Concerns About a Dentist

The Professional Conduct Department is here to help the public and can assist you in finding the best route forward in addressing your concerns.

Speak to Someone

Concerns can be submitted anonymously or with the patient’s or submitter’s contact information. If the information is not submitted anonymously, the Professional Conduct Department will contact you regarding your concern.  

Concerns are often resolved through communication between the patient and dentist with the assistance of the PCD. If the concern includes a risk to public safety, it may be escalated to a formal complaint. 

Submit a Concern

You are required to supply your contact information when submitting a formal complaint and your identity will be made known to the dentist. Once a formal complaint is submitted, the Professional Conduct Department will contact you. 

Formal complaints can be submitted using the online form or submitted via email or Canada Post. All formal complaints must be signed.

Complaints can be resolved at any time with or without the assistance of the PCD. If resolution efforts are not successful, the complaint will transition to the investigative process. Following an investigation, a complaint will be dismissed or sent to a hearing. The length of time it takes to conclude a formal complaint varies depending on the complexity.

Submit a Formal Complaint

• Investigate or accept complaints about a staff member who is not a dentist
• Provide diagnosis, referrals, or treatment recommendations
• Provide refunds or award damages
• Initiate an investigation without first informing the dentist
• Conduct investigations about dentists from outside Alberta