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Dental malpractice: baseline data from insurance claims closed in 1970, with analysis.

A study of dental malpractice claims closed during the 1970s was conducted using closed claim data available as a byproduct of a survey conducted by the Secretary's Commission on Medical Malpractice, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. The intent of the authors of this study is to establish a baseline that can be used for future comparisons of dental malpractice. Far fewer cases of dental malpractice were found than expected, and specialists such as oral surgeons were at higher risk than general practitioners. One-half of the claims resulted in no payment to the plaintiff. Trial verdicts were reached in just over 7 percent of the cases, and 93 percent of the verdicts were in favor of the defendant. The amount of damages paid to claimants for dental cases was approximately one-third that paid on claims involving physicians or medical specialists. The median award to the plaintiff for dental malpractice was $750. Ninety-five percent of the awards made were under $5,000.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The evolution of standards for naturally occurring fluorides: an example of scientific due process.

In three quarters of a century of observation and research, the effects of fluoride on dental caries and on general bodily health have been well documented. An expanding data base has allowed a firming up of the guidance and standards for appropriate and safe levels of naturally occurring fluorides for human consumption. Over time, through specific recommendations, the maximum fluoride concentrations deemed appropriate have been altered, but by a process of considered adjustment. Although the Public Health Service has been responsible for the formalization of many of the recommended standards, those recommendations have been based on research from many fronts. In the most recent reconsideration of the standards for natural fluoride, the most exhaustive and thoroughly documented review to date was done, incorporating review by representatives from State, Federal, and private programs. Although the specific example of the development of standards for natural fluoride is used, it should be illustrative of similar processes that are constantly underway in regard to substances and factors with a potential impact on the public's health. Expansion of the data base through research and scientific inquiry will lay the foundation for future reconsideration of the standards for naturally occurring fluorides.

Dental Caries↗