Peer Review
The Fourth District Dental Society offers an alternative to costly litigation in resolving complaints between a patient and dentist. Peer Review is the principal quality assurance mechanism through which the dental profession evaluates the appropriateness of treatment and the quality of care rendered by its members. Impartial clinical assessments by qualified peers provide the basis for its credibility. There is no charge to either party and the process is confidential.
Requests for Peer Review must meet the following conditions:
- The dentist must be a member of the Fourth District Dental Society and The New York State Dental Association
- The matter pertains to appropriateness of treatment or quality of care
- Treatment was completed within the past 2 ½ years
- Complaints are not in the process of being litigated or in collection
- Complaint does not involve a fee dispute
- The treatment in question has not been altered or removed
Patient and Dentist must sign the Agreement to Submit to Peer Review before the case can be considered. A mediator is appointed to attempt to reconcile the matter. If mediation is unsuccessful, a hearing will be held in which the patient can present his/her case in person and a clinical examination will be performed by a hearing panel. By signing the Agreement, each party involved in the Agreement agrees that the decision and award of the Peer Review Committee shall be binding.
