ABSTRACT
Introduction Litigation against the NHS in England is rising. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and characteristics of hospital dentistry clinical negligence claims in England.Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of all clinical negligence claims in England held by NHS Resolution relating to hospital dentistry between April 2015 and April 2020. Analysis was performed using the information for cause, patient injury and claim cost.Results A total of 492 claims were identified, with an estimated potential cost of £14 million. The most frequent causes for clinical negligence claims included failure/delay in treatment (n = 175; £3.9 million), inappropriate treatment (n = 56; £1.8 million) and failure to warn/obtain informed consent (n = 37; £1.5 million). Wrong site surgery was cited in 33 claims. The most frequent injury reported was dental damage (n = 197; £4.3 million), unnecessary pain (n = 125; £2.3 million) and nerve damage (n = 52; £2.4 million).Conclusion Clinical negligence claims in hospital dentistry are related to several different aspects of patient management and are not limited to treatment complications alone. Human ergonomics and patient perception of dentistry cannot be controlled but a focus on patient safety measures and effective communication can serve as tools to combat these factors.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Patient safety is an important issue in health care. In the United Kingdom, wrong site tooth extraction contributes to a significant proportion of adverse or harmful events, coined "never events." Therefore, patient safety within the field of dentistry is of paramount importance. This novel study aims to explore the teaching of patient safety to undergraduate dental students and their current attitudes to the subject. METHODS: Focus groups were held at Barts' and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL in 2018 to ascertain the views and opinions of thirteen third-year dental undergraduate students. RESULTS: Thematic analysis was performed on verbatim transcripts. Key themes were highlighted. All students could provide a complete definition of patient safety and of "never events," with examples. There was a strong emphasis upon awareness of one's own competence and the need for effective communication to maintain patient safety. Small group teaching and the requirement for standardization of teaching were encouraged. The challenge of incorporation of the patient safety concept into the clinical routine without causing repetition during teaching was highlighted. CONCLUSION: The results show a positive attitude towards the concept and the teaching of patient safety. All students understood patient safety concepts and techniques used to prevent adverse or harmful events. This study proves that teaching on the subject was thought to be of value. It is crucial that the teaching of patient safety is introduced and built upon within the early years of dental undergraduate training so that its practice becomes second nature.
