Dental Negligence Claims
Dental Negligence Claims in Ireland
A dental negligence claim looks at whether dental treatment or advice fell below the standard expected of a competent dentist, and whether that caused you harm. This can involve extractions, nerve injuries, untreated gum disease or a missed diagnosis. If it did, you may be able to take the matter further.
Dental problems can be painful and have a real effect on daily life, and you rely on your dentist to treat you carefully. If you feel that treatment went wrong or that a problem was missed, you may want answers. We offer clear, careful advice so you can understand your options.
What this can cover
- Avoidable problems following extractions
- Nerve injury during dental treatment
- Untreated or poorly managed gum disease
- Failure to diagnose decay, infection or oral conditions
- Errors in crowns, bridges or implants
- Failure to explain risks before treatment
Situations that may amount to negligence
- An extraction that may have caused avoidable injury to a nerve
- Gum disease that may not have been identified or treated in time
- Decay or infection that may have been missed at routine check ups
- Treatment that may have been carried out without explaining the risks
- A crown, bridge or implant that may have been fitted poorly
- An oral condition that may have warranted referral but was not passed on
How negligence is assessed
A poor result after dental treatment does not by itself mean there was negligence, as some risks exist even with good care. The first question is whether the dentist owed you a duty of care, which they did. The next is whether the treatment fell below the standard expected of a competent dentist, judged using the Dunne v National Maternity Hospital test, which asks whether no dentist of similar skill would have acted in the same way. It must then be shown that the failing caused or materially contributed to your harm, known as causation.
Time limits. As general information, a claim must usually be started within two years of the date you knew, or ought reasonably to have known, of the injury, with separate rules for children and people who lack capacity.
Simple and clear
Making a dental negligence enquiry
A straightforward path from your first question to clear advice on where you stand.
- 1
Get in touch
Tell us briefly what happened, by the enquiry form or by phone. There is no obligation.
- 2
Initial review
We listen, ask a few questions and look at the key facts and any records you have.
- 3
Advice on next steps
We explain your options clearly, including any time limits that may apply to you.
- 4
Claim preparation, if appropriate
If there may be a claim, we guide you through what comes next at a pace that suits you.
Your questions
Dental Negligence claims: common questions
It can include avoidable injury during treatment, untreated gum disease, missed decay or infection, or poorly fitted dental work. Whether it amounts to negligence depends on whether the care fell below the expected standard and caused you harm.
In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.
Get in touch
You do not have to work this out alone
Talk it through with Stephen Kelly Law, confidentially and with no obligation. We will help you understand where you stand and what your options may be.
