Proper dental care is important to all of us in the UK, so it’s always difficult when something goes wrong. Many of us have seen examples of dental malpractice or injury, but how many of us have actually fallen victim to dental negligence?
To help find the answer, our experts at Dental Law have dived deep into internal claims data, analysing cases from the last seven years across England and Wales to uncover key trends about dental negligence claims.
From the most common types of dental injuries to how much compensation patients receive, we’ll reveal everything you need to know about dental claims in the UK.
Do you think you have your own dental negligence claim? Our team at Dental Law are here to walk you through the claims process and get you on the path to justice.
Is Dental Negligence Getting Worse in the UK?
Thanks to the increased popularity of social media over the past decade, we’ve seen an increase in people sharing their stories and experiences with dental negligence, but have cases actually increased?
Our data shows that we have seen a 26% increase in dental negligence cases between 2019-2025.
Where do the most dental negligence cases occur?
The South East region has the highest number of successful dental negligence claims and damages awards, with over 800 successfully settled cases and over £11 million awarded in damages over the past 5 years This is not unexpected, however, as the South East is the most densely populated. Cities like London are home to more people and many more dental practices than rural areas like Wales, which have the fewest claims at just under 100.
The lack of claims in areas like Wales could, however, indicate a potential lack of dental services or legal advice available in these more rural locations.
What Are the Top Reported Dental Claims?
Dental negligence can take many forms, but there are certain issues that are frequently reported. The most common form of negligence is in fact neglect, with over 500 claims being made. Dental neglect is a broad term, but it includes failures to diagnose dental diseases like decay and failure to treat any issues correctly.
The second most common claim is root canal compensation claims (endodontics). This falls closely behind at just under 500 cases, with issues of nerve damage and infection being raised as an apparent result of this surgery.
Other claims in the top five relate to:
- Periodontics (gum disease management)
- Dental Implant claims
- Oral surgery
We found that the least common settled claims involved cosmetic dentistry compensation, with fewer than 100 cases being settled. There may, however, be an explanation for this low number.
When it comes to cosmetic procedures, many patients are jetting off to other countries to cut costs. We’ve all heard of the ‘Turkey teeth’ phenomenon that’s emerged in recent years, and many UK dentists and lawyers are unable to deal with cases involving these overseas procedures. This means that whilst there could be hundreds of people suffering from dental injury or neglect, they can’t be resolved in the UK .
Which cases have the highest level of compensation?
Some injuries prove to have more serious and long-lasting effects, and this is clear from the level of compensation received. Periodontal ( Gum Disease) claims have the highest level of compensation, with an average compensation award of over £25,000. The second highest reparations come from claims involving issues with implants at £15,000.
The amount of compensation you receive usually corresponds to the level of remedial treatment you need to correct the treatment. This indicates that whilst certain procedures like endodontics or issues of neglect are more commonly reported, other procedures have more serious and long-term consequences.
How Long Can Dental Negligence Cases Take?
One of the most common questions asked during dental negligence enquiries is how long a case will take to resolve. This isn’t always straightforward to answer as the length of a case can be influenced by a number of different factors.
While our data found that orthodontic cases take the longest, with an average of just over 3 years, Chris Dean at Dental Law states:
“The average length of a case can vary depending on the case. and on a variety of factors, including the complexity of your case, how quickly we can gather evidence, and how long it takes to get a response from the defendant. Orthodontic cases tend to take longer than average due to the complex nature of the claims.
What Should I Do If I Suspect I’ve Been a Victim of Dental Negligence?
If you think you’ve been affected by poor dental care, don’t wait to make a claim. Get in touch with a legal team like Dental Law Partnership, and we can help assess your situation. If you think you have a case, you should follow these steps:
- Assess if you’re eligible for a dental negligence claim. A quick online claim calculator can tell you if you might have a case before you start your claims.
- Call the Dental Law Partnership and discuss your issue, even if you are unsure whether negligence has taken place.
- Work with a dental negligence lawyer to help you secure a settlement of compensation.
When you work with expert dental solicitors, we have experience of every type of dental negligence claim.
Have You Got a Dental Negligence Claim?
If you think you’ve suffered from dental neglect or injury, get in touch with our dental solicitors at The Dental Law Partnership. We can help you assess your claim and see if you have a strong case. If your claim is accepted, we’ll work with you to gather evidence and offer support through the claims process.
Dental negligence can have a harmful effect on your physical and mental health, alongside your finances. At Dental Law, we’re here to support you and ensure you don’t face these issues alone. Our team will always do our best to help you get the compensation you deserve.