The Rise and Frequency of Medical Complaints Against Dentists and Cosmetic Surgeons in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Solutions

In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed a significant increase in the number of medical complaints filed against dentists and plastic surgeons. This alarming phenomenon calls for an examination of its causes and possible remedies.

🦷 The Dental Sector: Challenges and Risks

Reports have shown that dentists in Saudi Arabia face increasing challenges related to medical complaints. For example, the head of the Medical Association revealed that the association receives approximately 100 complaints against dentists annually, noting that some doctors ignore medical errors, increasing their legal risks. (

Among the reported cases, a patient lost sensation in half of his tongue after a wisdom tooth extraction, as he was not informed of the potential risks of the procedure and his consent was not properly documented. (

💉 Cosmetic medicine sector: increasing complaints and pressure

In the field of cosmetic medicine, studies have shown that 90% of complaints are not related to medical errors, but rather to patient dissatisfaction with the results. However, these complaints negatively impact doctors' reputations and expose them to legal accountability. (

Among the documented cases, there is a complaint from a patient who suffered damage to her hands after an unknown substance was used by a beautician, where the procedure was not documented or the patient's explicit consent obtained. (

⚠️ Reasons for the increase in complaints

1. Lack of documentation and explicit consent

2. Unclear expectations

3. Lack of training and professional awareness

4. Media pressure and misleading advertising

🛡️ The role of electronic documentation in reducing risks

Electronic documentation, including obtaining explicit patient consent, is an effective tool for protecting physicians from legal risks. Documenting consent ensures that the patient has been fully informed of the medical procedure and has voluntarily consented to it.

In addition, electronic documentation contributes to:

• Reduce confusion

• Protecting the doctor's reputation

• Enhancing trust between doctor and patient

🧭 Recommendations for doctors

1. Commitment to electronic documentation

2. Clarify expectations

3. Continuing training

4. Transparency and Professionalism

🏁 The bottom line

The increase in medical complaints against dentists and cosmetic surgeons in Saudi Arabia is a challenge that requires doctors to take effective steps to protect themselves and their professional reputation. By adhering to electronic documentation, clarifying expectations, and conducting ongoing training, doctors can reduce the risks associated with these complaints and improve the quality of healthcare provided to patients.