Learn About the Process

Before You Begin

BCCOHP ensures British Columbians are served by safe and ethical oral healthcare professionals. Submitting a concern or complaint can help improve the care members of the public receive.
We review every concern and investigate every complaint about an oral health professional’s conduct or competence.
By completing this submission form, you will be providing us with the information we need to start a conversation with you regarding your oral health care provider regarding your concern or complaint.
Your concern or complaint will be handled confidentially: except in the most serious cases, only people involved in the investigation or resolution will know about it.
Your concern or complaint is not anonymous: we will provide a copy of the relevant information in your submission form to the oral health professional, and we will ask them to provide a response. You will receive a copy of their response. This is part of a fair and transparent process.
Concerns must be submitted in writing. If you need assistance, 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.

BCCOHP investigates and resolves complaints about six types of oral health professionals:

Our Authority

dentists
dental therapists
dental hygienists
dental technicians
denturists
licensed dental assistants

The complaints process is a legal one. All investigations are carried out under the Health Professions and Occupations Act which sets out the authority of the Investigation Committee. Our authority is limited to what is set out in law.

What you can expect

✓ Concerns and complaints are dealt with as quickly as possible, taking into account the complexity of the case.

✓ The process is transparent, fair, proportionate and focused on public protection.

✓ Concerns will go through a resolutions process with the oral health professional and we will engage with you frequently throughout this process.

✓ Complaints will go through a formal process with the Investigation Committee. When your complaint is resolved, we will provide you with the reasons for the decision.

Actions we cannot take

X Providing clinical advice or treatment to patients

X Intervening in business or financial disputes between oral health professionals

X Referring patients to a new oral health professional

X Providing legal advice to patients or oral health professionals

How to submit

There are only three things we need to begin the process:

Your name and contact information. Or if you are submitting on behalf of someone else, the name of that person (either you or someone you are acting for).
The name of the health professional involved.
Details of your concern.