Dentist did not perform adequate investigation and failed to find several cavities

What happened

Ms L, who was in her twenties, went to the dentist for a regular check–up. The dentist visually examined her teeth and told her that she did not need any dental work. Ms L went back to the Practice four weeks later with toothache. She saw a different dentist who took some X–rays and found she had decay in two teeth. Ms L had three fillings at a cost of £235. Mrs T complained to the Dental Practice on her daughter's behalf.

Responding to Mrs T's complaint, the Practice said that Ms L's teeth are naturally yellow in colour and this can make it difficult to see cavities. It apologised and offered £100 as a gesture of goodwill.

What we found

The first dentist should have taken some X–rays at the first appointment to check for decay that may not have been visible to the naked eye. If the colour of Ms L's teeth made decay difficult to see, then there was even more reason to take X–rays to make sure nothing was missed.

The lack of proper examination and investigation meant that the first dentist did not find Ms L's tooth decay, and it therefore progressed. However, we could not say that Ms L would not have needed the fillings if the first dentist had taken different actions.

Putting it right

The Practice wrote to Ms L to acknowledge the failings and explain how it would prevent these from happening in the future. We saw no grounds to increase the sum of compensation already offered.