At Conrad Curry, we have seen a growing number of dental negligence claims. Many clients have come to us after experiencing devastating outcomes due to substandard care and/or management by their dentist or orthodontist.
In cases we have pursued against dental practitioners, our clients have alleged various failures, including:
- Not referring the patient for a specialist opinion or treatment.
- Providing inappropriate or insufficient treatment.
- Failing to offer proper advice or guidance.
- Misdiagnosing or failing to diagnose the patient’s condition.
- Inadequate monitoring of the patient’s condition.
- Administering treatment that caused additional harm.
- Performing unnecessary dental procedures.
One of the most frequent causes of dental negligence claims, in our experience, is practitioners performing procedures beyond their expertise or training. A study published in the Australian Dental Journal in 2016 highlighted this trend, noting that general dentists are increasingly undertaking complex procedures, such as wisdom tooth extractions, dental implant placements, and orthodontic treatments. This expansion of practice areas, often driven by market saturation and competition, has contributed to a higher risk of errors.
When poor outcomes occur, patients are often left requiring extensive corrective treatments that are not only costly but also painful and disruptive to their lives. In dental negligence claims we’ve handled, we have sought expert evidence to quantify the future treatment needs—both dental and psychological—of our clients. We have claimed these costs, along with damages for pain and suffering, lost income, and any reasonable assistance required for domestic tasks during recovery.
If you believe you may have been affected by dental negligence, we encourage you to reach out. Contact our firm for a free consultation with one of our specialist dental negligence solicitors by calling 1300 808 933 or booking online.
