Inland Dental Arts
2026-04-30T00:33:44.144Z
I came in with a straightforward issue, two painful teeth that I wanted evaluated and treated.Before I could meet the dentist, receive an evaluation, or have an X-ray performed, I was asked to sign a multi-page arbitration agreement.While I understand that arbitration agreements are not uncommon in healthcare settings, presenting one of this scope as a prerequisite to being seen gave me pause.For context, I have significant exposure to the dental industry from a Systems Administration, Compliance, and Operations standpoint across 100+ dental offices in the LA/OC/SB area. Agreements that address dispute resolution are not unusual. However, this document goes further than what is typically presented at intake. It requires patients to:Waive the right to a jury trial for malpractice claimsAgree to binding arbitration for dispute resolutionShare in the costs of arbitration proceedingsAccept broad limitations on the liability of the dental practice and its affiliatesExtend these terms to family members and related partiesApply these terms to future claims, not just current treatmentTo their credit, the office itself is very well maintained, with excellent parking, cleanliness, and very courteous staff. At the same time, there appeared to be limited ability to explain the legal language in the forms they are asking patients to sign, particularly when those forms involve waiving rights prior to any examination or diagnosis.I do not consider myself a litigious person and have no intention of pursuing legal action. I also recognize that practices take steps to manage risk. That said, requiring patients to agree to such comprehensive legal terms before any care is delivered does not inspire confidence. It raises reasonable questions about why this level of protection is emphasized so early in the process.This whole experience led me to consider whether the practice approaches other responsibilities in this manner. When the administrative posture is strongly oriented toward limiting liability upfront, it led me to question whether there is consistency in other areas, including patient communication, transparency in treatment recommendations, and the handling and protection of personal and health information. While these are my own conclusions, they are not unfounded given my prior experience working with a large number of dental practices and observing how different offices approach compliance, patient communication, and risk management.The office currently has a number of five-star reviews, which may reflect positive experiences with staff interactions and overall environment. However, reviews of that nature are generally a measure of bedside manner and service experience, not necessarily technical clinical ability. Without being seen or evaluated, I have no meaningful way to assess the quality of care before being asked to agree to significant legal terms.I am sharing this in the hope that it is seen and reconsidered, as this appears to be a straightforward issue to address. A more balanced and clearly explained approach would likely improve patient confidence while still allowing the practice to manage risk appropriately.Trust in a healthcare provider is built through competence, transparency, and patient-centered care. In my view, requiring agreement to sweeping legal terms before even being seen does not support that foundation. I declined to sign.Update in response to the office’s reply:I didn’t decline care. I was told that without signing, the office would decline the visit. My issue isn’t with arbitration or the forms themselves, it’s the timing. Being asked to agree to broad, rights-waiving terms before even a basic exam or X-ray feels premature and leaves no real way to assess care beforehand. I’d be open to coming back if an initial assessment could happen first. I’m just trying to fix a dental issue, not write reviews. If this is reconsidered, I’d be happy to return and welcome the office to reach out.
I came in with a straightforward issue, two painful teeth that I wanted evaluated and treated.Before I could meet the dentist, receive an evaluation, ... More