1. What Is a Dental Negligence Solicitor?
A dental negligence solicitor is a legal professional who specialises in helping patients claim compensation after receiving substandard or harmful dental care. This includes mistakes made by NHS or private dentists that result in injury, pain, or additional treatment.
2. When Can You Claim Dental Negligence?
You may be able to claim if a dentist:
- Caused unnecessary pain or injury
- Misdiagnosed or failed to diagnose an issue
- Provided the wrong treatment
- Damaged teeth, gums, or nerves
- Failed to obtain informed consent before procedures
- Delivered cosmetic results far below the promised outcome
3. Common Examples of Dental Negligence
- Extraction of the wrong tooth
- Nerve damage during surgery
- Poorly fitted crowns, bridges, or implants
- Infection due to inadequate hygiene
- Failure to diagnose oral cancer or gum disease
- Overcharging for private treatment without proper service
4. What Compensation Can You Receive?
A dental negligence solicitor helps you claim for:
- Pain and suffering
- Cost of corrective treatment
- Loss of earnings if time off work is needed
- Travel and care expenses
- Emotional distress, especially with visible or permanent damage
5. How to Prove Dental Negligence
To succeed in your claim, your solicitor must prove:
- Duty of care: The dentist was responsible for your treatment
- Breach of duty: The care provided was below professional standards
- Causation: That breach directly caused harm or worsened your condition
6. Time Limits for Making a Claim
In the UK, you usually have three years from the date of the negligent treatment or the date you discovered the harm to file a claim. For children, the clock starts at age 18.
7. Do You Need to Go to Court?
Most dental negligence claims are settled out of court. However, your solicitor will prepare for litigation if necessary to ensure fair compensation.
8. What Evidence Will Your Solicitor Need?
- Dental records and treatment notes
- X-rays or imaging scans
- Expert opinions from independent dentists
- Photos of injuries or poor outcomes
- Receipts for expenses
- Witness statements if relevant
9. No Win No Fee Options Available
Many dental negligence solicitors offer no win no fee agreements. This means you won’t pay anything upfront, and only pay a fee if your claim succeeds—usually a percentage of your compensation.
10. Benefits of Hiring a Specialist Dental Negligence Solicitor
- Legal and medical expertise in dental cases
- Access to independent dental experts
- Better chance of higher compensation
- Stress-free management of your claim
- Protection of your legal rights throughout the process
Frequently Asked Questions
Is poor cosmetic dentistry considered negligence?
Yes, especially if it causes physical damage, pain, or doesn’t match promised results.
What if my treatment was with a private dentist?
You can still claim. Private dentists are also held to strict professional standards.
Can I claim for emotional distress?
Yes. If you’ve suffered embarrassment, anxiety, or a loss of confidence due to the negligence, this can be included.
What if I didn’t know the dentist made a mistake?
You have three years from the date you became aware of the issue—not necessarily the treatment date.
How long does a dental negligence claim take?
Simple claims may take 6–9 months; more complex ones involving serious injury may take over a year.
Do I need to switch dentists to claim?
It’s not required, but many people choose a new provider, especially if trust is lost.
Conclusion
A dental negligence solicitor helps you stand up for your rights when dental care goes wrong. With expert support, no win no fee options, and a clear legal process, you can claim compensation for pain, cost, and suffering. Don’t let dental errors go unchallenged—take action today and restore your peace of mind.
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