How Do I Make a Formal Complaint about a Scammer Dentist?

I was referred to a dentist for a certain treatment. He was very nice and welcoming, and wrote me a treatment plan that was a LOT more complex and expensive than I expected. He wanted to commence treatment on the spot, saying "it'll only take 30 minutes". I was terrified. Why do I need to redo an entire root canal now? I was getting suspicious at that point.

Fortunately, I have a cousin who is a dentist, so I emailed him the x-rays and the treatment plan for a second opinion.
He laughed and said I'm getting scammed, and NONE of the stuff suggested by this doctor is medically necessary. "Don't do any of that", he suggested.

I'd like to lodge a formal complaint against this doctor. He almost had me go through an expensive, long and painful process, for no reason but greed. Is there a government body of some sort that regulates dentists' work and hears complaints? An ombudsmen or other organization perhaps?

Thanks.

Comments

  • +5

    throwing around the term scammer dentist is a bit harsh, not all dentist do things the same way, he may just have a higher standard than what is medically necessary, as its dentistry , the aesthetic's of the work could have played a part of it.

    its like plastic surgery, you can get the job done , or pay more and do a more complex thing and get the same job done but have it look much better.

    its kinda why you get second opinions.

    from the details your provided , i fail to see a scam , just him selling his services, recommending something else.

  • +1
  • -4

    Thanks.

    The second opinion I got is that it's a very clear-cut case of a scam attempt. The doctor lied when he told me I have two months tops, not more, or the tooth will be severely damaged (complete lie) - this is vastly different than cosmetic advise. The tooth needs 0 work according to my cousin.

    I've filed a complaint with ADA and AHPRA - I will definitely try dentalboard.gov.au, thank you Piangi :)

    • which state?> melbourne?

    • +1

      What makes you think your cousin is right? Get a third opinion!!

  • +6

    Probably out of topic but why didn't you go to your cousin dentist to help him out ?

    • I was referred to a dentist for a certain treatment.

  • meh, happens all the time with mechanics, plumbers, electricians, builders, financial planners etc

    u could try today tonight and ACA
    they would love you

  • +1

    In NSW it would be the Healthcare Complaints Commission.

  • My wife had an encounter with a similar kind of dentist. She was suffering from a toothache and in getting it checked out, the dentist recommended performing a root canal without hesitation. The toothache wasn't that bad in the first place so we were surprised that a root canal would be the first recommendation without considering other options first. Not trusting him, we went to another dentist for a second opinion. The new dentist said that the toothache is from my wife grinding her teeth at night and should go away on its own after a few days. TLDR version: A second opinion is always worth your time and money.

  • +1

    No use complaining to ACA - He is a dentist "we can't show his face on TV"

    Contact Mrs Marsh @ Colgate.

Login or Join to leave a comment