HOW PEER REVIEW WORKS

Patient calls local district dental society to discuss concern about member dentist.

Local district office determines if the concern qualifies for a peer review. If so, the patient is provided with A Guide to Peer Review and an Agreement to Submit to Peer Review.

The local district office sends the Agreement to the dentist the patient is complaining about for his/her statement and signature. The member dentist must return copies of the patient’s treatment records and financial information to the local district office with the Agreement.

The Peer Review Committee then determines whether the complaint can be resolved by Peer Review. If eligible for Peer Review, mediation will be conducted. A mediator will contact both the patient and dentist.

If the dentist and patient come to a mutual agreement, the case will be closed. No refund can be greater than the amount the patient actually paid for the treatment.

If the complaint is not settled by mediation, a hearing will be held.

The local district dental society notifies the patient of the proceeding’s outcome by way of a decision letter.