BCCOHP ensures people are served by safe and ethical oral health professionals by addressing complaints about the conduct or competence of dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental technicians, denturists, and licensed dental assistants. Before you begin, you may wish to learn more about the process >>
Submitting a complaint provides us with the information we need to start a conversation with you regarding your complaint. Ways to submit:
The information below addresses common questions about the submission process. If you need further assistance at any time, our staff can help. You can reach us at 672-202-0448 (toll-free within Canada: 1-888-202-0448) or via our contact form.
Complaint submissions will be handled confidentially, and only the people involved with know about it. In most cases, the identity of the reporting party is shared with the oral health professional as part of a fair, transparent and collaborative process.
In most cases, the identity of the reporting party will be shared with the oral health professional. In certain circumstances, a reporting party who wishes to remain anonymous may apply for an identity protection order, as some individuals may have concerns about their safety or the impact of being identified. Under the Health Professions and Occupations Act, you may apply for a full or partial identity protection order (IPO) in certain circumstances. An IPO can limit who can access identifying information, when it can be shared, and how it may be used during the investigation process.
We recommend applying for an IPO as early as possible, ideally when you submit your complaint. If a request is made later in the process, the licensee may already have been provided with identifying details. The Investigation Committee decides whether to grant an IPO based on the requirements set out in the HPOA and the circumstances of the case.
To learn more about identity protection orders, call us at 672-202-0448 (toll-free within Canada: 1-888-202-0448)
Coming forward with a complaint about sexual misconduct, sexual abuse or discrimination and participating in a regulatory investigation process can be difficult, and may present emotional or practical challenges. If you are alleging that a licensee has committed an act of sexual misconduct, sexual abuse or discrimination, you may be eligible to receive support to assist you as you participate in the investigation process. Learn about our support programs >>
Ultimately, patients own the personal and health information contained in their records. Oral health professionals are required to ensure timely and secure access and transfer of records. Learn more in BCCOHP’s Recordkeeping Practice Resource.
No agreement that you make with an oral health care professional can keep you from filing a submission.
Yes. You may submit on behalf of someone else. Our form will guide you through what information is needed in that case.
Yes, any regulated health professional may submit a complaint about the conduct or competence of a regulated oral health professional to BCCOHP through the normal submission process. In addition, all health professionals who are regulated under B.C.’s Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) have a professional, ethical and legal responsibility to report should they have reasonable grounds to believe that continued practice of another regulated health professional presents a possibility of harm. Learn more here >>
If you know of a BCCOHP licensee suffering from a health matter, please contact BCCOHP’s Monitoring department using our contact form.
