based on the customer’s location, and product category for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, and 2021.

Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

4.  Variable Interest Entities

A variable interest entity ("VIE") is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. 

If Milestone Scientific determines that it has operating power and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits, Milestone Scientific consolidates the VIE as the primary beneficiary. Milestone Scientific’s involvement constitutes power that is most significant to the entity when it has unconstrained decision-making ability over key operational functions within the entity. Milestone Scientific has completed the VIE analysis relating to Milestone China and Anhui Maishida Medical Technology, Co. Ltd. (“Anhui”).

Milestone Scientific has determined that due to the loss of equity investment in Anhui, the company no longer has significant influence of Anhui and therefore Anhui is not a variable interest. Milestone Scientific has a variable interest in Milestone China, it considered the guidance in ASC 810, “Consolidation” as it relates to determining whether Milestone China is a VIE and, if so, identifying the primary beneficiary. Milestone Scientific would be considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE if it has both of the following characteristics:

● Power Criterion: The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and

● Losses/Benefits Criterion: The obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE

Milestone Scientific does not have the ability to control the activities that most significantly impact Milestone China's economics and, therefore, the power criterion has not been met. Management placed the most weight on the relationship and significance of activities of Milestone China to the CEO of Milestone China who have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Milestone China. Management has concluded that Milestone Scientific is not the primary beneficiary under ASC 810. Accordingly, Milestone China has not been consolidated into the financial statements of Milestone Scientific and is accounted for under the equity method. See Note F.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

5.  Cash and Cash Equivalents

Milestone Scientific considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2022, and 2021 Milestone Scientific has approximately $8.7 million and $14.8 million, respectively, invested in cash. As of December 31, 2022, and 2021 Milestone Scientific had approximately $8.3 million and $13.9 million, respectively, invested in cash that exceeded the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit of $250,000.

Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block]

6.  Accounts Receivable

Milestone Scientific sells a significant amount of its product on credit terms to its major distributors. Milestone Scientific estimates losses from the ability or inability of its customers to make payments on amounts billed. Most credit sales are due within 90 days from invoicing. There have not been any significant credit losses incurred to date. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, accounts receivable was recorded, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,000.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

7.  Inventories

Inventories principally consist of finished goods and component parts stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Inventory quantities on hand are reviewed on a quarterly basis and a provision for excess, slow moving, defective, and obsolete inventory is recorded if required based on past and expected future sales, potential technological obsolescence, and product expiration requirements.

The valuation allowance creates a new cost basis for the inventory, and it is not subsequently marked up through a reduction in the valuation allowance based on any changes in the underlying facts and circumstances. When the valuation allowance is initially recorded, the increase to the allowance is recognized as an increase in cost of sales. The valuation allowance is only reduced if or when the underlying inventory is sold or destroyed, at which time cost of sales recognized would include the previous adjusted cost basis.

Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block]

8.  Equity Method Investments

Investments in which Milestone Scientific can exercise significant influence, but do not control, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are included in the long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Under this method of accounting, Milestone Scientific's share of the net earnings or losses of the investee is presented below the provision for income tax on the Consolidated Statements of  Operations. Milestone Scientific evaluates its equity method investments whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may be impaired. If a decline in the value of an equity method investment is determined to be other than temporary, a loss is recorded in earnings in the current period.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

9.  Furniture, Fixture and Equipment  

Equipment is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to seven years. The costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.

Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]

10.  Intangible Assets – Patents and Developed Technology

Patents are recorded at cost to prepare and file the applicable documents with the United States Patent Office, or internationally with the applicable governmental office in the respective country. The costs related to these patents are being amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the patent. Patents and other developed technology acquired from another business entity are recorded at acquisition cost and be amortized at the estimated useful life.  Patent defense costs, to the extent applicable, are expensed as incurred.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

11. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets with finite lives are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company’s impairment review process is based upon an estimate of future undiscounted cash flow. Factors the Company considers that could trigger an impairment review include the following:

• significant under performance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;

• significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business;

• significant negative industry or economic trends; and

• significant technological changes, which would render the technology obsolete.

Recoverability of assets that will continue to be used in the Company's operations is measured by comparing the carrying value to the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. Future undiscounted cash flows include estimates of future revenues, driven by market growth rates, and estimated future costs.

Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]

12. Note Payable

On April 27, 2020, the Company received a loan (the “Loan”) from Savoy Bank. in the aggregate amount of approximately $276,000, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) under Division A, Title I of the CARES Act, which was enacted March 27, 2020. The Company received forgiveness for the Loan during the year ended December 31, 2021 and recorded a gain on debt extinguishment of $276,180.

Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]

13.  Research and Development

Research and development costs, which consist principally of new product development costs payable to third parties, are expensed as incurred.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

14.  Income Taxes

Milestone Scientific accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method which requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be computed for temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, we had no uncertain tax positions that required recognition in the consolidated financial statements. Milestone Scientific's policy is to recognize interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. No interest and penalties are present for periods open. Tax returns for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 years are subject to audit by federal and state jurisdictions.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

15.  Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share

Milestone Scientific presents “basic” earnings (loss) per common share applicable to common stockholders and, if applicable, “diluted” earnings (loss) per common share applicable to common stockholders pursuant to the provisions of ASC 260, “Earnings per Share”. Basic earnings (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income or loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and to be issued common shares of 70,607,338 and 68,829,860 during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The calculation of diluted earnings per common share is like that of basic earnings per common share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common shares, such as those issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants were issued during the period.

Since Milestone Scientific had net losses in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the assumed effects of the exercise of potentially dilutive outstanding stock options, unissued restricted stock awards (“RSA”) and warrants, were not included in the calculation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Such outstanding options, RSA and warrants totaled 7,855,160 and 7,291,800 on December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

16.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market at the measurement date (exit price). The Company required to classify fair value measurements in one of the following categories

● Level 1 inputs which are defined as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company can access at the measurement date.

● Level 2 inputs which are defined as inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly.

● Level 3 inputs are defined as unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities.

Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of an input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company does not have any assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]

17. Stock-Based Compensation 
 

Milestone Scientific accounts for stock-based compensation under ASC Topic 718, Share-Based Payment. ASC Topic 718 requires all share-based payments to employees, non-employees, directors, and officers, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations over the service period, as an operating expense, based on the grant-date fair values.

Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block]

18.  Reclassifications

Certain reclassification has been made to the 2021 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2022 consolidated financial statement presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net loss or cash flows as previously reported.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

19.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity”, which, generally, provides guidance for accounting regarding derivatives relating to entities common stock and earnings per share. ASU 2020-06 is effective for all entities with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods therein. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statement.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which amends the guidance on measuring credit losses for certain financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade receivables. The FASB has subsequently issued several updates to the standard, providing additional guidance on certain topics covered by the standard. This update requires entities to recognize an allowance for credit losses using a forward-looking expected loss impairment model, taking into consideration historical experience, current conditions, and supportable forecasts that impact collectability.

In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic, 326), Derivatives and hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective dates, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for the Company. As a result of ASU 2019-10, ASU 2016-13 is effective for all entities with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statement.