Dental Malpractice Statistics

The impact of dental malpractice on a patient can seriously influence their appearance as well as their general health. A number of conditions, especially involving the digestive system, have been connected to poor dental health. However, malpractice in dentistry receives little public attention when compared to medical malpractice.

As detailed in a study published through The Journal of the American Dental Association, certain types of malpractice are considerably more common in the dental field than others. This generally occurs because certain types of procedures may require more complicated processes or particularly intensive surgeries. As a result, dentists may be more prone to make a mistake during these treatments in comparison to other, more simple procedures.

Prosthodontics stands as the most common field of dentistry tied to malpractice. Prosthodontics consists of tooth replacement, often requiring some degree of extraction. Treatments involved with this field may include dentures and bridges. Additionally, dentists working in this field deal with some of the consequences of missing teeth, which may make it more difficult to treat a patient. According to the study, this field makes up 28 percent of all dental malpractice claims.

With17 percent of all dental malpractice claims, endodontics is a type of dentistry responsible for a considerable number of malpractice claims. This field consists of working inside the tooth, dealing with the pulp and root of the tooth. This includes root canal procedures, which are particularly painful and affect the nerves.

Restorative dentistry has the third highest number of malpractice claims, accounting for 16 percent of all claims. Restorative procedures include veneers, fillings, and similar treatments that deal with the damage problems that cavities can cause.

For more information regarding dental malpractice claims, contact a dental malpractice attorney.