Patient Relations Program
PDA forms patient relations committees to review and resolve problems or
misunderstandings between dentists and their patients regarding dental
treatment. Patient relations committees benefit patients and dentists by
providing impartial, easily accessible and generally expedient means for
conflict resolution. PDA does not handle fee disputes.
PDA and its member dentists seek to resolve all controversies with
fairness to both the patient and the dentist in a non-adversarial
setting. The program is offered at usually no cost to either the patient
or the member dentist.
Patient relations committees consist of volunteer dentists who
consider questions about the appropriateness or quality of care and
about the fees charged under a given set of circumstances. A dispute may
be resolved through mediation alone or through the review of patient
records and clinical examination.
The program is only successful if there is full cooperation from both
the dentist and patient. Please be advised that the program cannot
accept any complaint if private legal proceedings have been initiated.
Should the dentist choose not to cooperate, you retain the right to
pursue your complaint via the avenue of your choice, such as the State
Board of Dentistry.
Download PDA’s Mediation
Form and Confidentiality
Agreement and return the completed forms to initiate mediation.
You may request a Mediation Form and Confidentiality Agreement be mailed
to you. The forms must be fully completed. No anonymous
complaints will be accepted.
PDA will forward your completed mediation form and other relevant
information about your case to the Patient Relations Committee of the
local dental society for review. The response time to a complaint
will vary based on the availability of the committee.
For more information, call PDA at (717) 234-5941.
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