The most common malpractice claims occur after:
1. extraction procedures (extracting the wrong tooth, infections, etc.)
2. endodontic procedures (infections requiring hospitalization, instruments broken in canals, nerve damage, etc.)
3. wrong implants (postoperative infections, fractured jaw, implants placed on nerves, etc.
4. bridge treatments (open margins, overhanging restorations, poor occlusion, etc.)
5. the patient develops periodontal disease
6. orthodontic procedures
7. anesthesia complications
8. infection
9. injections (affecting/ damaging other nerves such as lingual, alveolar, etc.)
10. adverse patient reactions to drugs
For every dental procedure, the dentist should:
1. Have an informed consent form that all patients should sign before performing a procedure.
2. Keep a detailed record of the patient’s history.
3. Maintain a record of the thorough treatment plan and financial services in the patient’s file.
4. Take clear and detailed notes, and include them in the patient’s file.
Author(s)
Stuart J. Oberman, Esq.
Stuart J. Oberman is the founder and President of Oberman Law Firm. Mr. Oberman graduated from Urbana University and received his law degree from John Marshall Law School. Mr. Oberman has been practicing law for over 30 years, and before going into private practice, Mr. Oberman was in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 Company.
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