title: Professional negligence in dentistry.
abstract: Society is becoming more litigious, and dentistry has not been exempt. However, by following correct and prudent professional procedures at all times, dentists may sensibly expect to avoid serious litigation. In the first of an irregular series on dento-legal topics, Bernard Smith reviews the thorny subject of negligence in dentistry, and gives advice on both how to prevent and how to respond to accusations. Other articles in the series will look at particular legal problems in the dental specialties.
authors.affiliation: Guy's Hospital, London.
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice; D010347:Patient Care Planning