California Dental Association Mediation Services

CDA Mediation Services is an exclusive member benefit available to California Dental Association member dentists, including members of the San Diego County Dental Society. This free program provides a confidential and professional way for member dentists and their patients to resolve disputes outside of litigation. Participation is voluntary, and both the patient and the member dentist must agree to take part in the mediation process.

• Mediation is voluntary and both patient and doctor must agree to participate. A dentist should not initiate mediation without the patient’s written authorization.
• It’s an informal process conducted by phone without expert witnesses or attorneys. This can be less cost- and time-intensive than litigation and more mutually productive than a dental board complaint.
• With the mediator’s assistance, both parties contribute to and agree on the final outcome in the form of a written agreement.
• All agreements, offers, or statements made during the process are confidential.

CDA Mediation Services focuses on concerns regarding the appropriateness and quality of dental treatment. Volunteer dentist mediators, who understand clinical care and practice standards, guide a neutral and professional discussion to help dentists and patients communicate effectively and explore possible resolutions.

The program is not available for fee or billing disputes, cases already in litigation, or Medi-Cal Dental treatment.

For emergency situations or issues related to gross negligence, substance abuse, unsanitary conditions, or false name use, please contact the California Dental Board at 916-263-2300.