What Is Peer Review in Dentistry?
The dental peer review is a confidential way to resolve disputes about dental care and treatment. State and local dental societies manage peer reviews. The Maryland State Dental Association provides peer review by volunteer dentists who have been calibrated to serve as impartial peer review committee members. Cases can made by the public or referred by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners.
Dental peer reviews may handle these three primary types of complaints made against dentists:
- Quality of CareA peer review will look closely at the treatment provided by the dentist to ensure that it meets the standards of high-quality care. Consider it a form of quality assurance. For example, they may review whether a particular procedure was done correctly.
- Appropriateness of CarePeer review boards may also review if the treatments and evaluations were necessary and in line with the concerns and diagnosis of the patient. In doing so, they may review the patient’s oral health, existing medical conditions, and complexity of the case.
- Fairness of FeesThe fairness of fees, which could involve concerns about the amount charged or what the fee covered.
A few other things to know about peer reviews according to the ADA:
Peer reviews do not address disputes one dentist may have with another dentist, cases already in litigation, allegations of fraud, or violations of the state dental practice act. The latter two are immediately referred to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners for investigation and adjudication.
The American Dental Association (ADA) provides broad recommendations for peer reviews but does not impose national requirements, act as an appeal body, or generally intervene in cases.
How Does a Dental Peer Review Differ from a Malpractice Claim or Licensing Review?
A dental peer review is an alternative dispute resolution practice that allows parties to tell their stories, potentially resolve a dispute quickly, and avoid the costs of malpractice litigation. Being named in a peer review will not go on a dentist’s public record. It is not a court of law, nor does it follow the same proceedings as one. Rather, it’s a confidential way to resolve disputes, sparing both parties time and expense, and helping ensure that they each have the opportunity to present their perspective and to preserve their integrity.
To find out more about the MSDA Peer Review process, please call 410-964-2880 or email info@msda.com