Generally Dental Assistants work hard to make sure the best quality treatment obtainable to all patients. However, there are those who don’t live up to the expectations of the patient. The patient has the right to address this subject with the dental service. If they do not feel their grievance has been properly handled, they can then file a grievance with the State Dental Board.
State Dental Boards are in charge for regulating dental practices. They work hard to care for the public against inappropriate behaviours by Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists, and Dentists. They are to systematically investigate all complaints filed that engage capability. State Dental Boards do not handle complaints such as fee disputes, personality conflicts, rude behaviours, or difficulty with scheduling arrangements in a timely manner. Such issues are to be referred to the Better Business Bureau.
It is important to file a complaint with the State Dental Board as soon as possible to admit then being of the most help. Most states allow you to file your complaint online, over the phone, or you can apply for a form is sent to you in the mail. Some states will only accept a complaint in writing.
Dental Assistants need to be awake of the process that patients can go all the way through if they have a complaint. Dental Assistants need to be supportive throughout the investigation. If a Dental Assistant feels a patient may file a complaint, it is important to write down as much information as achievable. This information needs to include the patient’s name, date, time, and what took place. Also document any verbal interactions and who all was give to observe the incident. This information will be very helpful to you and to the State Dental Board.
The Dental Board works hard to work out the issue as quickly as possible. However, it will not rush the efforts to investigate it properly. Some complaints are resolved in a matter of days while others remain for years. Once a complaint has been filed, a copy of it is sent to the dental facility for a reaction. Usually, the dental facility is given a specific time frame to have their reply back to the State Dental Board.
On one occasion the response is received and reviewed, the Dental Board will match up to the information to that on the complaint. From there, a course of action will be mapped out. This normally involved conducting interviews of all parties present during the incident. A panel is set up to investigate if any dental laws were desecrated. If there appears to be a violation, a hearing will be scheduled. The Dental Assistant will be notified as well as required to show up for the hearing.
If the Dental Assistant is found to be in violation of dental laws, the Dental Board will issue a reprimand. This will depend on the state guiding principle as well as the disobedience. Reprimands may consist of a letter of apology, suspension, probation, or even revocation of the Dental Assistants license. The Dental Board is not authorized to require monetary compensation. If the person filing the complaint wants to be compensated in that way, they will need to file a civil suit with their local judicial system.
Dental Assistants who find themselves in the middle of a complaint issue with the Dental Board are probable to experience anxiety and fear. Many dental facilities will provide the individual with counselling as well as legal consultation. In most cases, it will depend on the subject the Dental Board is investigating. If the dental facility backs the Dental Assistant they will do all they be able to. However, if they feel the Dental Assistant is in violation of dental regulations they may terminate the individual, leaving them to pay for their own security.
It is the liability of the Dental Assistant to pursue all policies and procedures exactly. If we have any hesitation, take the time to have everything explained to us. Losing a complaint under the Dental Board can cost you your job, as well as your career. If you lose your license, you may find it hard to obtain another job in the profession as a Dental Assistant. Making sure you follow policies and procedures will make sure that you have a good possibility of winning such complaints ahead a complete review and investigation by the Dental Board.