Frequently Asked Questions

Guarantees

Date Posted: 1/1/2002

Question Does a dentist provide a guarantee for workmanship?

Answer No treatment can be "guaranteed", either in terms of its 'cure' or by a length of time. A dentist is a skilled professional who practices with the utmost care and responsibility. A dentist cannot foresee what may or may not happen due to natural causes ("Mother Nature") or unpredictable complications. A dentist should discuss with a patient the prognosis, or likely outcomes of various treatment options, on which a patient can base a final decision. If you feel dissatisfied with work that has been provided, you should first discuss the matter with your treating dentist. After this discussion if you still feel you wish to take the matter further, you could seek a second opinion and/or contact the ADA Community Relations Officer, or the Health Services Commissioner. Both Officers have conciliatory roles in trying to resolve the situation to the satisfaction of the parties concerned.