Medical Negligence in Dentistry

Many of us shudder at the prospect of going to the dentist, as the very thought of someone drilling into our tooth opens up a house of horrors. However, it is well known that going for a check-up is good for your health and we know that we should place great trust into the professionals that are taking care of us.

Unfortunately, whilst the majority of dentists offer a high standard of service to their patients, some patients do end up being treated negligently. The important point is to distinguish between an unfortunate side effect or actual negligence on the part of the dentist. Your dentist may have been negligent in fitting your crown properly. Now you may be having trouble eating. Or perhaps your dentist failed to spot a serious dental disease and now you are experiencing persistent pain and have suffered permanent damage to your teeth.

Types of Dental Negligence

There are many types of dental negligence that can occur. The list below outlines some of the main ones:

Misdiagnosis

This is when the dentist fails to recognise a serious problem which results in the patient receiving inadequate treatment for their dental problem. If the patient suffers more pain and hardship as a result of the misdiagnosis, the patient may be entitled to compensation

Carelessness

The dentist may carry out the dental procedure carelessly and end up causing personal injury to the patient. This can also be a clinical negligence claim.

Inadequate treatment

The dentist may be responsible for carrying out inadequate treatment over a period of time. The dentist's action could result in personal injury to the patient. If it can be shown that another dentist in the same professional capacity would not have made the same error in judgement, then the patient may be able to make a claim.

Drug usage

The dentist may be responsible for giving the patient the wrong dosage of drug or may have failed to analyse the patient's forms which would have mentioned any allergies the patient may have. If the patient suffered personal injury as a result of this then they may be able to claim compensation.

If you have suffered under the hands of a dentist then you may be entitled to a compensation claim. Whether your dentist has provided you with substandard care or caused a dental accident which resulted in you suffering personal injury, our specialist solicitors will be able to advise you.

In order for your claim to be successful, you will need to be able to show that the same treatment would not have been provided by a reasonable and competent member of the dental professional. Our specialist solicitors provide a sympathetic and friendly service, and will ensure that you have the best chance available in pursuing your compensation claim for dental injury.

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