How to instruct
A clear process for solicitors, insurers and medico-legal agencies seeking independent dental expert evidence.
Initial enquiry
I will confirm whether the enquiry falls within my expertise and identify any further information needed before an instruction can be accepted.
Jurisdiction and international instructions
Instructions are welcomed across the UK — England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — and the Republic of Ireland. Selective international instructions are considered by agreement, subject to expertise, conflicts, local requirements and the scope of the case.
CPR Part 35 applies to civil expert evidence in England and Wales. For Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and other jurisdictions, the applicable rules, report format, declarations and any attendance requirements must be confirmed with the instructing legal team before acceptance.
Please identify the court or tribunal, where and when treatment took place, the clinical issues and the relevant local standards. Please also flag any translation needs, examination location, hearing attendance and deadlines. Suitability, fees and practical arrangements are agreed before work begins; enquiries do not constitute acceptance of an instruction.
Do not send confidential records with an initial enquiry. Secure transfer arrangements, including any cross-border requirements, should be agreed after the conflict and suitability checks.
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
Print or save the records checklist (PDF) to help prepare the agreed bundle.
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.