Dentistry Leads UAE Medical Errors at 32% Amid 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 undertaking specialized procedures outside their expertise and the influence of social media on cosmetic trends, prompting individuals to seek procedures like veneers for ideal results.
The committee highlighted a notable decline in complaints over the past five years, with a 42% reduction from 651 complaints in 2021 to 378 last year. Concurrently, 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, stated that dentistry led the list of medical errors, followed by obstetrics and gynecology at 19%, neurosurgery at 11%, orthopedics at 10%, and cosmetic surgery at 9%. He emphasized that the high incidence of dental errors is linked to practitioners exceeding their areas of 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 are required to submit complaints to the healthcare authority where the service was provided. Local committees review the cases and issue initial technical decisions. If any party—be it the patient, doctor, or healthcare facility—is dissatisfied, they may appeal to the Supreme Committee.
He noted that the committee is an independent federal body affiliated with the Cabinet, comprising around 20 consultants from various medical specialties. Each case is assigned to a specialist for thorough scientific analysis, with hearings conducted as necessary involving the concerned parties. A technical report is then presented to the full committee for collective review and a final decision.
The committee’s decisions are binding from a technical and medical standpoint; however, parties retain the right to escalate cases to court, particularly for financial compensation. Courts often reference the committee’s reports as a key technical resource.
Complaints and Performance Trends
Dr. Al Madani highlighted significant improvements in performance over recent years. In 2021, there were 651 complaints, with only 132 cases completed. In 2022, complaints decreased to 582, with 303 cases completed. By 2023, complaints further dropped to 365, while completed cases rose to 612.
In 2024, complaints declined to 319, while completed cases surged to 701—the highest in five years—indicating greater efficiency and quicker resolutions. In 2025, complaints slightly increased to 378, with 447 cases completed. Since the beginning of this year, 173 complaints have been recorded, alongside 181 completed cases, reflecting stable performance and a reduced backlog.
Dr. Al Madani noted that the introduction of a fee of AED 5,000 for filing complaints has helped ensure seriousness and reduce unfounded cases, effectively cutting grievances by approximately half compared to earlier periods.
Causes of Medical Errors
Dr. Al Madani identified three primary causes of medical errors. The first involves doctors performing procedures outside their area 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, resulting in complications.
He also pointed out that many complaints are not necessarily linked to proven medical errors but rather to known complications that can occur despite proper care. Patients may misinterpret these outcomes as errors, especially when their expectations are not met.
Role of Awareness and Expectations
Dr. Al Madani emphasized the role of social media in shaping unrealistic expectations, particularly concerning cosmetic and dental procedures, which creates a disparity between expected and actual results.
Serious medical errors can include cases resulting in death, permanent disability, or loss of a body part, such as delayed interventions during childbirth or surgical complications affecting vital organs.
He reiterated that medical errors are a global concern, even within 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 enhancing the quality of healthcare.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
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Published on 2026-07-01 15:20:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk