We trust our medical professionals to safeguard our health – this includes dentists. Going to the dentist isn’t always the most comfortable experience but we don’t expect to leave in worse condition than we arrived. When a dentist makes a mistake, that’s exactly what can happen.
What is dental malpractice?
Dental malpractice is a form of medical malpractice. Dentists are required to have a certain level of education, training and experience, required by Pennsylvania, before they practice. Every time they see a patient, they must meet the standard of care for their field. The standard of care refers to the actions a competent dentist would have taken under the same circumstances, or the decisions a competent dentist would have made.
When a dentist falls below the standard of care, and injures a patient in the process, they are considered legally negligent – this is malpractice. As the injured patient, you have the right to sue the dentist for their negligence. A lawsuit is your way to be made whole again.
How is dental malpractice committed?
It’s important to understand that simply being dissatisfied with the dental work you receive is not enough to qualify as malpractice. But when there is a mistake made in either routine dental work, or more complicated surgical procedures, that’s when negligence becomes possible. A misdiagnosis or a failure to diagnose can also fall below the standard of care, as can errors in maintaining a patient’s dental records.
Every patient is unique and must be treated properly, within the standard of care. Malpractice can occur at any stage of the patient’s treatment. Dental malpractice cases can be very complex, requiring an investigation and consultation with experts in the field. If you’ve been injured during your treatment, seek the assistance of a professional who is experienced in malpractice law – they can help you recover the compensation to which you’re entitled and to hold the dentist accountable for their negligence.