The Dental Negligence Process
Dental negligence cases follow a well-worn track. Understanding each stage removes the mystery — and the anxiety.
Confidential first review
A specialist listens to what happened, asks a small number of focused questions, and gives you an honest early view. No paperwork, no fee.
Records collection
With your consent we request your full dental records, x-rays and any hospital notes. Under UK data-protection law you are entitled to a complete copy.
Independent expert opinion
An experienced dentist in the relevant field reviews the records and reports on whether the care fell below the standard expected, and whether that failure caused the harm you have described.
Letter of Claim
If the expert supports the case, a formal Letter of Claim is sent under the Pre-Action Protocol. The defendant has four months to investigate and respond.
Negotiation and settlement
Around 95% of dental negligence cases settle without a court hearing. Where liability is admitted, negotiations focus on the value of your injury and the cost of putting things right.
Court, only if it must
If the other side denies liability without a defensible reason, we issue proceedings. Even then, most claims settle before trial.
