Learn About the Process

Before You Begin

BCCOHP ensures British Columbians are served by safe and ethical oral healthcare professionals. Submitting a complaint can help improve the quality of care members of the public receive.
We investigate every complaint that raises a concern about an oral health professional’s conduct or competence. Decisions about how to resolve complaints are made by BCCOHP’s Inquiry Committee, which is made up of oral health professionals and members of the public.
By completing this complaint form, you will be providing us with the information we need to understand your concerns and begin an investigation.
Your complaint will be handled confidentially: except in the most serious cases, only people involved in the investigation will know about it.
Your complaint is not anonymous: we will provide a copy of your complaint to the oral health professional you are complaining about, 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.
Complaints must be made in writing. If you need assistance, our complaints 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 (registrants):

Our Authority

dentists
dental therapists
dental hygienists
dental technicians
denturists
certified dental assistants

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

What you can expect

✓ Complaints are dealt with as quickly as possible, taking into account the complexity of the case, and are prioritized according to the assessed risk of harm to the public.

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

✓ We will keep you informed about the progress of your complaint. When your complaint is resolved by the Inquiry Committee we will provide you with the reasons for the decision.

Actions we cannot take

X Ordering refunds or financial compensation to patients

X Providing clinical advice or treatment to patients

X Intervening in business or financial disputes between
registrants

X Referring patients to a new oral health care professional

X Providing legal advice to patients or registrants

How to submit a complaint

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

Your name and contact information. If you are complaining on behalf of someone else, the name of that person or the person making the complaint (either you or someone you are acting for).
The name of the health professional you are complaining about
Details of your complaint