Title
Adams School of Dentistry: Policy on Complaints Directed At CODA-Accredited Educational Programs
Policy
Students, faculty, constituent dental societies, state boards of dentistry, and other interested parties may submit an appropriate, signed complaint to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) regarding any CODA-accredited dental, allied dental or advanced dental education program, or a program that has an application for initial accreditation pending. An "appropriate" complaint is one that directly addresses a program's compliance with the Commission's standards, policies and procedures. The Commission is interested in the continued improvement and sustained quality of dental and dental-related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for treatment received by patients or individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students.
In accord with its responsibilities to determine compliance with accreditation standards and required policies, the Commission does not intervene in complaints as a mediator but maintains, at all times, an investigative role. This investigative approach to complaints does not require that the complainant be identified to the program.
The Commission, upon request, will take every reasonable precaution to prevent the identity of the complainant from being revealed to the program; however, the Commission cannot guarantee the confidentiality of the complainant. Only written, signed complaints will be considered by the Commission; oral and unsigned complaints will not be considered. The Commission strongly encourages attempts at informal or formal resolution through the program's or sponsoring institution's internal processes prior to initiating a formal complaint with the Commission.
A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the commission at:
Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
Telephone: 1-800-621-8099, extension 4653
CODA Website