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.
A dental practice
County Durham
Did not apologise properly or do enough to put things right
Apology
Compensation for non-financial loss
Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan