Dental care plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, access to safe and timely dental treatment in England is currently falling well below acceptable standards.
In 2022, the BBC reported that nine out of ten NHS dental practices were not accepting new adult patients, while eight out of ten were unable to take on new child patients. As a result, dentists are under extraordinary pressure, increasing the risk of negligent dental treatment.
Although Labour has pledged an additional 700,000 NHS dental appointments and supervised toothbrushing in schools if elected in 2024/25, the reality is that many patients are already suffering harm.
In this article, we explain the most common types of dental negligence and outline how you may be able to claim compensation if you have been affected.
Dental negligence occurs when a dental professional fails to provide care that meets an acceptable standard, resulting in injury, pain, or avoidable harm to a patient.
Below are some of the most common examples of negligent dental care.
Dentists have a duty to diagnose and treat oral health conditions accurately and promptly. When they fail to do so, the consequences can be severe.
Misdiagnosis may lead to:
Delayed diagnosis can allow conditions to progress unchecked. In serious cases, such as undiagnosed oral cancer or advanced gum disease, this can result in permanent damage or even death.
For example, in September 2023, a woman was awarded £9,250 after her dentist failed to diagnose periodontal disease. The condition became so severe that it caused her significant discomfort and mental distress.
Proper treatment planning is essential for safe and effective dental care. Negligence can occur when a dentist fails to consider:
Poor planning can lead to avoidable complications, adverse reactions, and unnecessary procedures.
Dental procedures such as tooth extractions, dental implants, and root canal treatments carry inherent risks. However, negligence may arise when mistakes are made, including:
Surgical errors can result in prolonged recovery, severe pain, and irreversible injury.
Strict hygiene standards are critical in dental practices. Failure to follow proper infection control procedures may result in the transmission of infections between patients.
Examples of negligence include:
Patients have a legal right to make informed decisions about their treatment. A dentist may be negligent if they fail to:
Without informed consent, patients may undergo procedures without fully understanding the consequences.
Teeth play a crucial role in both appearance and oral function. Negligent cosmetic dental work involving fillings, crowns, veneers, or bridges can result in:
Some dental conditions require specialist care. Negligence may occur if a dentist fails to refer a patient to an appropriate specialist, such as:
For example, untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease that damages the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth. If left untreated, this can result in tooth loss and wider health complications.
Accurate records and clear communication are essential for safe dental care. Negligence can arise when:
These failures can lead to mismanagement and inappropriate treatment.
If you believe you have received negligent dental treatment, it is important to contact an experienced Dental Negligence Solicitor as soon as possible.
Under the Limitation Act 1980, most dental negligence claims must be brought within three years of the injury or the date you became aware of it.
To succeed in a dental negligence claim, you must prove that:
Your solicitor will usually instruct an independent dental expert to assess your treatment. Their report will help determine whether negligence occurred and how much compensation may be awarded.
Negligent dental care can cause long-term pain, disfigurement, and emotional suffering. It can also seriously impact confidence and mental health.
Compensation may help cover:
With the ongoing shortage of NHS dentists, compensation may provide vital access to private restorative treatment.
You do not have to suffer in silence. Our Dental Negligence Solicitors have decades of combined experience successfully advising and representing clients across the UK.
We are sympathetic, understanding, and committed to supporting you throughout the claims process.
Contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation by phone or email.
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