Dental procedures are generally considered safe, but malpractice in dentistry is more common than many realize. In clinics across Maryland and Washington D.C., errors by dentists, hygienists, or oral surgeons can lead to serious physical, functional, and emotional consequences for patients.
According to the National Practitioner Data Bank, there were 16,118 dental malpractice payment reports in the U.S. between 2010 and 2021—representing about 11.5% of all medical malpractice payments during that time.
Understanding when a dental mistake constitutes malpractice is crucial for determining when and how to take legal action.
When is dental malpractice considered negligence?
Negligence occurs when a healthcare professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care in their field. In dentistry, typical examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
- Extraction of the wrong tooth.
- Nerve or bone damage due to poor technique.
- Infections caused by poor sterilization.
- Improper placement of implants or prosthetics.
- Incorrect use of anesthesia or medication.
Such errors can result in chronic pain, facial paralysis, infections, or the unnecessary loss of healthy teeth. When complications were avoidable, malpractice may have occurred.
How to report dental malpractice
If you suspect you or a loved one was a victim of dental negligence, follow these steps:
- Seek immediate medical care to treat any complications.
- Document everything — symptoms, names of providers, and photos if applicable.
- Request a full copy of your dental records.
- Speak with a medical malpractice attorney to assess your legal options.
- File a complaint with the Maryland or D.C. dental board.
In summary, every patient has the right to safe and professional dental care. When that standard is not met, legal action can help hold providers accountable. At Stecco Law, we support patients affected by dental negligence. If you’ve been harmed by substandard dental care, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.