The regulatory framework for complaint investigation and discipline is the same for all health professions regulated under the HPA.

Specific requirements are discussed in Part 10 of the Bylaws, which must be read in conjunction with Part 3 of the HPA.

The College complaints process under the HPA is generally unchanged, including the use of alternate dispute resolution mechanisms and remediation. The committee structure is changed in that the Practice Standards and the Professional Conduct Committees are replaced by a single Inquiry Committee.

This committee is responsible for accepting, investigating and resolving complaints. The new Discipline Committee (replacing the former Inquiry Committee under the Dentists Act) has the ability to conduct hearings and impose financial and other penalties as the result of a complaint.

The HPA requires the College to publicly disclose the outcomes of disciplinary proceedings that result in actions taken against dentists or certified dental assistants, including the name of the registrant, the action taken and the reason for the action. Individuals making a complaint must be notified of the outcome.

The College will withhold information when a registrant has an ailment or addiction and their privacy outweighs the public interest, or where the complainant could be publicly identified.