<![CDATA[Medical disputes between dentists and patients present legal challenges, particularly in independent dental practices located in disadvantaged areas where access to professional legal and ethical institutions is limited. This study analyzes the effectiveness of resolving medical disputes between dentists and patients, with particular attention to legal effectiveness, legal certainty, and alternative dispute resolution. This study employs a normative juridical method with a qualitative approach and is classified as sociological legal research with a descriptive-analytical character. Data were obtained through interviews with two independent dentists, two patients, two community leaders, and one Indonesian dental association representative, supported by observations and document studies. The findings show that two identified disputes were resolved through informal verbal mediation facilitated by community figures, without written agreements or referral to professional disciplinary institutions. Mediation was relatively fast, inexpensive, and oriented toward mutually acceptable solutions. However, limited institutional access, community preferences for familial settlement, mediator neutrality, and weak legal enforceability of verbal agreements constrained its effectiveness. The study concludes that strengthening institutional support and written, enforceable mediation procedures is necessary to improve legal certainty and dispute-resolution effectiveness in independent dental practices.]]>
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