An analysis of complaints against oral health professionals charged with misconduct at the HPCSA: 2004-2009

This study investigates the nature, frequency, and outcome of complaints relating to misconduct laid against oral healthcare professionals (OHPs), charged with misconduct in South Africa.

Records of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (2004-2009) were analysed and classified using the ethical rules as a reference. "Clinically-related complaints" and "fraud" were added as extra categories. The nature and outcome of the complaints and the penalties were quantified, and the detailed nature of the complaints was qualitatively reported.

Two percent of the registered dentists and 5.5% of the registered dental therapists were charged with misconduct. Clinically related complaints (59%) and fraud (29%) were most prevalent amongst the accused dentists. Fraud (46%), clinically related complaints (19%), advertising (15%), infection control (8%), and creating expectations that could not be met (8%) were the most common complaints against dental therapists.

Substandard dental treatment and fraud were the main reasons for patient dissatisfaction that led to OHPs being charged with misconduct. Both these undesirable practices may be financially motivated. OHPs should take cognisance of these statistics and should adjust their professional approach accordingly in order to reflect acceptable ethical behaviour.