You've Got Questions...We've Got Answers
Q. Does the NMDA refer Dentists?
A. No. Since over 70% of the dentists in New Mexico are members we do not give referrals.
Q. How do I file a complaint against a dentist?
A. If the complaint is about the quality of care you received and the dentist is a member of the New Mexico Dental Association, you can file a complaint with the Peer Review Committee. Please see below for form. If the dentist is not a member of the New Mexico Dental Association, contact the New Mexico Board of Dental Healthcare at 505-476-7125.
Q. Is there a dental school in New Mexico?
A. No.
Q. What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?
A. There is essentially no difference, they are both degrees in general dentistry. Some dental schools give the DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree and others the DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) degree.
Q. What does MS or MSD mean?
A. The dentist you are referring to is a specialist. MS means Master of Science and MSD refers to a Masters of Science in Dentistry - the degree a dentist earns when he specializes in one are of dentistry.
Q. What does PC or PA after a dentist's name stand for?
A. These are abbreviations for the legal terms - Professional Corporation or Professional Association. A PC or PA dentist is one who has incorporated his practice for income tax purposes. These abbreviations have nothing to do with his or her ability as a dentist.
Q. What about fees charged by dentists in New Mexico?
A. New Mexico is a no-fee schedule state. There is no set fee for dentistry. The individual dentist is the only person eligible to determine a fair fee for time and services rendered. You will need to discuss fees with your dentist and may encounter a variation in fees per office. If you have any question about the cost of your treatment plan, you may seek a second opinion from another dentist. We cannot conduct a fee survey, because it is considered a violation of the antitrust laws of the Federal Trade Commission.
Q. Which dentists in New Mexico accept Medicaid?
A. For assistance regarding Medicaid call 1-888-997-2583.
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