How to instruct
A clear process for solicitors, insurers and medico-legal agencies seeking independent dental expert evidence.
Initial enquiry
Please send brief details of the case, the issues to be addressed, the relevant deadlines and whether a clinical examination is required. I will confirm whether the matter appears to fall within my area of expertise and whether I am likely to be able to assist.
Documents usually required
The documents required will depend on the type of report, but will commonly include:
- letter of instruction
- pleadings or summary of issues where available
- complete dental records
- radiographs in diagnostic quality format
- clinical photographs where available
- correspondence and complaints material where relevant
- details of treatment already provided
- treating dentist reports or hospital records where relevant
- previous expert reports where permission has been given for them to be considered
- schedule of special damages or treatment cost information where relevant
If the available material is incomplete, I can usually identify what further records or radiographs would be helpful before a full report is prepared.
Instruction process
Timescales
Timescales depend on the volume of records, the complexity of the issues, whether a clinical examination is required and any existing reporting commitments.
Where possible, I aim to provide practical availability information at the enquiry stage so that solicitors can plan around litigation timetables.
Fees
Fees are usually quoted once the type of report, scope of instruction, likely volume of records and any examination requirements are known.
A fee estimate and terms of instruction are provided before work is undertaken.
Send an instruction enquiry
Please include the case type, deadline, whether an examination is required, and a short summary of the dental issues.