New Hampshire Dental Watchdog Failures: Patients Left Vulnerable in System Rife with Conflicts of Interest
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A disturbing account has emerged detailing alleged systemic failures within New Hampshire’s dental regulatory and insurance landscape, leaving patients potentially vulnerable to substandard care and financial hardship. The allegations, stemming from one individual’s decade-long battle with dental providers and regulatory bodies, paint a picture of a deeply interconnected system where patient protection takes a backseat to industry relationships and self-preservation.
A Patient’s Decade-Long Struggle
The core of the issue revolves around a patient’s experience with Dr. David Gordon and Dr. Charles Burliss of Salem, New Hampshire, and the subsequent attempts to seek recourse after allegedly receiving inadequate dental work. According to the account, the patient proactively contacted the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners (NHBDE), the New Hampshire Dental Society (NHDS), and Delta Dental prior to treatment to verify the dentists’ qualifications and check for any existing complaints. However, the patient alleges a disturbing lack of transparency and accountability throughout the entire process.
A central claim is that the NHBDE issues dental licenses without requiring proof of liability insurance. This critical information, the patient asserts, is not publicly advertised by the NHBDE, the NHDS, Delta Dental, or the dentists themselves. “The NH dental patient is never told this until the very end during discovery,” the patient stated. Furthermore, the account alleges that dentists are not legally obligated to provide insurance information upon request, forcing patients to incur legal fees simply to obtain this basic information during the discovery phase of a potential malpractice case.
A Web of Connections and Potential Conflicts
The allegations extend beyond licensing procedures, pointing to a network of interconnected relationships that may compromise impartiality. The patient claims that dentists associated with the NHBDE and Delta Dental are also members of the NHDS, fostering a close-knit community where accountability is potentially stifled. Specifically, Dr. Gordon is identified as a member of both the NHBDE and the NHDS, with his wife, Dr. Brenda Berkal, currently serving as President of the NHDS. Michal Auerbach, the NHDS director, is also described as a close friend of Dr. Berkal, Dr. Gordon, Dr. Burliss, and Tom Raffio, the CEO of Delta Dental.
The patient alleges that these connections were not addressed, and potentially covered up, even as complaints were filed. “Everyone at the NHDS, the NHBDE and Delta dentals Tom Raffio CEO, knew that Dr. Brenda Berkal, and Dr. David Gordon were married, and did nothing but cover for them,” the patient claims. Adding to these concerns, the patient alleges that Dr. Gordon was issued a new dental license by the NHBDE concurrently with the filing of a complaint against him.
Delta Dental’s Role and Financial Incentives
The account further implicates Delta Dental, alleging that the company directs business to dentists within its network, potentially regardless of the quality of care. “Delta dental sends business to each of these dentists by recommendations to their dental customers. Follow the money,” the patient asserts. The patient claims Delta Dental’s board is comprised of dentists who are also members of the NHDS and NHBDE, and that the company continues to pay dentists even when their work is demonstrably unsuccessful. Tom Raffio, Delta Dental’s CEO, is also alleged to have close personal relationships with key figures within the NHDS, NHBDE, and even the Governor’s office.
Obstacles to Redress and a Lack of Transparency
The patient describes a frustrating and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to seek resolution through official channels. Freedom of Information and “Right to Know” requests were reportedly denied, and the NHBDE and NHDS allegedly lack the authority to compel dentists to issue refunds. “The NH dental patient does not find this out until they file a complaint, why even file in the first place?” the patient questioned. The patient also alleges a complete lack of representation during hearings with the NHBDE, NHDS, and Delta Dental, and faced a consistent narrative from all parties involved.
Furthermore, the patient claims to have been unable to find a New Hampshire malpractice attorney willing to take the case, being repeatedly told, “You will never win.” The account highlights the significant financial burden placed on patients seeking information and legal recourse, and the perceived impossibility of challenging the established system.
Systemic Issues and Calls for Reform
The patient’s experience raises serious questions about the oversight and accountability of dental professionals in New Hampshire. The allegations suggest a system where conflicts of interest are rampant, transparency is lacking, and patients are left with limited recourse when faced with substandard care. The NHDS is described as a franchise of the American Dental Association (ADA), but with no oversight or regulation from the national organization.
The patient emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness and systemic reform to protect future patients. “All this information must be made public to protect the unknowing NH dental patient from being the next victim. Are all people who have filed complaints treated in this manner?” the patient implored. The account serves as a stark warning about the potential risks within New Hampshire’s dental system and a call for greater transparency, accountability, and patient protection.
