Dental Negligence Solicitors, expert legal support when dental treatment goes wrong

Dental treatment is intended to protect your health, restore good and painfree function and improve your confidence with a smile which you can rely on. When dental care falls below acceptable standards, the consequences can be painful, distressing and long lasting. Jonathan Lea Network supports clients across the UK who have suffered harm due to dental negligence, providing clear, practical advice and a structured legal route forward.  Most of our cases are funded by Conditional Fee Agreements (“No Win, No Fee”) and this means that you can bring a claim without having to worry about incurring expensive legal fees.

We recognise that many people hesitate before seeking legal advice. Clients often worry about whether their experience qualifies as negligence, whether they will be believed, how long the process will take and what it may cost. Our role is to remove uncertainty, explain the law in plain English, take away the costs burden by No Win, No Fee and ensure you feel supported from the outset.

Dental negligence matters are carried out by an independent specialist solicitor personally recommended by Jonathan Lea Network, following thorough due diligence to ensure their expertise, professionalism and client care meet our very high standards.

What is dental negligence and when can you claim?

Understanding dental negligence in plain terms
Dental negligence arises when your dentist, dental professional or Hospital Trust provides treatment that falls below an acceptable professional standard and causes you to suffer from injury, pain and/or financial loss. Not every poor outcome amounts to negligence but where mistakes occur which could have been avoided it is often possible for you to bring a claim in dental negligence.

How the law assesses dental negligence
This is assessed by considering whether your treatment falls below the standard of a reasonably competent dental professional/Hospital Trust by applying what is often referred to as the Bolam test and by reaching the civil courts’ standard of proof – “the balance of probabilities” – which means it must be more likely than not (51%) that the negligence has caused the harm which you have suffered.

In practice, this involves expert analysis of your clinical and medical records and usually an independent expert report(s) to prove whether a responsible body of dental professionals would have acted in the same way in similar circumstances at the given time.

The legal test for a dental negligence claim

Duty, breach, and causation explained clearly
The legal test focuses on the professional duty of care owed to you by your dental professional/Hospital Trust and establishing their breach of duty and causation i.e. what difference it has made to you and your treatment. Dentists/Dental Professionals/Hospital Trusts owe their patients a high standard of care and if that standard of care is breached and you suffer loss as a result then you may be entitled to claim compensation. 

Why expert evidence mattersDental negligence claims depend heavily on your solicitor obtaining supportive independent expert opinion. Our specialist solicitor has built up an expert team to ensure the highest standard of work when instructing an expert to assess clinical records, radiographs, and treatment plans. This in turn ensures that the retained expert is best placed to determine whether the dental/medical standards have been met and whether any of their failings have caused you to suffer harm. This objective and independent evidence underpins almost every successful claim for dental negligence compensation and the specialist service we provide ensures you the best chance of success.

Common types of dental negligence claims we support

Nerve Damage ClaimsNerves can be damaged during tooth extractions, dental treatment or missed decay. Wisdom tooth extractions can be especially problematic resulting in damage and trauma to the lingual and inferior dental nerves, both nerves form part of the complex trigeminal nerve.  When things go wrong patients can suffer permanent and avoidable nerve damage.  If this has happened to you please contact us for advice.

Dental Implant Failures
Implant treatment requires careful assessment, surgical skill, and appropriate aftercare. Claims may involve inadequate planning and implant placement, inadequate bone assessment, surgical error, the use of substandard materials and/ or failure to manage complications as well as failures in the placement of crowns and bridges onto the implants. Failed implants is a significant aspect of our work.   Please discuss this with us if you have any concerns about your implants.

Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
Failure to diagnose decay,  infection and abscesses can allow your dental health to deteriorate resulting in life threatening infections, nerve damage, damaged teeth, the loss of teeth. We regularly advise clients where early signs were missed or ignored, resulting in avoidable pain, life threatening infections, tooth loss  and more invasive treatment.

Missed Periodontal (gum) DiseaseIf you are a regular dental attendee you should not be suffering from chronic periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease resulting in undetected and untreated bacteria destroying your bone resulting in tooth mobility and the loss of teeth if left untreated.  Do contact us if you think you may be suffering from this undetected disease and we will advise you whether you can bring a claim against your dentist.

Missed Oral Cancer
Your dentist should check for any signs of oral cancer at each and every dental assessment.  If you are suffering from oral cancer which has gone undetected by your dentist(s)/Hospital Trust, you may be able to bring a claim. Please contact us to discuss.

Extraction Errors
Errors are constantly made by dentists during extractions particularly wisdom tooth extractions. We regularly advise on wisdom tooth extractions and wrongful extractions where the wrong tooth has been treated or extracted. Often dentists extract incorrect teeth when treating children and this forms part of our practice.  If this has happened to you or your child please make contact with us.

Errors during Dental Procedures
Errors can be made during any dental procedure including root canal treatment, fillings, crowns, bridges and /or implant surgery. These errors can result in pain, the compromised health of your teeth, difficulties eating and sleeping,nerve injury, infection and ultimately tooth loss. Claims often arise due to poor checkups, failure to take and/or correctly interpret scans and x-rays, poorly planned procedures, lack of skill and care in carrying out your dental treatment by the dentist in whom you have placed your trust.  Please contact us to discuss any aspects of the poor dentistry which you have experienced.

Poorly Executed and fitting Crowns and/or Bridges
It is a skill to prepare teeth for crowns and bridges.  Badly executed preparation can cause irreparable damage to your teeth and gums. Once the crowns and bridges have been fitted if they do not fit correctly you may suffer trapped bacteria causing pain, discomfort, bite problems, speech issues, difficulties eating, negatively impacted teeth, gum damage, bone loss, nerve damage, tooth damage and ultimately tooth loss. Repeated and unsuccessful adjustments may indicate underlying negligence in design or fitting. These issues are a significant section of the work we do. Please contact us to discuss if any of these issues are affecting you.

Orthodontic Negligence
Orthodontic treatment for adults and children is a constantly expanding aspect of dental negligence claims. Negligence may occur when general dental practitioners undertake orthodontic treatment particularly Invisalign, when they do not have the knowledge and skills to do so. This can result in terrible damage to your teeth and bite. Orthodontics is a highly skilled area of dentistry and where braces or aligners are improperly planned, poorly monitored, or continued despite signs of damage it can cause severe pain, tooth loss and malocclusions.   This damage can have serious consequences for your quality of life.

Root Canal Treatment
This treatment is undertaken by your dentist to remove an infected or damaged nerve/tissue.  It is a skilled procedure and if the requisite skill is not used you may suffer acute pain, require the treatment to be repeated and/or the loss of the tooth. If you believe your root canal treatment has not been correctly carried out please contact us.

Consent and Information Failures
You as the Patient have the right to be fully informed about material risks, benefits, and reasonable alternatives before agreeing to treatment including the no treatment option. If you were not properly warned about material risks, or felt pressured into treatment without adequate explanation, you may have grounds for a claim even if the procedure was technically competent.

How do I know if my dental treatment was negligent?

Recognising potential warning signs
If you are suffering from persistent pain, unexpected complications, repeated corrective work or a sudden loss of trust in your dentist this may indicate that something has gone wrong. Many clients report that concerns were dismissed or inadequately addressed when they raised these with their dentist.

Independent assessment provides clarity
One of the very helpful aspects of bringing a claim in dental negligence is that it usually involves the instruction of an independent expert to give their view upon the standard of treatment which you have received. This early legal review allows independent dental experts to assess whether treatment met acceptable standards. This will give you many answers to your questions, will resolve uncertainties and will help us decide whether we can bring a claim on your behalf.

What compensation can include in a dental negligence claim

Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
Compensation reflects physical pain, emotional distress, and the broader impact on your daily life. Dental injuries often adversely impact your eating, speaking, sleep, confidence, social interaction and sometimes your ability to work.

Remedial (corrective) and future treatment costs
Claims may include the cost of remedial dental work, specialist treatment, and future maintenance. This is particularly important where private treatment is required to restore function or appearance.

Financial losses and practical expenses
Recoverable losses can include travel costs, medication, loss of earnings, and additional childcare or care costs. We ensure all reasonable losses are properly documented.

Time limits for dental negligence claims

Understanding limitation periods
Most dental negligence claims must be started within three years of the date of the alleged negligent treatment or the date you first had sufficient knowledge that your injury may have been caused by negligence. This is known as the limitation period.

Children, capacity, and court discretion
Different rules apply for children and for adults who lack mental capacity. For children, the three-year period usually runs from their 18th birthday and for adults who lack capacity it may not run at all whilst capacity is absent. The court also has a limited discretion to allow late claims in certain circumstances.

How Jonathan Lea Network supports your claim

Clear initial assessment
We begin by listening carefully to your experience and explaining your legal position honestly. You will receive a realistic assessment of prospects, timescales, and potential compensation.

Robust evidence gathering
Dental records, imaging, and expert reports are obtained and analysed carefully. We manage all correspondence with dental practices and insurers on your behalf.

Proportionate and strategic progression
Many claims resolve through negotiation once evidence is established. Where necessary, court proceedings are pursued with care and confidence, always guided by your best interests.

Take the Strain
We take the strain of bringing a claim from you.   We will meet with you as often as you find necessary, correspond with you by email and telephone and conduct all necessary third party dealings on your behalf. 

Addressing common concerns about making a claim

Concern about challenging a dentist
Clients often worry about confrontation or professional repercussions. We handle all communication professionally and discreetly, protecting you from unnecessary stress.

Anxiety about legal costs
Cost transparency is essential. Funding options are explained clearly at the outset so you understand financial risk and value from the start.

Fear of not being believed
We offer a sensitive and kind service and will do our best to ensure that you have a stress free legal experience.  Claims are evidence-led. Independent expert opinions provide objective support, ensuring your case is assessed fairly.

Why clients trust Jonathan Lea Network

Specialist oversight and collaboration: We work closely with trusted specialist solicitors, ensuring expertise, consistency, and quality throughout the process.

Client-focused strategy: Some clients prioritise speed, others accountability or access to treatment. We adapt our approach to your goals.

Clear communication: legal concepts are explained in plain language, with regular updates and responsive contact throughout.

Value-driven outcomes: We focus on achieving fair results efficiently, avoiding unnecessary delay or cost.

What to do if you suspect dental negligence

Record your experience: Make notes of symptoms, treatment dates, and conversations. Keep receipts and appointment records where possible.

Seek early legal advice: Early advice helps preserve evidence and clarify your options even if you are unsure whether to proceed.

Avoid delay: Limitation periods apply, and early action strengthens your position.

Speak to trusted dental negligence specialists today

If you believe you have suffered harm due to dental negligence, Jonathan Lea Network can help you move forward with confidence. We offer clear advice based on many years specialising in dental negligence claims and a commitment to achieving fair and proportionate outcomes.

Call us on 01444 708640 or email wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net to arrange a confidential discussion and take the first step towards clarity, accountability, and resolution.

About Sarah Mynard 

Sarah Mynard is a leading dental negligence solicitor who has specialised in dental negligence cases for over twenty years. She pioneered dental negligence claims when this area of law was emerging as a specialty in the UK and as such she has an exceptional knowledge and understanding of dental law which is unparalleled.  Not only does Sarah have an exceptional knowledge of all types of dental negligence legal claims she is empathetic, kind and compassionate and will put you and your needs first throughout the conduct of your case.   A recent review endorses Sarah’s client-centric approach: “Sarah Mynard provided an excellent service. Sarah is an expert in her field and immediately I felt safe and in good hands. Thank you, Sarah, for being persistent and patient and making me feel the same and giving me courage. “ 

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