Fair and structured
Many patients find peer review to be less costly, less time-consuming, and less contentious than going to court.
Can I file a dentist complaint?
If you have concerns about dental care you received in Arizona, start here. AzDA’s peer review process may help with certain quality-of-care disputes when the dentist is an AzDA member.
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Start with the right process.
AzDA peer review and the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners handle different types of concerns.
If you have concerns with your dental care, there is help.
If you cannot settle a concern directly with your dentist, the Arizona Dental Association has a formal dispute resolution process that may help. This peer review process is available as a public service if your dentist is a member of the Arizona Dental Association.
What is peer review?
Peer review is a structured process focused on resolving specific patient-dentist disputes regarding the appropriateness and quality of treatment.
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Treatment-focused
The process evaluates whether dental treatment was appropriate and whether the quality of care met expected standards.
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Not punitive
Peer review is evaluative, not punitive. It is not designed to punish dentists or award non-treatment damages.
The peer review process
The peer review system has two phases: mediation and evaluative peer review.
1
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Mediation
An AzDA staff mediator facilitates communication between you and your dentist to help both sides reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
The mediator does not decide the outcome.
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Evaluative peer review
If mediation is unsuccessful and the case is eligible, the matter may proceed to evaluative peer review for further review.
The process evaluates treatment quality and appropriateness.
AzDA peer review may help with
- Concerns about the quality of dental care received.
- Concerns about whether treatment was appropriate.
- Dental treatment issues such as crowns, bridges, dentures, implants, extractions, or similar care concerns.
- Disputes involving a dentist who is an AzDA member.
AzDA peer review cannot help with
- Fee disputes, billing disputes, or concerns about being overcharged.
- Requests for lost wages, pain and suffering, mileage, or medical expenses.
- Complaints about personality, attitude, communication style, or customer service.
- Cases already in litigation, arbitration, small claims court, or involving a notice of intent to sue.
- Cases outside the time criteria for peer review.
Possible outcomes
Peer review outcomes depend on the facts, evidence, and clinical review of the case.
Treatment acceptable
If treatment is determined acceptable and appropriate, no refund is awarded.
Treatment unacceptable
A refund may be awarded for the amount paid toward unacceptable or inappropriate treatment.
Corrective treatment
If additional harm requires correction, the committee may award the estimated amount to correct the issue.
Acceptable but incomplete
A refund may be awarded for the amount of treatment determined to be incomplete.
No determination
If there is insufficient evidence, the committee may not make a determination.
How to get started
Do not call or email the AzDA office first. Follow these steps to determine whether AzDA can assist with your complaint.
1
Try resolving the concern directly.
Contact the dental office by phone or in person before launching a formal complaint. This may save time, energy, and stress.
2
Verify whether the dentist is an AzDA member.
Use Find-a-Dentist. If your dentist is not listed, this program is not for you. Instead, reach out to the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners at 602-242-1492 for help.
3
Confirm that your complaint is about the quality or appropriateness of care.
AzDA can only review complaints concerning the quality of care received or the appropriateness of treatment. AzDA cannot process complaints about fees, billing, insurance, personality, rudeness, or customer service.
4
Do not duplicate the process.
If you have already filed with the State Board of Dental Examiners, you must continue through that process. A complaint can only be submitted through one process, not both.
5
Download and return the forms.
If you have completed the steps above and still want to continue, download, complete, and return the mediation program forms.
Download Forms🖥️
Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners
If the dentist is not an AzDA member, or your complaint falls outside AzDA peer review, the State Board may be the appropriate next step.
Visit Board Website📞
Need assistance?
For State Board matters, contact the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners directly at 602-242-1492.
Call 602-242-1492i
Have questions about dental care or patient resources?
Review AzDA’s patient information resources for oral health guidance and help finding the right dentist for your care.
