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