Dentist's failure to take regular X–rays resulted in damaged teeth

Summary 232 |

Miss K's teeth were damaged because of failings in dental care over a two–year period.


What happened

Miss K saw her dentist several times a year as she had a high decay rate and frequently required fillings. In 2012 she developed problems with a denture, which culminated in the dentist referring her to her local dental hospital. At the hospital, staff took an X–ray that showed Miss K had multiple areas of decay below the gum line of many of her teeth.

What we found

The dentist did not take as many regular X–rays of Miss K's teeth as he should have done, and did not properly assess or treat her high decay rate.

Putting it right

The Practice apologised to Miss K and paid her £3,000. It also agreed to prepare an action plan to prevent similar failings.

Health or Parliamentary
Health
Organisations we investigated

A dental practice

Location

County Durham

Complainants' concerns ?

Did not apologise properly or do enough to put things right

Result

Apology

Compensation for non-financial loss

Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan