FAQ

Complaints &  Peer Reviews

Patient Frequetly Asked Questions

Peer Review

If you have a complaint about the quality of dental care or appropriateness of dental treatment you received from your dentist, you may be able to resolve your dispute through the Peer Review process with the Dental Society.

Peer Review provides an impartial and confidential resolution to patient complaints. Determinations are based on the quality of the treatment as assessed by an impartial committee of three dentists who examine the patient and review the available dental records. 

It is a legally binding alternative to resolving complaints.  A patient can potentially have a portion or all of their fees returned if it is determined that the treatment is not consistent with the standard of care.

There is no charge for this service. 

Is my complaint eligible for Peer Review with NYCDS?  

Please consider the following questions. If you answer yes to the questions below, AND the dentist is a member dentist (which will be confirmed by the Dental Society) your complaint may be eligible for review.

Did treatment take place in Manhattan?

(If treatment did NOT take place in Manhattan, contact the New York State Dental Association at 1-800-255-2100.

Is it more than 2 ½ years since the treatment in question was completed?

The patient must submit an agreement  within 2 ½ years of  the last date of treatment. If more than 2 1/2  years has passed, the matter is not reviewable.

Is the complaint about the quality of dental care or dental treatment?

See A Guide to Peer Review (attached) for more detailed information on the Peer Review process. 

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request copies of my dental records?

Yes. Patients are entitled to a copy of the dental x-rays and records. Requests should be in writing and preferably sent by certified mail. The dentist may charge for the actual cost of duplication.

Is there a difference between a DDS  or DMD degree?

There is no difference. DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD: Doctor of Medical Dentistry are  equivilent degrees.

What are the different dental specialties?

Endodontist: specialist who treats injuries, diseases and infections of the tooth pulp (nerve chamber)

Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon: a dental specialist who manages the diagnosis & surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures; Requires four additional years of training after dental school

Oral Pathologist: dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases

Orthodontics: dental specialty that treats misalignment of teeth

Periodontist: dental specialist treating the gums and supporting soft and hard tissues retaining natural teeth and the surgical placement of dental implants

Pedodontics or Pediatric Dentistry: dental specialty focusing on treatment of children

Prosthodontist: dental specialist skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed or removable prosthesis (appliance), maintaining proper occlusion; treats facial deformities with artificial prostheses such as eyes, ears, and noses