Medical - Dentistry experts

Introduction

Dentistry consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth, jaw and oral cavity. Dental treatments are carried out by a dental team which often consists of a dentist working with dental nurses, assistants, technicians, hygienists, therapists and orthodontists.

Most dentists work in private practices, medical centres or dental hospitals.

Oral diseases are major public health problems due to their high incidence around the world, disproportionately affecting lower socio-economic groups. The majority of dental treatments are carried out to prevent or treat the two most common oral diseases: dental cavities (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease or pyorrhoea). Common treatments involve filing cavities, adding crowns and bridges to restore teeth, the extraction or surgical removal of teeth, and endodontic root canal procedures. Dentists
can also take x-rays, and prescribe antibiotics and painkillers.

Dentists can help prevent oral diseases by advising their patients about oral hygiene and diet, and encouraging regular check ups for professional cleaning and evaluation. Oral infections and inflammations may affect overall health and may be indicative of systemic diseases, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, coeliac disease or cancer. Many studies have also shown that gum disease is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and preterm birth.

At the bottom of this profile are brief details of a number of the experts that Expert Experts represents. Call our office to discuss your requirements and to obtain a recommendation that suits your needs and budget.

Expertise in Action

There are both major and minor risks in dentistry. Major risks include the spreading of infections between patients through the improper sterilisation of instruments. Universal precautions must be adopted at all times (i.e. the assumption that bodily fluids from every patient might be contaminated). Diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease can be spread via blood through open cuts or wounds in the oral cavity. Furthermore, dentists can contribute to the spreading of their patient’s own bacteria into their bloodstream resulting in inflammation that can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Dental procedures can also result in long term pain for the patient if the gum, tooth or root become infected after the procedure due to poorly applied fillings, crowns and bridges.

Other risks include the compromising of patient confidentiality by not securing file records and having inadequate indemnity insurance.

Expert witnesses in the field of dentistry are often called upon to provide expert opinion in cases involving dentistry procedures, complications and patient responses. They can also be called upon in cases of medical negligence, assault and accidents.

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

• The need for a view or inspection of a location
• The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
• Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
• Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype

Relevant Articles Risks and complications associated with dental restorative and prosthodontic treatment

Details possibilities that exist as potential problems when undergoing dental restorative and prosthodontic treatment.

Oral health and dental care in Australia: key facts and figures 2015

This report presents the most recent key information on the oral health and dental care of the Australian population.

Relevant Cases HCCC v Pegios (No 1) [2009] NSWDT 1

The complaint made by the HCCC alleges that the respondent, being a person registered as a dentist was guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct against seven patients.

Related Blog Articles