Dental expert witness services
Independent dental expert evidence for solicitors, insurers and medico-legal agencies in clinical negligence and personal injury matters.
Focused, proportionate dental opinion
I provide dental expert witness reports and related medico-legal assistance within my field of expertise as an experienced general dental practitioner. Instructions are considered carefully to ensure that the issues fall within my area of competence and that the evidence requested is likely to assist.
My work is usually concerned with dental injury, restorative dentistry, dental records, treatment planning, prognosis, consent, clinical decision-making and the standard of dental care in general practice.
Condition & Prognosis Reports
Condition and prognosis reports are usually required in personal injury claims where dental injury, ongoing symptoms, future treatment or dental prognosis are in issue.
These reports may address:
- pre-accident dental condition where the records allow
- injuries said to have been caused by the index event
- treatment already provided
- current dental condition
- future treatment needs
- likely longevity of teeth and restorations
- prognosis
- timescales
- functional and aesthetic impact
- reasonable costs where requested and supported
The report is prepared from the records, radiographs, photographs, letter of instruction and clinical examination findings where an examination is required.
Breach of Duty & Causation
Breach of duty and causation reports are prepared in dental clinical negligence cases where the standard of care and the consequences of any alleged breach require expert opinion.
These reports may address:
- whether the treatment fell below a reasonable standard
- whether the records support the allegations made
- causation of dental injury or avoidable treatment
- alternative management options
- consent and treatment planning issues
- restorative decision-making
- periodontal, endodontic and prosthodontic considerations within general dental practice
- prognosis and future care where relevant
Opinions are tied to the available evidence. Where the records are incomplete or unclear, this is identified rather than assumed.
Screening Reviews
A screening review can assist at an early stage where solicitors need a focused view on whether the available material supports further investigation.
A screening review may assist with:
- identifying the key dental issues
- checking whether the allegations are clinically coherent
- identifying missing records or radiographs
- highlighting evidential weaknesses
- advising whether formal expert evidence is likely to be proportionate
- narrowing the issues before a full report is commissioned
A screening review is not usually a substitute for a full CPR 35-compliant report unless specifically agreed.
CPR 35 Questions, Conferences and Joint Statements
Further assistance can be provided after the main report where required.
This may include:
- replies to CPR 35 questions
- review of opposing expert evidence
- conference with solicitors and counsel
- joint expert discussions
- joint statements
- supplemental reports where appropriate
Work is carried out within the expert's overriding duty to the Court.
Clinical Examination Venues
Where a clinical examination is required, this can usually be arranged at Michael Dental Care in Cheltenham. Alternative venues may be considered by agreement where suitable facilities are available and the arrangement is proportionate.