When you’re facing the loss of your dental license, securing the representation of an experienced dental attorney may be your first step to protect yourself from serious repercussions.
This is what a dentist in Austin should have done when faced with allegations regarding her dental practice.
A 40-year old patient went for a dental visit to the said dentist in April 2017. When the dentist first saw the patient, she had a severe overjet (a typical Bugs Bunny look). She told the dentist that she wanted to change her dental appearance.
After completing the diagnosis, it was apparent that the patient had periodontal disease in several of the involved teeth. Although the dentist originally thought that orthodontic therapy might be the best way to improve her anterior aesthetics, the periodontal complications made the dentist consider that extraction of the periodontally untreatable teeth followed by a fixed bridge would be the treatment of choice.
Nevertheless, the dentist referred the patient for an orthodontic consultation. When the report came back from the orthodontist agreeing with my treatment plan, the dentist began the surgically fixed prosthesis regimen. During treatment, the dentist did not change the patient’s bite and she was thrilled with the final result.
When the patient returned a week later for a checkup, she told the dentist that all of her friends told her that she looked beautiful and appeared many years younger. She also stated that she had no trouble eating or talking and had no discomfort.
That’s why the dentist was shocked to the core when several weeks later she was handed a malpractice summons. It was alleged that she changed her bite so that she was in pain while eating, talking, and even when doing nothing orally.
The dentist was given the chance to defend her case. However, her lack of an experienced dental attorney to help her defend her case resulted in serious discipline and suspension from the Board. If you’re facing the same scenario as with the dentist, consulting with a dental attorney is your best chance of protection.
The assistance of a dental attorney could have helped the case become better for the dentist. So if you ever encounter such an issue, it’s best to contact Dental Attorney Yong J. An at (832) 428-5679 for a confidential consultation.