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The Incidence and Nature of Claims against Dentists Related to Periodontal Treatment in Israel during the Years 2005–2019

Author

Listed:
  • Dima Nassar

    (The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
    General Practitioner, Private Clinic, Tel-Aviv 6100000, Israel)

  • Nirit Tagger-Green

    (Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
    Nirit Tagger-Green is an equal contributor to this study.)

  • Haim Tal

    (Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel)

  • Carlos Nemcovsky

    (Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel)

  • Eitan Mijiritsky

    (Department of Oral Rehabilitation, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
    Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel)

  • Ilan Beitlitum

    (Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel)

  • Eitan Barnea

    (Prosthodontist, Private Practice, Tel-Aviv 6100000, Israel)

  • Roni Kolerman

    (Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel)

Abstract

Background: In recent years, worldwide dental malpractice claims have dramatically increased. The purpose of the present study is to analyze periodontal therapy related claims in Israel that led to legal decisions. Methods: This retrospective cohort study includes malpractice claims against dental practitioners related to periodontology between 2005 and 2019. Only closed cases where a final decision was made were included. The chi-square test or Fisher exact test for categorical variables were performed and a p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: During the study period there were 508 legal claims related to periodontal disease. Most plaintiffs were women (63.4%), and 71.3% of the patients were >35 years old. Most claims (82.8%) were settled out of court and ended in compromise. Claims concerning the treatment of periodontal disease by periodontists accounted only for 4.5% (23/508) of the cases while 95.5% (485/508) of the claims were for complications secondary to another treatment. Prosthodontic treatment was involved with the highest number 54.5%, followed by dental implants 17.7%, and endodontics 11.6%. The allegations were related to pain and distress (84.8%), aggravation of existent periodontal disease (83.3%), tooth loss (78.1%), and violation of autonomy (47%). Conclusions: The main cause for lawsuits was related to aggravation of periodontal disease during prosthetic or implant therapy and related to suspected faulty or inexistent preoperative diagnosis and planning. Practical implications: Periodontal consultation before dental treatment may reduce malpractice risks, adverse events, and un-necessary changes of treatment plans.

Suggested Citation

  • Dima Nassar & Nirit Tagger-Green & Haim Tal & Carlos Nemcovsky & Eitan Mijiritsky & Ilan Beitlitum & Eitan Barnea & Roni Kolerman, 2021. "The Incidence and Nature of Claims against Dentists Related to Periodontal Treatment in Israel during the Years 2005–2019," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-10, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4153-:d:536165
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