Community guidelines

These guidelines describe the introduction experience on MatchMyDentist—what happens before you choose a dentist and before clinical care begins. They are not treatment directives, fee schedules, or a substitute for the dentist–patient relationship.

Participating dentists agree to a Patient Commitment: communicate with compassion and professionalism, be fair and honest about fit and limits, accommodate concerns where they can, and avoid pressure or promises they cannot keep from a profile alone. Patients agree to participate honestly and thoughtfully. MatchMyDentist sets these expectations and reviews reported conduct against them.

A dentist’s ability to participate is not automatic—or permanent.

Patient Commitment: what you should hear before you book

Before you connect, a participating dentist reads your story and responds personally—not just to invite you in, but to address what you actually told them.

The lines below are examples of the kind of reply we expect. They are illustrative only—not scripts, guarantees, or words from a specific dentist.

1. Your situation comes first. You deserve more than “We offer financing.” You deserve an honest conversation about what might be possible—and what might not.

   “Here is my budget. Here is my problem. Can you help?”

2. Plain talk about fit. The dentist explains why they think there may be a workable option and what they would need to confirm at your visit.

   “We believe we can help you within your budget and needs.”

3. A realistic entry point. The dentist explains what a starting point might look like. An exam is still needed to confirm what is possible and what needs attention first.

   “We may be able to help with part of it, and here is the realistic starting point.”

4. An honest answer is not always “yes.” If the dentist already sees a mismatch between what you need and what you can spend, they should tell you plainly—not invite you in as though they can make it work.

   “We do not believe we can help within that budget—and here is why.”

5. What they can’t answer from your story. Sometimes the dentist cannot tell from your story whether there is a workable option within your budget and needs. They should say that, too—and explain what an exam costs and what they need to evaluate.

   “We need an exam to know.”

   Knowing that before you book is better than discovering it after you arrive.

When a dentist responds, read why

Ask yourself: Did they understand what matters to me? Did they respond to something I actually shared? Do I feel comfortable taking the next step? Do I genuinely want to consider this practice?

A message can mean: “I understand your concerns, and based on what you’ve shared, I believe we may be able to help.” It does not mean you have been diagnosed, promised treatment, guaranteed an outcome, or given a final fee quote.

Accepting an introduction means yes, I want this practice to contact me—not that you have accepted treatment, agreed to a fee, or promised to become their patient. You keep the right to ask questions and say no.

Money and clinical boundaries

Sharing a budget range tells the dentist that cost matters to you. It is not a treatment plan, a quote, or an amount they are expected to “use.” After an exam, care may cost less, more, or involve different options than you expected.

What you share helps a dentist understand the person before the examination. It does not predetermine the examination, diagnosis, or treatment plan.

Your choice stays yours

You decide whether to accept an introduction, book a visit, or walk away. MatchMyDentist does not choose a dentist for you or require you to move forward. If a dentist believes they are not the right fit, they should say so honestly.

Concern-specific context: cost, embarrassment and overdue care, anxiety and fear.

What we ask of you

• Tell us what’s true. Share what actually matters—fears, gaps in care, cost, past experiences—without dressing it up.
• Be serious about finding care. A real dentist may take time to consider you. Use the service when you genuinely want to find care.
• Keep the boundary. Your needs and preferences are important context; they do not replace professional judgment after an exam.
• If you connect, follow through. Answer or return the practice’s contact, ask your questions, and tell them if your plans change. Acceptance is not treatment—but both sides should take the introduction seriously.

Respect goes both ways. Use accurate information, do not harass staff, and do not accept introductions only to obtain information you do not intend to use.

What participating dentists agree to

Every dentist on MatchMyDentist understands the Patient Commitment: they read what you shared, respond personally in plain language, and are honest about whether they may be a fit—including saying no when they are not. They should not pressure you, shame you, or treat your message as permission to diagnose, guarantee an outcome, or quote a final fee before an exam. Introduction messages are theirs, not ours; treatment and fees in the office are theirs too.

If a dentist fell short of the Patient Commitment, report a concern.

Who does what

MatchMyDentist

• Give you a place to explain what matters before choosing a dentist.
• Keep your name and contact details private until you choose to connect.
• Set and enforce introduction-experience expectations.
• Review reported concerns and decide platform access.

What we are—and are not

MatchMyDentist is a technology platform, not a dental provider. We do not provide dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and we do not set treatment or fees. Introduction messages are the dentist’s independent communication; we do not author, endorse, or guarantee them.

Participation does not guarantee that a dentist can meet every need, offer a particular accommodation, or provide care within a particular budget.

Reporting and enforcement

Tell us what happened. We review whether it relates to participation standards on MatchMyDentist—for example, a reply that ignores your situation, reassurance that changes when you arrive, or pressure after you have said no.

We assess conduct against these guidelines. We do not determine whether a diagnosis was correct, provide clinical second opinions, or decide professional negligence. That belongs to you, the practice, licensing boards, and other legal channels. Our process does not replace emergency care.

Outcomes may include no action, outreach to the dentist, restrictions, suspension, or removal from the platform, consistent with our Terms of Service. We do not make clinical decisions or set treatment prices. We do decide who is allowed on our platform.

Report a concern →