We have noticed an increasing prevalence of dental negligence claims at our firm. We have acted for many clients who have unfortunately suffered devastating outcomes because they were poorly treated and/or managed by their dentist or orthodontist.
In a variety of cases in which we have acted against dentists or orthodontists, our clients have alleged that the treating practitioner:
- Failed to refer the patient for a specialist opinion and/or treatment;
- Failed to provide appropriate treatment to the patient;
- Failed to provide proper advice to the patient;
- Failed to appropriately diagnose the patient;
- Failed to appropriately monitor the patient;
- Provided treatment to the patient which caused further damage; and
- Provided unnecessary dental work to the patient.
Perhaps the most common issue which gives rise to dental negligence claims in our experience is dentists undertaking procedures or rending treatment which is beyond their level of expertise or training. According to one study published in the Australian Dental Journal in 2016, general dentists are more frequently undertaking a wider range of oral surgery procedures; such as wisdom teeth removal, placement of dental implants, and orthodontic treatment, which in turn is increasing the risk for errors. The study suggested one reason for this may be that there are more dentists in Australia than in previous years, resulting in saturation of the market and a climate where dentists may be more willing to take on complex cases with which they have less experience.
Unfortunately, when a patient does have a poor outcome, they can be left with a need for extensive corrective treatment which can be costly, inconvenient and painful. In dental negligence claims we have brought on behalf of our clients in the past, we obtained expert evidence as to the nature and cost of the future treatment that our clients required – both dental and psychological – and claimed the cost of this together with damages for pain and suffering, loss of income and any assistance with domestic tasks our client may have reasonably required during their treatment and recovery.
If you think you may have been a victim of dental negligence, we invite you to contact our firm and book a free consultation with one of our specialist dental negligence solicitors to discuss your options on 02 4050 0330 or book online.
