The number of negligence suits filed against dentists in Lincolnshire has risen over the past three years and it’s thought that the demand for Hollywood-style perfection is behind the cases, totalling £250,000. Bridge McFarland solicitors has been dealing with the claims and the firms medical negligence specialist, Stephanie Lock, suggested that the lack of available NHS dentists may be to blame for the rise in law suits; ‘People paying large fees for private dentistry rightly have high expectations about the quality of the treatment they should receive,’ she said, ‘and that particularly applies to cosmetic treatments.’
Ms Lock went on to say that some dentists were not meeting those expectations which was leading to patients taking legal action against them; ‘people have come to us with complaints about a wide range of procedures including bleaching, the fitting of porcelain veneers, crowns, bridgework, orthodontic work, dental implants, gum grafts, and teeth straightening.’ She said, adding that patients looking for this type of treatment where typically after a ‘Hollywood’ smile of sorts, to improve appearance and boost confidence; ‘When patients are left unhappy with the results, it can be very traumatic and a real blow to self-esteem.’
Experts at the General Dental Council recommend doing plenty of research into prospective dentists before going ahead with cosmetic work; Doctor Martin Fallowfield, chairman of the British Dental Association says ‘Before starting treatment, a patient should make sure they understand what treatment will involve, how long it will take, and what it will cost. A good dentist should be happy to explain all of this.’