The Ontario Dental Association has a strong code of conduct and Ontario’s dentists are dedicated to providing quality dental care while adhering to ethical and professional standards. Here is what to do if you have a concern about a dentist.
Most patients are satisfied with the care and treatment they receive from their dentist. However, as with any service, a problem can arise. If you have a concern, talk to your dentist openly about it. People can’t address a situation if they aren’t aware of it.
If you are not satisfied with the response you get, or feel you can’t talk openly with your dentist, you can contact the ODA Patient-Dentist Mediations Program. This program encourages dentists and patients to come to a mutual solution to their dispute. Learn more about the Mediations program.
If you are a patient, co-worker, or a member of the public and have a concern about an ODA member-dentist that would not be appropriate to resolve through the ODA Patient-Dentist Mediation Program, you can contact the ODA’s Professional Affairs team at professionalaffairs@oda.ca.
As part of our mandate to support our member-dentists in their role as leaders of the oral health care team, we will work with the member to make them aware of the concern and notify them of any related ethical and professional standards, if appropriate.
We will not disclose the identity of the person reporting a concern unless we have your consent. However, even without disclosing your identity, it may be possible that the dentist could determine your identity due to the nature of the concern.