Dentistry Expert Witnesses
Experienced, Board-Certified dentists for malpractice and injury cases
Dentistry is the branch of medicine involved in studying, diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Doctors who practice dentistry are known as dentists.
In the United States, dentists must earn a four-year degree, which may be called a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry), depending on the university. (These are the same degree and provide the same level of training and education.) Dentists must then complete a one- to two-year residency program in their chosen specialty. Board Certification in dentistry is administered by the American Board of Dental Specialties (ABDS).
In addition to general dentists, there are 12 recognized specialties within dentistry:
- Pediatric Dentist
- Orthodontist
- Periodontist
- Endodontist
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Prosthodontist
- Oral Pathologist
- Oral Maxillofacial Radiologist
- Dental Anesthesiologist
- Oral Medicine Specialist
- Orofacial Pain Specialist
- Dental Public Health Specialist
Dentists are involved in both the prevention of oral diseases and the treatment of tooth decay and gum disease. They also prescribe medications such as antibiotics, sedatives, and painkillers.
Dental malpractice case matter
Oral health is a significant part of overall health, so dental malpractice can have significant effects on patients. Some forms of dental malpractice include:
- Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis of oral diseases or conditions
- Improper administration of anesthesia during dental procedures
- Extraction of the wrong tooth
- Causing nerve damage during an extraction
- Failure to obtain informed consent for a dental procedure or treatment
- Failure to properly refer patients to a specialist when necessary
- Improper use of dental tools or equipment
- Inappropriate prescribing of medication, such as pain medication
The role of dentists in injury cases
Many types of accidents, including car crashes and slip and falls, can cause damage to the mouth or teeth. In these circumstances, a dentist can be an invaluable expert witness for an attorney. Dentists can opine on the cause of a dental injury, such as blunt force trauma. They can also provide testimony on the extent and severity of the dental injury sustained by the plaintiff, the estimated cost of future dental treatments, and the impact the injury may have on the plaintiff's quality of life. An experienced dentist can also assist in identifying and explaining complex dental terminology or procedures to the jury.
Find a highly qualified, trustworthy dental expert witness
Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants has decades of experience helping medical malpractice and personal injury attorneys find the right medical experts for their cases. Our Board-Certified dentists are objective, highly qualified, and willing to testify in depositions and at trial. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today.