A free mediation service to help patients resolve complaints about their dental treatment has begun today.
The independent service aims to deal with complaints covering such areas as treatment standards, diagnosis, communications, professional etiquette and fees.
It will offer patients and dentists an opportunity to resolve their differences assisted by a mediator. The first mediator appointed is chairman of the Consumer Association of Ireland Michael Kilcoyne
The Dental Complaints Resolution Service is independent but is funded by the Irish Dental Association. The association estimates that it receives some 300 queries from patients every year.
The scheme will not cover treatments provided by medical card, PRSI or insurance based schemes, nor allegations of criminal activity.
Mr Kilcoyne hoped it would offer Irish patients valuable alternative to existing systems
“Up to now patients have been left with little option but to either proceed through time consuming and expensive complaints mechanisms with the Dental Council or indeed the civil courts”, Mr Kilcoyne said.
The system would also benefit dentists because it can address concerns as they arise and offer “invaluable feedback” he said.
It was more important than ever for the dental association to promote progressive policies “at a time when the State is continuing to slash funding for the medical card and the PRSI schemes,” president of the Irish Dental Association Dr Conor McAlister said.
