Only 1 in 6 Dentists Guarantees Dental Work
Malpractice Insurance Says “No” to Formal Guarantees
While dentists feel strongly about standing behind their work, only one in six offers an official guarantee to their dental patients. In this survey, only 18% of dentists reported that they formally guarantee their dental work.
“My malpractice insurance carrier doesn’t want me to guarantee anything verbally or in writing,” said one dentist. “However, if the treatment hasn’t held up due to something I could have done better, I always redo it at no charge.”
Overall, dentists were not enthusiastic about formal guartantees.
- “A guarantee? Are you nuts?” (California dental implantologist)
- “I never offer a written formal guarantee. I do assure patients that I stand behind my work and that any work done will be modified or replaced if need be.” (New York dentist)
- “I feel that a guarantee would just add legal problems with non-compliant patients.” (Tennessee dentist)
- “I stand behind my work 100%. I do not offer a written guarantee. You can’t be responsible for patient neglect.” (Utah dentist)
- “I would not guarantee the sun will come up tomorrow.” (Pediatric dentist)
- “I guarantee my best effort.” (Kentucky endodontist)
Post your own thoughts or read the complete dental guarantee survey results
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August 6th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Guarantees are a violation of the Code of Ethics as set down by the CDA.
August 6th, 2008 at 9:30 am
It would be interesting to hear from the 1 in 6 who offer guarantees. What makes them think it’s not going to get them in trouble?
August 6th, 2008 at 10:01 am
i would not guarantee anything to my patient ,but i will redo it for free if it is not patient negligence .
August 7th, 2008 at 12:00 am
i will not guarantee the procedures done to the patient… but will redo it if not due to patient negligence…moreover its not ethical to do so…
August 8th, 2008 at 11:15 am
MY GUARANTEES EQUAL THE SAME GUARANTEE THAT I RECEIVED FROM MY $25000 CAR WHEN PURCHASED AT MY DEALER . OR
ASK THE PATIENT TO BUY AN WARRANTY INSURANCE TO COVER THE WORK .
November 19th, 2008 at 2:42 am
I received similar answers recently when asking dentists what they thought about guaranteeing their work.
Those opposed said dentistry was a dynamic process with too many variables, or local/state restrictions prohibited them from offering a warranty.
Those in favor of a guarantee suggested that an “implied warranty” together with informed consent might be a better overall solution.
John Barremore
Houston, TX