Dental negligence is a type of medical negligence that occurs when a dentist or dental professional fails to provide an acceptable standard of care, leading to injury, illness, or deterioration in a patient’s oral health. This phenomenon can involve misdiagnosis, careless treatment, avoidable infections, or unnecessary pain. In a busy London borough like Southwark, where residents rely on both NHS and private dental providers, the demand for fast-paced care can unfortunately lead to mistakes that should never happen.
If you have suffered harm because of substandard dental care in Southwark, Marley Solicitors is here to help. We specialise in handling no win, no fee dental negligence claims, offering tailored legal advice and support for clients throughout the area.
What is a dental negligence claim?
A dental negligence claim is a legal process in which a patient seeks compensation for harm caused by inadequate or careless dental treatment. The basis of a claim is that the treatment received fell below a reasonable professional standard and resulted in injury, additional health problems, or the need for corrective treatment.
Examples of dental negligence include:
- Extracting the wrong tooth
- Causing nerve damage during surgery
- Poorly fitted crowns, implants, or bridges
- Infections due to poor hygiene or sterilisation
- The failure to diagnose serious conditions, such as gum disease or oral cancer, can lead to significant health issues
At Marley Solicitors, we have successfully helped many patients in Southwark pursue claims for these types of errors.
Can I make a dental negligence claim in Southwark?
Yes. If you received negligent dental care in Southwark and it caused you avoidable harm, you are likely eligible to claim compensation. Whether your treatment took place at a well-known facility like Guy’s Hospital Dental Centre or at a smaller local practice such as Southwark Park Dental Surgery or Spa Dental, our solicitors can help you determine whether you have a strong case.
You may be entitled to make a claim if:
- You experienced unexpected or prolonged pain following treatment
- A second opinion confirmed your treatment was inappropriate or poorly performed
- You developed an infection after a routine procedure
- You had to pay for corrective dental work due to a previous mistake
- You were not properly informed about the risks of a procedure
We will review your records, explain your legal options, and represent your interests throughout the claims process.
Local insight: Dental care in Southwark
Southwark is served by a mix of NHS and private dental clinics, many of which operate under pressure due to high demand. Facilities such as King’s College Dental Institute, Guy’s Hospital Dental Centre, and London Bridge Dental Practice see large volumes of patients every day. While most professionals work to high standards, mistakes can and do occur. In a borough with over 300,000 residents, even a small rate of errors can lead to dozens of patients being harmed every year.
Marley Solicitors is familiar with the local healthcare landscape and understands how to build strong claims tailored to patients in Southwark.
Types of dental negligence we see in Southwark
Here are the most common types of dental negligence that give rise to legal claims:
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose
Failing to spot signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, or other conditions can delay treatment and worsen the outcome. In some cases, this can result in tooth loss or more complex surgical interventions.
- Surgical errors
Mistakes during oral surgery can lead to excessive bleeding, permanent nerve damage, or loss of healthy teeth. This can happen when a dentist fails to take sufficient care during tooth extraction, root canal work, or implant placement.
- Incorrect treatment
This may include unnecessary procedures, treating the wrong tooth, or using the wrong tools or materials. These errors often require the patient to undergo additional treatment at further expense and discomfort.
- Cosmetic dentistry errors
Botched whitening, veneers, or orthodontic treatments can lead to significant distress, loss of confidence, and the need for expensive corrections.
- Lack of informed consent
If your dentist did not clearly explain the risks, alternatives, or possible outcomes of your procedure before starting treatment, this may amount to negligence.
How do I make a dental negligence claim in Southwark?
If you believe you have suffered due to dental negligence, Marley Solicitors can help you take the following steps:
Step 1: Free initial consultation
We will listen to your concerns and assess whether your case meets the legal criteria for negligence. This is a no-obligation conversation designed to help you understand your rights.
Step 2: Gathering evidence
To support your claim, we will request your dental records, clinical notes, and any test results. We may also gather photographs of the damage, expert reports, and witness statements where necessary.
Step 3: Letter of claim
Your solicitor will draft and submit a formal letter of claim to the dentist or clinic responsible, outlining the nature of the negligence and the compensation being sought.
Step 4: Negotiation and settlement
Most cases are resolved through negotiation. Your solicitor will represent your interests and aim to secure a fair settlement without the need for court proceedings.
Step 5: Compensation award
If your case is successful, you will receive a financial settlement to reflect the pain, suffering, and financial losses you’ve experienced, including the cost of corrective dental treatment, loss of income, and psychological harm.
What can dental negligence compensation cover?
When you bring a successful claim, your compensation may cover:
- Pain and suffering caused by unnecessary procedures or complications
- Cost of corrective treatment with another dentist
- Loss of earnings if you needed time off work
- Future medical costs for long-term dental care
- Emotional distress or psychological impact
- Travel and medication expenses
Every case is different. Your solicitor will calculate an amount that reflects the full extent of the harm you have suffered.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
At Marley Solicitors, we combine deep legal expertise with local knowledge of Southwark’s medical and dental providers. Our team has handled a wide range of dental negligence claims and secured substantial settlements for clients across London.
We offer:
- A no win, no fee service with no upfront legal costs
- Free consultations with specialist solicitors
- Clear, practical advice tailored to your situation
- Local experience and understanding of Southwark’s healthcare environment
We treat every case with the care and urgency it deserves.
Realistic examples of negligence in Southwark
Here are examples of real scenarios that have occurred in and around Southwark:
- A patient at an NHS practice in Borough was left with permanent nerve damage after a tooth extraction went wrong, causing facial numbness and speech issues.
- A client visiting a private dentist in Bermondsey was told their crowns were cosmetic, only to discover months later that decay had been left untreated underneath.
- A resident near Elephant and Castle was diagnosed with oral cancer that should have been spotted six months earlier, delaying treatment and worsening the prognosis.
If something similar has happened to you, we can help you seek accountability and compensation.
FAQs about dental negligence in Southwark
How long do I have to claim for dental negligence?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligent treatment or the date you became aware of the harm caused. Exceptions can apply for minors or those lacking mental capacity, so speak to a solicitor to confirm.
Is it possible to sue an NHS dentist in Southwark?
Yes. If you received NHS care that fell below acceptable standards and caused you harm, you can bring a claim against the NHS trust or individual dentist responsible.
How much is a typical dental negligence claim worth?
Compensation amounts vary widely. Minor claims may be worth around £1,000 to £3,000, while severe injury claims involving permanent damage or complex surgery can exceed £25,000 or more.
Get help from a dental negligence solicitor in Southwark today
If you have been harmed by dental negligence in Southwark, time is critical. Delaying a claim may affect your ability to recover compensation. Whether your case involves a private dentist in London Bridge or NHS treatment at Guy’s Hospital, Marley Solicitors can provide expert legal guidance and compassionate support.
We offer a free consultation and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in finding out where you stand.
Call Marley Solicitors today or fill in our online form to speak with a Southwark-based dental negligence solicitor. Let us help you claim the compensation you deserve.
