Overview
The complainant (Ms C) raised a number of concerns about the dental treatment which she had received from her General Dental Practitioner (the Dentist) during the period 2005 to December 2006.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that the Dentist:
- (a) failed to provide Ms C with an appropriate level of dental treatment (upheld); and
- (b) failed to keep accurate and contemporaneous records (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Dentist:
- (i) apologises to Ms C for the failings which have been identified in this report;
- (ii) arranges postgraduate training on root canal treatment and periodontal monitoring and screening;
- (iii) carries out a clinical audit on the justification, quality and use of radiographs in providing adequate information to make effective treatment planning decisions; and
- (iv) conducts a review of his record-keeping and treatment planning procedures.
The Dentist has accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.