Dentistry Leads UAE Medical Errors at 32% Despite 42% Decline in Complaints
Dubai: The Supreme Committee for Medical Liability in the UAE has reported that dentistry accounted for 32% of medical errors in the past year. This high percentage is attributed to general practitioners performing specialized procedures beyond their qualifications and the influence of social media on cosmetic trends, leading individuals to seek procedures like veneers in pursuit of ideal results.
The committee also noted a significant reduction in complaints over the last five years, with a 42% decrease from 651 complaints in 2021 to 378 last year. Conversely, the number of completed cases surged from 132 in 2021 to 447 in the previous year, marking an increase of approximately 239%.
Dr. Abdul Razzaq Al Madani, Chairman of the committee, indicated that following dentistry, other fields with notable medical errors included obstetrics and gynecology at 19%, neurosurgery at 11%, orthopedics at 10%, and cosmetic surgery at 9%. He reiterated that the prevalence of dental errors is closely linked to practitioners exceeding their expertise and the rising demand for cosmetic procedures driven by social media expectations.
Complaint Mechanism
Dr. Al Madani explained that the medical complaints system in the UAE operates on an institutional hierarchy. Patients initially submit complaints to the healthcare authority where the service was provided. Local committees review the cases and issue preliminary technical decisions. If any party—be it a patient, doctor, or healthcare facility—is dissatisfied, they may appeal to the Supreme Committee.
He added that the committee functions as an independent federal body affiliated with the Cabinet and comprises around 20 consultants from various medical specialties. Each case is assigned to a specialist for thorough scientific analysis, with hearings conducted as necessary. A technical report is then presented to the full committee for collective review and final decision-making.
The committee’s decisions carry binding technical and medical authority, although parties retain the right to pursue cases in court, particularly for financial compensation. Courts often reference the committee’s reports as key technical documentation.
Complaints and Performance Trends
Dr. Al Madani highlighted notable improvements in performance over recent years. In 2021, there were 651 complaints, with only 132 cases completed. The following year saw 582 complaints and 303 completions. By 2023, complaints had decreased to 365, while completed cases rose to 612.
In 2024, complaints further declined to 319, and completed cases surged to 701, the highest in five years, reflecting enhanced efficiency and quicker resolutions. In 2025, complaints rose slightly to 378, with 447 cases completed. Since the beginning of this year, 173 complaints have been recorded alongside 181 completed cases, indicating stable performance and a reduced backlog.
Dr. Al Madani noted that the introduction of a AED 5,000 fee for filing complaints has contributed to ensuring the seriousness of submissions and reducing unfounded cases, effectively halving grievances compared to previous periods.
Causes of Medical Errors
Dr. Al Madani identified three primary causes of medical errors. The first involves doctors performing procedures outside their areas of expertise or lacking sufficient experience. The second pertains to the inadequate preparedness of some healthcare facilities, particularly smaller private clinics, to manage complex cases or emergencies.
The third cause relates to unnecessary or unjustified medical procedures, where treatments may be recommended without clear necessity, sometimes driven by commercial motives, leading to complications.
He also emphasized that many complaints are not necessarily linked to proven medical errors but rather to known complications that can arise despite appropriate care. Patients may perceive these outcomes as errors, especially when their expectations are not met.
Role of Awareness and Expectations
Dr. Al Madani pointed out that social media significantly shapes unrealistic expectations, particularly in cosmetic and dental procedures, creating a disparity between anticipated and actual results.
Serious medical errors can include instances resulting in death, permanent disability, or loss of a body part, such as delayed interventions during childbirth or surgical complications affecting vital organs.
He stressed that medical errors represent a global challenge, even in advanced healthcare systems. However, the UAE has established a robust regulatory framework, bolstered by advanced medical technology and ongoing improvements in oversight, to minimize such incidents.
Dr. Al Madani called for enhanced professional accountability, stricter licensing regulations, improved preparedness of healthcare facilities, and greater patient awareness regarding their rights and complaint mechanisms. He noted that reporting incidents is crucial for improving the quality of healthcare.
For further details, visit the original reporting source: www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-07-01 15:20:00 • By the Editorial Desk
