GSLDS

Not all dentists are members, and do not have to be a member to practice dentistry in the state of Missouri. We provide meetings for member dentists to acquire required Continuing Education credits for licensure. To the public, we provide referrals to member dentists, dental clinics, and help direct patient questions regarding dentistry.

Tooth Decay

• Tooth decay is a destruction of the tooth enamel. You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner. Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination.

Periodontal Disease

• Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. In fact, some form of gum disease affects about three out of four adults after the age of 35. Gum disease is usually painless and you may not know you have it. The good news is that you can help prevent gum disease by taking good care of your teeth every day (brushing and flossing) and by having regular dental check-ups.

Oral Health and Your Total Health

• Your teeth and gums hold important clues to other health issues. So if you're interested in maintaining good overall health as well as your smile, visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least twice a year.

Oral Cancer

• Your dentist has recent good news about progress against cancer. It is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. Your dentist has the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. You and your dentist can fight and win the battle against oral cancer. Know the early signs and see your dentist regularly.

Essentially it depends on where the dentist went to dental school and does not reflect a difference in training or quality of treatment.

Dentists must furnish a copy of the records, regardless if patients have a balance due or not, but can charge as stated above. Dentists do not have to provide a patient with original records. All original records and x-rays are considered property of the doctor, but copies must be furnished.

These options may vary in complexity, durability and cost. Which one is chosen depends a great deal on what you want. Working together, you and your dentist can choose the treatment options that best meet your needs. This relationship is a shared responsibility. The following are questions you might ask.

What are the other treatment options?

Which treatment options will have the most longevity? Which procedures in the treatment plan are the most urgent, and which can wait? Among the dentist's recommendations, which treatments are absolutely necessary? Which are elective? Which are cosmetic? What is the cost of each option? Your dentist should be able to schedule treatment for problems needing immediate attention before those that are less urgent, but you'll want to be knowledgeable of any consequences that might result from delaying treatment.

How much will this cost? When and how are you expected to pay?

Does the dentist participate in your insurance plan? What method of payment does he or she expect? And when is payment due? Make sure you understand the fees, method and schedule of payment before you agree to any treatment.

Each member dentist agrees to adhere to high ethical standards of conduct. These standards are embodied in the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. The GSLDS, MDA AND ADA help members keep current with the latest information affecting dentistry to provide the best-possible patient care.

Peer Review Request Form

If you determine your case is a matter acceptable by the Peer Review Committee (see criteria following), complete the Peer Review Request Form and return it to the MDA to begin the Peer Review process.

Matters accepted for Peer Review

• The treatment in question must have occurred in the past 12 months.
• Appropriateness of Care: The Peer Review Committee shall determine the professional acceptability of planned or completed treatments, consistent with diagnosis. In other words, did the dentist provide appropriate treatment for the condition that existed?
• Quality of Treatment: The Peer Review Committee shall determine the acceptability of completed treatment based on the standard of care expected by the profession. In other words, was the treatment performed by the dentist done correctly?

Matters not accepted for Peer Review

• Any complaint that doesn't concern the appropriateness of care or quality of care is not accepted.
• If the case involves a fee or billing dispute, it is not accepted
• Complaints of poor customer service, practice management or concerning a staff member's behavior are not accepted.
• If either party has contacted an attorney, even if litigation has not been initiated, the case will not be accepted.
• If a complaint already has been filed with the Missouri Dental Board, it will not be accepted.