title: The law and dentoalveolar complications: trends and controversies.
abstract: Complications are an inherent part of oral and maxillofacial surgery. A risk in surgery is a complication that occurs despite treatment that meets or exceeds the professional standard of care. When treatment fails to meet the standard of care, a complication may be considered the result of malpractice, resulting in claims for compensation. Whether a surgical procedure meets the standard of care is determined by expert witnesses evaluating the evidence. This article reviews legal issues and cases where complications have resulted in claims of malpractice. Recommendations for patient communication and documentation to reduce or eliminate such claims are presented.
authors.affiliation: Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA, USA. acurley@professionals-law.com
authors.forename: Arthur W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Curley
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D004282:Documentation; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008318:Malpractice / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D059039:Standard of Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013515:Surgery, Oral / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence