A one-year survey of dental malpractice claims in Riyadh

Malpractice is an increasing problem related to dental treatment around the world. The present study examined malpractice litigation cases which occurred in Riyadh during a one-year period. The Dental Department in the Ministry of Health reponded to a questionnaire consisting of 18 questions on malpractice during 1417H (1997). The questionnaire search yielded thirty-two cases, twenty of which were clinical and 12 were non-clinical cases. The majority of clinical complaints, 18.8%, were in the specialty of oral surgery with 15.6% in fixed prosthodontics specialty. Mistakes made during treatment were reported as the most frequent allegation (43.8%). Patients who were Saudi, female and from young age groups reported more complaints. Most of the complaints were against non-Saudi dentists who were employees in the private sector. In 87.5% of the cases, the dentist was found guilty, with payment being the most common sanction taken (51.5%). The total payment awarded reached SRI63,100 with a mean payment of SR.9,061 per case. It is concluded that malpractice is a problem that should be prevented through education and careful patient care. The dental profession should lead the way in preventive efforts