Since January 1, 2019, Dr. Marc El Hage, dental director of the Ardentis Dental Clinics in Lausanne, has been appointed President of the Cantonal Disputes Commission of the Canton of Vaud. This commission rules on disputes between the Canton, patients covered by social welfare schemes funded by the Canton, and dentists.
The commission meets four times a year, reviews submitted cases, and issues decisions when necessary. It is responsible for examining:
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Disputes brought by a contracted dentist or a beneficiary regarding the (non-)approval of treatment by the consulting dentist.
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Complaints filed with the paying agency.
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The commission may also initiate proceedings on its own.
The consulting dentist responsible for evaluating the treatment may report a case to the commission.
After review, the commission may:
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Confirm or amend the assessment made by the consulting dentist to the paying agency;
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Recommend that the paying agency reimburse the costs of treatments paid for;
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Recommend a warning or probationary period regarding the contracted status of the dentist;
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Recommend the temporary or permanent exclusion from the agreement, subject to the opinion of the MDC-ACV;
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Report the case to the Cantonal Medical Officer.
The commission’s recommendations are sent by the president to the MDC-ACV, the parties involved, the paying agencies, and the contractual partners.
Below, you can find the full version of the 2019/2020 Agreement for Dentists regarding reimbursable dental treatment costs under the social programs funded by the Canton, concluded between the Department of Health and Social Action and the Vaud Dental Association:
