Dental Negligence Claims: A Complete Guide to Dental Injury and Mistreatment Compensation
Dental treatment should improve your health, appearance, and confidence — but when things go wrong because of poor care, it can be painful, distressing, and life-altering. Dental negligence can result in physical injury, emotional trauma, and costly corrective treatment.
If you’ve suffered because of negligent dental care, you could be entitled to compensation for the pain, additional procedures, and financial losses caused. This guide will explain how dental negligence claims work, what you may be able to claim for, and how our experienced legal team can support you every step of the way.
What is a Dental Negligence Claim?
A dental negligence claim arises when a dentist, orthodontist, or dental clinic provides substandard care that leads to unnecessary injury, pain, or complications. If your treatment fell below an acceptable professional standard and caused avoidable harm, you may have grounds to claim compensation.
For example:
- A dentist removing the wrong tooth
- Misdiagnosing a dental problem, causing delays and further complications
- Poorly performed fillings, crowns, implants, or root canal treatments
- Nerve damage during an unnecessary or poorly executed procedure
- Failing to identify and treat dental infections, causing them to spread
- Cosmetic dentistry mistakes resulting in physical and emotional distress
How to Make a Dental Negligence Claim
Starting a claim might seem daunting, especially when you’re dealing with pain, trauma, or additional dental treatment. We’ve broken down the process to make it as simple and stress-free as possible.
Step 1: Book a Free Consultation
Get in touch with our friendly, specialist team for a free, no-obligation chat about what happened. We’ll listen to your experience, assess whether you have a potential claim, and explain what your next steps could be.
Step 2: Collect Key Information
To build a strong case, your solicitor will gather:
- A clear timeline of your dental care and treatments
- Dental records, X-rays, and referral letters
- Evidence of negligent procedures or misdiagnosis
- Details of physical pain, emotional distress, or financial losses
- Reports from independent dental experts
- Receipts or invoices for any private dental care needed to correct mistakes
Your case will be handled by a solicitor experienced in dental negligence claims, ensuring you get the specialist attention your situation deserves.
What If Your Dentist or Clinic Denies Responsibility?
If a dentist, orthodontist, or practice refuses to accept liability, it doesn’t mean your claim has to stop. Your solicitor can:
- Request and examine your dental records and treatment notes
- Consult independent dental experts to review the quality of care provided
- Identify breaches of professional standards or dental regulations
- Negotiate directly with insurers or, if necessary, pursue the claim through court
Detailed, professional evidence makes a huge difference in these cases — and we’ll ensure it’s thoroughly prepared on your behalf.
Who Can Make a Dental Negligence Claim?
You may be eligible to claim compensation if:
- You’ve suffered physical or emotional harm as a result of negligent dental care
- A family member or loved one has experienced dental negligence, and you’re acting on their behalf
Claims can be made by:
- Adults who’ve suffered poor dental treatment
- Parents or guardians acting for children under 18
- Representatives for adults who lack mental capacity
- The estate or next of kin in the event of a fatal dental-related incident
What Can You Claim for in a Dental Negligence Case?
The value of your claim will depend on the seriousness of the negligence, the injuries or harm caused, and the impact on your life. A successful claim may include:
- Corrective treatment costs: For private dental work needed to fix the original error
- Pain and suffering: For physical pain, anxiety, and distress caused
- Lost earnings: If time off work was required for treatment, recovery, or distress
- Medical expenses: Including pain relief, prescriptions, or related healthcare
- Travel costs: For trips to and from appointments or specialists
- Psychological support: If the experience has caused anxiety, dental phobia, or lasting emotional effects
Your solicitor will work to ensure all financial, physical, and emotional losses are fairly compensated.
Can You Claim on Behalf of a Family Member?
Yes — you can act on behalf of a loved one if they:
- Are under 18
- Lack the mental capacity to handle legal matters
- Have sadly passed away due to dental negligence (extremely rare but possible in cases involving untreated infections or anaesthetic errors)
Family members may also claim for dependency or financial losses where appropriate.
How Long Does a Dental Negligence Claim Take?
The time needed to resolve a dental negligence claim depends on:
- Whether the dentist or practice accepts responsibility
- The complexity and severity of the harm caused
- The need for specialist reports or corrective treatment assessments
- Any disputes about liability or evidence
Some cases may settle in several months if liability is clear and damages are agreed quickly. More complex claims — especially those involving multiple corrective treatments or emotional trauma — can take a year or more.
We’ll keep you fully informed throughout the process, managing every aspect of your case with care and professionalism.
Are Dental Negligence Claims Complicated?
Dental negligence claims often involve both medical and legal complexity, especially when:
- Mistakes lead to multiple or lasting problems
- Long-term corrective care or cosmetic treatment is required
- There’s emotional distress, anxiety, or dental phobia caused
- Disputes arise over whether the standard of care was negligent
That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced solicitor specialising in dental negligence claims. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll this can take and will fight to secure the outcome you deserve.
We’re Here to Support You
Dental negligence can affect your health, your confidence, and your quality of life — but you don’t have to face it alone.
Our expert solicitors are here to:
- Support you through every step of your claim
- Help you access the dental care, financial relief, and justice you deserve
- Fight for the maximum compensation possible to help you move forward
- Handle everything on your behalf, so you can focus on recovery
Contact us today for your free, confidential consultation — and take the first step towards justice, recovery, and peace of mind.