File a Complaint

How the California Dental Association Can Help

If you have a concern the San Diego County Dental Society Ethics Committee can review your submisssion, Hovever the California Dental Association has a free mediation service available to member dentists and their patients. To learn more or submit a mediation request, visit the CDA Mediation Services webpage: click HERE

Addressing Concerns Through Communication

The San Diego County Dental Society Ethics Committee reviews and interprets incident and ethical reports submitted by members or the public. The committee adheres to the California Dental Association’s code of ethics. All reports will be evaluated for alleged violations. The Ethics Committee will provide guidance to members for nonconfrontational issues. Once your report is submitted, you will be contacted by a member of our Ethics Committee.

Common Questions

Find answers below to better understand SDCDS’s role and how concerns are handled.

📄 What can I submit to SDCDS? ›

SDCDS accepts incident and ethical reports, not formal complaints. SDCDS is a member-based organization and is only able to address concerns related to our members.

⚡ What are your options? ›

1. Submit a report to the SDCDS Ethics Committee for review. 2. Contact the Dental Board of California to file a complaint. 3. Contact the California Dental Association for mediation by emailing mediation@cda.org or visiting the CDA Mediation Services webpage: Click HERE

⚖️ What is an ethical report? ›

An ethical report is used when a concern relates to how a dental practice operates or represents itself, rather than the outcome of dental treatment. This may include issues such as misleading advertising, misrepresentation of credentials, or unprofessional business practices.

📄 What is an incident report? ›

An incident report is used when a concern relates to a dental procedure or clinical service that a patient is dissatisfied with. This may include concerns about how a procedure was performed or the outcome of treatment.

File a Report

If you are ready to take the next step, please select the option below that best fits your situation.

Important Notice:
Please submit all information related to your concern through the form. To help protect privacy and maintain confidentiality, please do not email or send confidential patient information, medical records, or other protected health information to SDCDS staff.

After you submit your form, you will receive an opportunity to review your submission and make any necessary edits before it is finalized. Please ensure all information provided is accurate and complete.

Ethical Report

Concerns related to professional conduct
or ethical matters.

Submit Ethical Report

Incident Report

General concerns where communication
support may be helpful.

Submit Incident Report

We understand that raising a concern can feel overwhelming. SDCDS is committed to supporting respectful communication and helping guide appropriate next steps.

Please allow for 4-6 weeks for our committee to review your report. 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.