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
UK, Republic of Ireland and selective international instructions are considered within my expertise.
CPR Part 35 applies to civil expert evidence in England and Wales. For other jurisdictions, the applicable requirements are agreed before acceptance. See jurisdiction and instruction requirements.
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.
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 provides preliminary input and is not a substitute for a formal expert report prepared to the applicable procedural requirements.
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.
Condition & Prognosis Reports
Condition and prognosis reports are prepared in both dental negligence and personal injury claims where current dental condition, ongoing symptoms, treatment needs, future care or prognosis are in issue. They can assist with the assessment of quantum as well as the clinical consequences of an injury or treatment.
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.
CPR 35 Questions, Conferences and Joint Statements
For England and Wales proceedings, further assistance can be provided under CPR 35 after the main report. Equivalent follow-up work in other jurisdictions is considered against the applicable rules and agreed scope.
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
My principal examination base is in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Examinations also take place at other UK locations. See the examination venues page for the map and current locations, or contact me to discuss a suitable venue.