Dental mediation service goes live

A free mediation service has been launched that will help patients resolve complaints about their dental treatment.
It will offer patients and dentists an opportunity to resolve their differences assisted by a mediator.
The independent service aims to deal with complaints covering such areas as treatment standards, diagnosis, communications, professional etiquette and fees.
The scheme will not cover treatments provided by medical card, PRSI or insurance based schemes, nor allegations of criminal activity
The Dental Complaints Resolution Service is independent but is funded by the IDA, which estimates that it receives some 300 queries from patients every year.
The first mediator appointed is chairman of the Consumer Association of Ireland, Michael Kilcoyne. Mr Kilcoyne said he hoped it would offer Irish patients a valuable alternative to existing systems, as well as benefitting dentists because it can address concerns as they arise and offer ‘invaluable feedback’.