Dental negligence, also referred to as dental malpractice, occurs when a dental professional fails to provide a standard of care expected within the dental industry, resulting in harm to a patient. Dental negligence can manifest in various forms, including diagnostic errors, treatment mistakes, and failures to provide adequate care. Examples of dental negligence include misdiagnosing oral conditions, performing incorrect or unnecessary dental procedures, damaging nerves or tissues during treatment, prescribing the wrong medications, and failing to obtain informed consent.
Patients who have experienced harm due to dental negligence may suffer from physical injuries, pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens. To establish a case of dental negligence, it is generally necessary to demonstrate that the dental professional deviated from the accepted standard of care and that this deviation directly led to the patient’s harm.
Legal action can be pursued to seek compensation for damages, including the cost of corrective procedures, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related expenses. Like other medical negligence cases, dental negligence cases are complex and often require the expertise of both legal and dental professionals to navigate the legal system and assess the merit of a claim.
To prevent dental negligence, dental practitioners are encouraged to adhere to established standards of care, stay informed about advancements in dentistry, and maintain open communication with their patients. Patients can contribute to their own safety by seeking second opinions when necessary, asking questions about proposed treatments, and being aware of their rights to informed consent and competent dental care. Regular dental check-ups and maintaining open communication between patients and dental professionals are also crucial elements in preventing and addressing dental negligence.