Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to some questions commonly asked of the NSRDDA. If you have a question that has not been answered here, please email us at reception@nsrdda.ca and we will do our best to respond. We may share your question (anonymously) here.
Can I find out if my dentist or dental assistant has had any complaints against them or been the recipient of any disciplinary action?
All complaints received and investigated by the NSRDDA are confidential. Once a complaint is disposed of, it is published either with or without identifying the registrant (dentist or dental assistant). This is determined by legislation.
Under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), it is generally the more serious findings which are published on a named basis.
If a registrant (dentist or dental assistant) has had a professional conduct matter which resulted in the them being named, it would appear in their profile on our Public Directory.
Where are my dental records? How long are they kept?
Dentists and dental offices are required to retain records for their patients. The NSRDDA does not have patients’ dental records.
In general, dentists are required to keep their patients’ records for at least 10 years following the date of last chart entry or, in the case of minors, 10 years from the time the patient reaches the age of majority. In Nova Scotia this is the age of 19.
More detailed information can be found in the Regulator’s Recordkeeping Guidelines.
What are the rules for transferring patient records?
The patient is entitled to a copy of their dental records when requested. The dentist may charge a reasonable fee to supply you with the records.
How can I find a new dentist?
The NSRDDA cannot recommend dentists to members of the public. You may want to ask friends, relatives or neighbours if they have a dentist they would recommend.
I am not satisfied with my treatment. How can I get my money back?
Under the law (the Regulated Health Professions Act), the NSRDDA has no authority to require a dentist to provide a refund. Because of the nature of dental treatment, dentists cannot guarantee a successful outcome of a treatment. If you are unhappy with your treatment, the NSRDDA recommends you discuss this with your dentist, or get a second opinion.
My dentist charged me more than the Fee Guide for a recent treatment.
The Fee Guide is only a guide for what dentists may charge for any particular treatment. Dentists may set their own fees. For more information on the Suggested Fee Guide please go to www.nsdental.org.
My dentist just charged me more than my dental insurance covers. I wasn't told that I would have to pay anything.
Your dental insurance plan was decided by your employer and the insurance company. They made decisions on what treatments would be covered for employees, the level of coverage and any yearly or lifetime maximum amounts of coverage.
There are many different insurance plans, and the coverage can change from year to year. Therefore, it is impossible for your dentist’s office to always know how much your dental insurance plan will pay for a treatment, or if you have any coverage left.
If you have specific questions about what is covered by your dental insurance plan, you can obtain information from your employer or the insurance company.
You can also ask your dental office to submit an estimate (a “pre-determination”) for your treatment to the insurance company. The insurance company will send you a statement of how much of the treatment will be covered.
Can a dentist dismiss me as a patient?
Yes, a dentist can dismiss you as a patient. A dentist shall first give you notice of that intention and shall try to arrange for you to be cared for by another dentist.
The dentist dismissing you should see you for a dental emergency until another dentist has taken over your care. (There may be exceptions depending on the situation.)
I need some dental advice. Who do I ask?
You should talk to a dentist about your dental care.
NSRDDA staff cannot give you advice about your dental situation.
Can I have access to my dental records?
Yes, generally speaking, patients have a right to their dental records. This request should be in a written form that the office can verify and keep on file.
The dentist may charge a reasonable fee to supply you with the records.