Occasionally, communication breaks down between you and your dentist about your dental care. Usually, the best way to resolve matters is first to let the dentist know how you feel so that you can work together to find a solution that is mutually agreeable. Though you may be frustrated, try to handle the discussion in a frank, business-like way. Your dentist cares about your satisfaction and will want to resolve the problem. However, if talking to your dentist doesn't resolve the problem to your satisfaction, there are two other options available to you.

1. If your dentist is a member of the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA), its Peer Review process is available to you. Peer Review is a formal process that deals with disputes about clinical services provided. Your complaint is reviewed, researched and resolved by a group of your dentist's peers. For a referral to the Peer Review Committee in your area, call the MDA at (800)950-3368. Most Minnesota dentists (83 percent) are MDA members, and all members agree to abide by the decision of the Peer Review Committee.
2. Refer your complaint to the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. The Minnesota Board of Dentistry is the government agency that licenses dentists and dental hygienists and registers dental assistants in Minnesota. The Board deals with violations of the Dental Practice Act.

To learn more about how the Minnesota Board of Dentistry deals with patient complaints or to learn whether the Board has already taken public disciplinary or corrective action against a dentist, call 612-617-2250 or click on www.dentalboard.state.mn.us.  

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