The Peer Review Program, conducted by the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), is available to help you and your patient resolve disputes. The Peer Review Program is a non-legal, non-punitive process available only to members of the MDS. The program relies on good faith between both parties to resolve their differences, promoting the best possible oral health for the patient. Recommendations are made within the peer review system as a “gesture of goodwill.“
How Peer Review Works
Peer Review is a member benefit. All member dentists are given the option to voluntarily participate in or decline the Peer Review process. The patient begins the process by completing the Complaint and Peer Review Limitations forms and submitting both forms to the MDS. The Peer Review Committee then reviews the complaint and determines if it falls within the scope of MDS Peer Review. If it does not fall within the scope, the member dentist is forwarded a copy of the complaint, and the committee process ends.
If the complaint is accepted, the member dentist receives a copy of the complaint from the Peer Review Committee and is asked if they agree to participate in resolving the complaint. If the dentist agrees, a District Peer Review Committee member attempts to mediate the dispute. If the mediation is successful, all parties are notified of the resolution, and the process ends. If the mediation is unsuccessful, a District peer review hearing is held, and the dentist and their patient are expected to comply with the committee’s recommendations following the hearing.
Either party has the right to appeal the District Committee’s recommendation if it does not meet the criteria set forth in the MDS Peer Review Manual. The State Peer Review Committee then considers the appeal and makes a final decision.
Peer Review Resources
For more information on Peer Review or if you have specific questions, please contact one of the individuals below:
- Edwin Helitzer, MDS Peer Review Committee Chair, 413.447.7622
- Sarah Pilling, MDS District & Management Services Coordinator, 800.342.8747, ext. 212
Additional Resources: