What is a "procedure technique failure" in dental practice?

While not as common as in the medical profession, medical dental malpractice suits are available as a means of correcting an injustice. Dentists, like other medical professionals, must perform their duties to a specific standard of care. Failure to do so can result in the filing of a claim against the dentist and other related dental professionals.

Reasons For Filing Claims

As with any medical profession, there are several different reasons for filing a medical dental malpractice claim. These include:

• Failure to diagnose a problem
• Anesthesia errors
• A misdiagnosis
• Medication errors
• Oral surgery errors

A specific type of dental error is a “procedure technique failure.”  This occurs when the dentist or dental professional improperly employs the wrong material or technique. It is very common since many types of dental work involve such things as

• Dental procedures
• The use of a specific dental technique
• Execution of a specific type of procedure
• The dentist’s signature dental procedure

Since medical procedures can involve removing a tooth, replacing a filling, using specific types of equipment or materials, it is hardly surprising at the domination of this aspect of the dental profession in litigation suits. In fact, “procedure technique failure” accounts for approximately 45% of all medical dental malpractice claims.

Is An Attorney Necessary?

Medical malpractice law, of which medical dental malpractice law is a subgenera, can be complex. You need to know if this is a case of misdiagnosis or of a procedure technique failure. A skilled malpractice attorney will know. He or she will also understand state legislation on such suits.