how can a patient report unsanitary dental office

by Janet Schoen II 6 min read

Dental Malpractice - Standards of Care

5 hours ago  · After filing with the previous state and local agencies, filing a complaint with the American Dental Association is the final way to cover all of your bases. For obvious reasons, you should only initiate malpractice litigation if you are dissatisfied with the actions taken by your dentist, local and state boards, and the ADA. >> Go To The Portal


If talking to your dentist doesn't work, write a complaint to your state or local board of dentistry. Your complaint should be devoid of emotion. Remember, this complaint letter will be seen by other dentists and boad membes.

There are three ways that you can file a complaint:
  1. Call to have a Complaint Form mailed to you (916) 263-2300, OR.
  2. Use the On-line Complaint Form, OR.
  3. Download and Print a Complaint Form.

Full Answer

What do I do if I have a problem with my dentist?

First, discuss any concerns you have with your dentist. Many times this will help clear up the matter. If further assistance is required, patients have other options: Contact your state dental society to ask if they have a process called peer review. Contact your state dental board.

Should you report unsanitary or unsafe living conditions?

If you think that a neighbor or loved one resides in living conditions that could be considered unsanitary or unsafe, it is extremely important to report it. Not only will this benefit them, but it can also prevent future headaches for yourself.

How do I file a complaint against a dentist?

Most state or local dental boards of dentistry have a specific form they prefer you to use, which you can access from their Web site. If not, you can contact them to find out what their specifications are. It could save time in your complaint process if you already have the form included in your complaint.

Where can I find a dental Bill of Rights?

A number of state and specialty dental associations, clinics and private practices offer a patient bill of rights. You are likely to find these patient rights posted in the reception area, in brochures or on organization web sites.

What are the two main OSHA standards that apply to dental offices?

Employers of dentistry workers are responsible for following applicable OSHA requirements, including OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030), Personal Protective Equipment (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I), and Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134) standards.

What type of disease transmission is most common in dental offices?

In dentistry, the diseases we are most concerned about are those caused by bloodborne pathogens (BBP). Examples are hepatitis B and C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Transmission may occur from a patient to a dental health care provider (DHCP), from a DHCP to a patient, or from one patient to another patient.

What are the methods of disease transmission in a dental office?

Infections may be transmitted in dental practice by blood or saliva through direct contact, droplets, or aerosols. Although not documented, indirect contact transmission of infection by contaminated instruments is possible.

What do you do if you are unhappy with dental work?

Speak to the dental practice/dental professional providing the treatment. If you are unhappy with the treatment you have received, it is usually best to: speak directly to the dental professional concerned, or the practice that provided the treatment. explain why you are unhappy with the treatment.

How do you disinfect a dental room?

1:204:27Disinfecting the Operatory - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow that you have your protective attire in place you can begin cleaning and disinfecting theMoreNow that you have your protective attire in place you can begin cleaning and disinfecting the treatment room start by running a vacuum line cleaner through each suction line both high and low speed.

What is risk of infection transmission in dental offices?

Although a few cases of HCV transmission via blood splash to the conjunctiva have been reported, the risk for such transmission is very low. The prevalence of HCV infection among dentists, surgeons and hospital-based health care professionals is similar to that among the general population, approximately 1%-2%.

What is the most common route of infection transmission?

Contact is the most frequent mode of transmission of health care associated infections and can be divided into: direct and indirect.

What is the major source of microorganisms in the dental office?

In a dental office, main infection sources are patient saliva, blood, and other fluids presenting themselves during dental treatment. In patients, one of the major sources of microorganisms is the dental plaque in supragingival and the periodontal pocket.

What are the conditions required for the spread of infection?

Three things are necessary for an infection to occur: Source: Places where infectious agents (germs) live (e.g., sinks, surfaces, human skin) Susceptible Person with a way for germs to enter the body. Transmission: a way germs are moved to the susceptible person.

What is dental malpractice?

Dental negligence claims can be made for any accident or oversight that has caused you to suffer physical injury, harmed your wellbeing or caused financial loss. Common examples of dental negligence include: Delay or incorrect diagnosis – including oral cancer misdiagnosis. Nerve injury. Cosmetic dentistry problems.

How do you write a complaint letter to a dentist?

Follow this general format:give your own details (name, address, date of complaint);state the dentist's name and address;set out the details of your complaint and say how you want this complaint resolved; and,state any other relevant details.

Who are the Dental Complaints Service?

The Dental Complaints Service (DCS) are a team of trained advisors who aim to help private dental patients and professionals settle complaints about private dental care fairly and efficiently. Funded by the GDC, the DCS provides a free and impartial service to mediate between patient and professional.

What is the NIH policy on unsafe conditions?

The policy of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS), is to promote safe and healthful workplaces as required by 29 CFR 1960.28 and Executive Order 12196. If you believe that an unsafe or unhealthful working condition ...

What to do if you believe an unsafe work environment exists?

If you believe that an unsafe or unhealthful working condition exists in the workplace you have the right and are encouraged to make a report (oral or written) of the condition to us. If you believe that there is immediate danger to life or health make a report as quickly as possible by calling us at ...

What is the role of supervisor in NIH?

Supervisors are responsible for correcting health and safety hazards in your workplace and providing specific instructions on proper safety procedures and practices.

Is a survey necessary for unsafe conditions?

Surveys for other unsafe or unhealthful workplace conditions are conducted as deemed appropriately by our staff. A survey may not be necessary if, through normal management action, the unsafe or unhealthful condition (s) can be corrected immediately. back to the top.

Can you report an unsafe workplace?

Anonymous Reporting. People who report an unsafe or unhealthful workplace condition or hazard will not be subject to restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal. You may submit the report anonymously.

How many people have hoarding disorder?

According to The Cleveland Clinic, an estimated 2%-6% of the US population is affected with a hoarding disorder. Hoarders do more than collect clutter; they typically save items long past their normal usefulness.

How do you know if you are hoarding?

One of the telltale signs of a hoarding situation is when items block access to doorways, exits, showers, kitchen appliances, or even toilets. Rather than move or dispose of the items, the hoarder will adapt their behaviors around them.

What to do if landlord refuses to take action?

However, if there is no landlord or if the landlord refuses to take proper action, contact your local health department.

Is a furnace unsanitary?

For instance, a residence with a malfunctioning furnace during the colder months could be deemed uninhabitable but not unsanitary; alternatively, a home with a poorly maintained roof or foundation that leaves openings for mildew, rodents, and insects to infest the home, could be both unsafe and uninhabitable.

What is insurance utilization report?

The Insurance Utilization report helps you analyze what insurance companies pay you so you can decide what insurance contract adjustments to make when you look to renegotiate with that company on an annual basis. Not all companies will renegotiate with you, but it’s good to know which insurance companies pay the most.

What does standard aging report show?

The Standard Aging report will show you plain facts about the balance on the account, regardless of “who owes it” and if there is a balance. If there is a balance, the patient will show up on the Standard Aging report and show you how long the charge has gone unpaid.

Can you print Dentimax reports?

But first of all, you should know that using DentiMax means you no longer need to print and file reports. Goodbye to that paper closet! With open platform reporting software, you can simply plug in the date range you want for the report. Then it will contain your data from today, last week, last month, last year, or the last century (ok, ok, our software hasn’t been around that long, but you get the point). You can also store historical reports electronically with our easy “save to file” option, or even export them to Excel; So if you are someone who likes to hoard reports, you can now do it in an environmentally friendly way!

Can you save historical reports to Excel?

You can also store historical reports electronically with our easy “save to file” option, or even export them to Excel; So if you are someone who likes to hoard reports, you can now do it in an environmentally friendly way! Every current software program should include these common reports.

What is HIPAA confidentiality?

As per HIPAA regulations, to confidentiality regarding your diagnosis and treatment, except when you agree to submit this information to others – such as insurance providers. (HIPAA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 1996.)

What is a bill of patient rights?

By and large, a bill of patient rights is a mission statement that reflects the beliefs and goals of an association or practice with regards to its patients.

When did the patient rights revolution start?

The Patient Rights Revolution. The concept of patient rights came to the fore during the mid- to late-1990s, during which time the rise in HMOs was thought to potentially signal a lower quality of health care.