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Law Offices of Fred B. Goldberg, PC Jan. 20, 2025

How To Report Dental Malpractice

Dental malpractice can cause significant harm, whether it's due to a misdiagnosis, improper treatment, or negligence during a procedure. If you’ve experienced this in Maryland or Washington, D.C., understanding how to report dental malpractice and the steps involved can protect your rights. 

Working with an experienced and confident dental malpractice lawyer can make a difference when you’re dealing with insurance companies, regulatory boards, or courts.

We will focus on the legal process for reporting dental malpractice and pursuing a case, with a focus on areas such as Baltimore, Columbia, Rockville, and beyond.

Our team at the Law Offices of Fred B. Goldberg, PC has the experience to detail exactly how you should report your unique situation. Read on to learn more.

What Is Dental Malpractice?

Dental malpractice happens when a dentist or dental professional breaches the standard of care, causing injury or harm. Examples include:

  • Misdiagnosing a dental condition.

  • Performing unnecessary or incorrect procedures.

  • Neglecting to diagnose oral diseases, such as cancer.

  • Causing nerve injuries during treatment.

  • Using unsterilized equipment, leading to infections.

These situations can lead to physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens. If you suspect malpractice, consulting a skilled dental malpractice lawyer is critical to understanding your legal options.

Why Reporting Dental Malpractice Matters

Reporting dental malpractice is about more than seeking compensation—it’s also about holding professionals accountable and preventing future harm to others. Filing a complaint with the appropriate board or taking legal action can help protect public health.

The Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners and the Washington, D.C., Department of Health oversee dental professionals in their respective regions. These organizations investigate complaints and can take disciplinary action when warranted. It’s important to fight for your rights as well as prevent future patient distress, so it always pays to report dental malpractice.

According to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, dental malpractice claims account for a significant portion of medical malpractice reports annually. This underscores the importance of holding dental professionals accountable for negligence.

The Three Key Steps to Reporting Dental Malpractice

1. Document the Incident

The first step is gathering evidence. Create a detailed account of what happened, including:

  • Dates and locations of appointments.

  • Names of the dental professionals involved.

  • Copies of medical records and treatment plans.

  • Photos of injuries or harm caused.

  • Receipts or invoices for procedures performed.

These details will help your dental malpractice lawyer build a strong case and assist regulatory boards in their investigation.

2. File a Complaint with the State Board

In Maryland, complaints about dental malpractice can be submitted to the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. In Washington, D.C., complaints go to the Department of Health.

When filing a complaint:

  • Use the official forms available on the board’s website.

  • Include supporting documents, such as records and photographs.

  • Clearly explain how the dentist’s actions harmed you.

Once submitted, the board will review your complaint and determine if an investigation is warranted.

3. Consult a Dental Malpractice Lawyer

While reporting the incident to a state board is important, filing a lawsuit may also be necessary to recover damages for your injuries. A dental malpractice lawyer can help you:

  • Assess the strength of your case.

  • Gather additional evidence, such as expert opinions.

  • File a lawsuit within the statute of limitations.

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for medical and dental malpractice cases is generally three years from the date of the injury. In Washington, D.C., it’s also three years. These deadlines make acting quickly essential. Call our team today to get started.

Pursuing Compensation Through a Lawsuit

Filing a dental malpractice lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for:

  • Medical expenses related to corrective treatments.

  • Pain and suffering caused by the injury.

  • Lost wages if you missed work.

Your dental malpractice lawyer will guide you through the process, which includes:

1. Filing the Complaint in Court

The first legal step is filing a complaint that outlines your allegations against the dentist. This document must be detailed and supported by evidence.

2. Working with Expert Witnesses

Dental malpractice cases often require testimony from dental experts to demonstrate how the care provided fell below acceptable standards.

3. Settlement Negotiations

Many dental malpractice cases are resolved through settlements. Your lawyer will negotiate with the dentist’s insurance provider to secure fair compensation.

4. Going to Trial (If Necessary)

If a settlement isn’t possible, your case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome.

Challenges in Dental Malpractice Cases

Pursuing a dental malpractice claim can be complicated. Common challenges include:

  • Proving the dentist’s actions deviated from standard care.

  • Demonstrating the harm was directly caused by malpractice.

  • Facing well-funded insurance companies defending the dentist.

That’s why having a confident, experienced dental malpractice lawyer from our team at the Law Offices of Fred B. Goldberg, PC is crucial. We know how to address these challenges effectively and provide the strong representation that you deserve.

Why a Dental Malpractice Lawyer Is Essential

Handling a dental malpractice case alone can be overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to go through your case alone. This is where our team at the Law Offices of Fred B. Goldberg, PC comes in. Our dedicated lawyers offer several advantages:

Expertise in Dental Malpractice Law

An experienced lawyer understands the legal standards for proving negligence and how to build a compelling case.

Handling Communication

Your lawyer will handle communication with insurance companies, opposing attorneys, and regulatory boards, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Maximizing Compensation

An attorney will advocate for the full compensation you deserve, considering both economic and non-economic damages.

Local Considerations for Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Maryland

Maryland’s cities, including Baltimore, Columbia, Rockville, Frederick, and Annapolis, have a wide range of dental practitioners. If you’ve been harmed by dental malpractice in these areas, the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners is the authority for filing complaints.

Washington, D.C.

In the District of Columbia, dental malpractice cases often involve oversight by the Department of Health. Residents in areas like Washington, D.C., and nearby cities such as Towson, Hagerstown, Berkeley Springs, and Cumberland can report issues through their local regulatory boards.

Coastal and Eastern Areas

Cities like Salisbury and Ocean City also have dental practices that fall under Maryland’s jurisdiction. If malpractice occurs in these regions, you’re entitled to the same protections and legal remedies.

The Importance of Dental Malpractice Cases

Reporting dental malpractice is a vital step in seeking justice and protecting others from harm. Whether you’ve suffered due to misdiagnosis, botched procedures, or another form of negligence, acting quickly is key.

A dental malpractice lawyer can guide you through the process, from filing complaints with regulatory boards to pursuing legal action in court. With their expertise, you’ll have the support needed to secure compensation and accountability.

Call the Law Offices of Fred B. Goldberg, PC Today

You deserve the best when it comes to your health. Don’t settle for a lawyer who doesn’t have specific experience with dental malpractice cases. At the Law Offices of Fred B. Goldberg, PC, we have decades of experience handling cases just like yours. 

According to the Health Claims Alternative Dispute Resolution Office, we handle over 75% of all dental malpractice cases in the state of Maryland, showcasing our dedication to strong arguments, excellent communication, and finely-honed legal skills.

If you’re in Baltimore, Columbia, Rockville, or anywhere in Maryland or Washington, D.C., don’t hesitate to contact our skilled dental malpractice lawyer. Your case matters, and so does your recovery. We’re here to walk you through each step of the process to help you receive compensation.


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