Dental Negligence
As a population, we are increasingly seeking the medical expertise of orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry practitioners.
Unfortunately, this has seen an increase in dental negligence claims. We rely on the clinical expertise of dental practitioners to diagnose and treat our oral health problems. In most cases, dentists provide safe and effective treatment, however, mistakes can occur. Dental negligence* can include poorly delivered treatment, delayed diagnosis, incorrect diagnosis, and failure to refer to a specialist.
For those patients affected by dental negligence*, the consequences can be severe and result in pain, an inability to eat, sensitivity, difficulty speaking, progression of diseases such as cancer, and loss of teeth. Dental negligence* can also lead to poor cosmetic outcomes, resulting in shame, embarrassment, anxiety, and depression. As such, it is important to consider both the physical health and mental health implications of dental negligence*.
If you have been affected by the negligence of a dental practitioner, whether a general dentist, cosmetic dentist, endodontist, orthodontist, prosthodontist, periodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or dental hygienist, our dental malpractice solicitors* can provide you with clear, sensitive, expert advice, and where appropriate we can lead you through the dental negligence compensation claim process.
What types of dental negligence* can you claim for?
It is possible to claim for a wide range of dental negligence*, including:
- Damage caused during treatment to expensive crowns and veneers
- Failure to carry out a proper oral health check
- Failure of cosmetic dental work
- Failure to diagnose a dental condition – if left undiagnosed, conditions such as periodontal disease may progress, leading to the loss of teeth and bone and swollen gums. More serious diseases such as oral cancer may also go unnoticed
- Failure to obtain proper patient consent for treatment
- Failure to fully remove part of a root during a root canal procedure
- Failure to refer a patient to another health professional
- Failure to take or review x-rays
- Injury caused during treatment
- Nerve injuries
- Poorly delivered anaesthesia leading to complications
- Poorly fitted braces leading misaligned teeth
If you are concerned that you have been the victim of dental negligence*, one of our specialist dental negligence solicitors* will be happy to advise you, in complete confidence, as to whether you have a stateable dental negligence claim*.
How to prove dental negligence
To make a successful dental negligence compensation claim*, it is essential to prove that:
- Your dental practitioner owed you a duty of care
- You suffered harm
- The negligence of your dental practitioner was responsible for the harm caused
To prove dental negligence*, our expert dental negligence solicitors will request your clinical notes, including your medical history and details of what happened to you. An expert dental witness will also need to be instructed to give us their expert opinion whether the injuries you sustained were caused by dental negligence*. They will also offer their opinion on your prognosis and your future dental care needs. At Hanahoe & Hanahoe LLP , we work with a panel of dental experts, of differing specialities, from both Ireland and the UK. We can arrange for a dental expert witness report to be drafted, setting out whether your dentist breached his duty of care to you, the injuries you sustained and their prognosis for the future. If necessary, we can arrange for the expert witness to provide evidence and offer their clinical opinion in court.
Go to a Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor Firm
Specialist solicitors are best placed to give you legal advice on liability, the appropriate defendants, the statute of limitations and your appropriate compensation.
Why choose Hanahoe & Hanahoe Solicitors?
- Hanahoe & Hanahoe Solicitors have over 40 years experience and have particular expertise in medical negligence claims*.
- We are a multiple award-winning law firm which is headed by our Managing Partner Luke Hanahoe. Luke Hanahoe leads our medical negligence claims* team.
- We have offices in Naas, Dublin, Maynooth and Portlaoise and offer advice to clients on surgical negligence claims from across the country.
- If you have a query in relation to dental negligence or any medical negligence claim please feel free to contact us to talk to one of our expert medical negligence solicitors.
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.
Useful information
If you have concerns about your dental treatment, here are some links you may find useful
Irish Dental Association: https://www.dentist.ie/your-oral-health/dental-complaints.6172.html
Dental Complaints Resolution Service: https://dentalcomplaints.ie/
Health Complaints: https://www.healthcomplaints.ie/specific-complaints-procedures/dental-council/