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Health & Fitness

Petition: Reform Dental Oversight Now

Have you ever had harmful treatment by a Washington State dentist?

I would very much appreciate if you could sign my petition, even if you haven't had a bad experience with dental care in Washington State.

I had a long, personal battle with dental malpractice, which was very painful, expensive, and took a lot of years out of my life. I have permanent damage, but couldn't sue, partly because the Dental Quality Assurance Commission held my case for a long time, and then closed it.

My attorneys all agreed I had a very strong malpractice case, but very few cases are won by patients. Dental malpractice insurance attorneys hired by dentists are almost impossible to beat, which means that dentists who cause harm are not held to account, and since there is no reporting system to alert the public to dentists that should be avoided, we are all forced to gamble for safe dental care.Β 

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If you visit a dentist in Washington State, you are at risk, because standards are very low, especially with the advent of 'cosmetic' dentistry. To give you an example, the dentist who did me harm is now doing 'eyelash enhancements'. Many dentists are enticing patients with flashy websites, candles, cookies, hot towels and a 'spa' atmosphere.

Is that what we want from a dentist? Or are we seeking oral health? Please help me bring this issue to the attention of our governor and legislature. Thanks so much!

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