Overview
The complainant (Ms C) raised a number of concerns regarding the care and treatment provided to her by her dentist (the Dentist).
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Dentist failed to properly examine Ms C's teeth and overlooked the need for a filling (upheld);
- (b) the Dentist failed to make an accurate impression of Ms C's teeth (not upheld);
- (c) the Dentist failed to properly fit a Maryland Bridge (not upheld);
- (d) there was a delay of two months mid treatment leading to the decay of Ms C's teeth (not upheld);
- (e) a denture had been fitted improperly which induced Ms C's gag reflex and resulted in the loss of four adjacent teeth (not upheld);
- (f) appointment times were insufficient to allow for dental work of a reasonable standard (not upheld);
- (g) the Dentist improperly refitted a crown (not upheld); and
- (h) the Dentist failed to take into account the radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment Ms C had had previously which had affected her teeth (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Dentist:
- (i) carries out a Clinical Audit of his own x-ray procedures to ensure that any problems with the current system can be identified and removed; and
- (ii) carries out a similar audit in respect of his record-keeping to ensure compliance with General Dental Council Standards.
The Dentist has accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.