22AAP-NCE1: Medico-Legal Implications of Iatrogenic Injuries

Speaker: Arthur W. Curley

Iatrogenic injuries are not complications as a result of placement of dental implants, extraction of teeth, and periodontal surgery, including biopsies. While often considered a risk of treatment, legally, complications like nerve damage, sinus infection, and tooth loss may be, under certain circumstances, considered evidence of substandard care, commonly referred to as malpractice. This program will analyze the legal exposures, the causes of such claims, evidentiary issues, and provide risk management guidance and tips for avoiding litigation and/or complaints to the dental licensing agency.

Educational Objectives:
• Identify how complications of surgical treatment can result in claims of dental malpractice even when obtaining informed consent.
• Provide guidance and tips on planning, execution, and documentation of treatment to minimize the impact and risk of complications.
• Utilize tools for responding to and managing complications to minimize or avoid claims of malpractice causing injuries including use of imaging, detailed response, and community engagement.