What are the essential elements of a dental malpractice claim?

The essential elements of a dental malpractice claim are duty, breach, causation, and damages.

Duty refers to the legal obligation that a dentist has to provide care to a patient that meets the standard expected of a reasonably competent dentist in the same field and geographical area. This establishes the foundation of the relationship between the dentist and the patient, affirming that the dentist is responsible for the patient's oral health.

Breach involves the failure to meet that standard of care. If a dentist does not act as a competent professional would in similar circumstances—such as failing to diagnose a condition or improperly performing a procedure—this creates a breach of duty.

Causation links the breach of duty to the harm suffered by the patient. The claimant must demonstrate that the dentist’s breach directly caused the injury or damage. This means proving that the outcome would have been different had the dentist adhered to the expected standard of care.

Finally, damages represent the actual injury or loss that the patient suffered as a result of the breach. This can include physical pain, additional medical expenses, lost wages, and enduring psychological impacts.

Understanding these four elements is crucial for establishing a successful malpractice claim in dentistry, as each one must be proven for the claim to be valid.