Experiencing dental treatment gone wrong can be both painful and distressing. Whether it involves misdiagnosis, a failed procedure or avoidable injury, dental negligence can have serious consequences. If you are based in Nottingham and believe you have suffered due to substandard dental care, you may be entitled to compensation. At Marley Solicitors, we support clients throughout Nottingham by bringing forward dental negligence claims with clarity, care and confidence.

In this blog, we will explain what dental negligence involves, the types of mistakes that may justify a claim, how the legal process works, and how our team at Marley Solicitors can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

What is dental negligence?

Dental negligence occurs when a dental professional fails in their duty of care, resulting in harm to the patient. Like all healthcare professionals, dentists have a legal and ethical obligation to provide treatment that meets accepted standards. If a dentist’s actions fall below these standards and cause you injury, pain or financial loss, this may be considered negligence.

This form of clinical negligence can happen in both NHS and private practices. It can involve general dentists, orthodontists, hygienists, or other dental specialists.

Common examples of dental negligence

Dental negligence can take many forms. In Nottingham and beyond, patients often bring claims involving:

Incorrect diagnosis or missed diagnosis – such as failing to detect oral cancer, infections or tooth decay
Poor treatment planning – including inadequate preparation for procedures or recommending unnecessary treatments
Surgical errors – like damage to nerves or other teeth during extractions or root canals
Failure to obtain informed consent – not properly explaining risks and alternatives before treatment
Infection due to poor hygiene – which can lead to serious complications like sepsis or long-term illness
Negligent cosmetic dentistry – including poorly executed veneers, crowns or orthodontic work
Delay in treatment – where avoidable delays allow conditions to worsen unnecessarily

If any of these situations apply to you, it is important to seek professional advice from a dental negligence solicitor who understands the complexities involved.

Signs you may have a dental negligence claim

Not every bad outcome is a result of negligence, and not all dental pain or discomfort warrants legal action. However, you may have a valid claim if:

You experienced more pain or injury than would be expected from your procedure
You were not informed of the risks before receiving treatment
The treatment worsened your condition or caused new issues
Another dental professional has since told you that the original care was substandard

In legal terms, a successful claim must show that the care fell below reasonable standards and caused measurable harm, whether physical, emotional, or financial.

How to prove dental negligence

Dental negligence claims rely on evidence. Your solicitor will help gather and present this evidence, which may include:

Dental records – including X-rays, notes and treatment plans
Expert opinion – from independent dental professionals who assess the quality of the treatment
Medical evidence – to document any physical harm suffered
Photographic evidence – showing visible damage or the results of poor treatment
Witness statements – especially if family or friends observed changes in your condition

Building a strong case involves demonstrating two things: breach of duty (where the care provided was below standard), and causation (where this directly caused your injury or suffering).

How much compensation can you claim for dental negligence?

The value of your compensation depends on several factors, including the severity of the harm, the cost of corrective treatment, and the emotional impact of the experience.

In general, dental negligence claims can cover:

Pain and suffering – both physical and psychological
Cost of corrective treatment – whether in the NHS or privately
Loss of earnings – if you were unable to work due to your injury
Future medical needs – including long-term dental care
Travel and care costs – related to attending appointments or receiving assistance at home

Each case is unique. For instance, a claim for a minor error such as a chipped tooth may be worth less than a claim involving nerve damage or facial disfigurement. Your solicitor will help you understand the likely compensation range based on your individual circumstances.

Time limits for making a dental negligence claim in Nottingham

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligent treatment or the date you became aware of the problem to begin a claim. There are exceptions, especially if the patient was under 18 at the time or lacks mental capacity.

Because delays can affect the availability of evidence and expert opinions, it is advisable to seek legal guidance as soon as you suspect negligence.

The claims process with Marley Solicitors

At Marley Solicitors, we understand how overwhelming the legal process can feel, especially when you are already dealing with the aftermath of poor dental care. That is why we handle every step of your case with professionalism and sensitivity.

Here is how our process works:

Free initial consultation

We begin with a free discussion during which we hear your tale, assess the situation, and explain your options. We are here to answer your questions and advise whether your claim has merit.

Investigation and evidence gathering

Once we take on your case, we collect your dental records, arrange expert reviews, and compile all the evidence needed to support your claim. Our experienced team ensures that nothing is missed.

Letter of claim

We formally notify the dentist or dental provider of the allegations, giving them an opportunity to respond. This stage often leads to early negotiations and settlements.

Negotiation or court proceedings

In many cases, compensation can be agreed upon without going to court. However, if the responsible party denies liability, we are fully prepared to take the matter to court and advocate for you robustly.

Settlement and support

If your claim is successful, we help you receive the compensation promptly and offer guidance on accessing any ongoing care you may need.

Why choose Marley Solicitors for your dental negligence claim in Nottingham?

We are a dedicated legal firm with a strong track record in clinical negligence, including dental cases. Based in the UK and serving clients across Nottingham, we bring local knowledge and national expertise to every claim.

Here is what sets us apart:

Expertise in dental negligence law – with a clear understanding of the standards dentists must meet
Compassionate approach – supporting you with empathy during what can be a stressful time
No win, no fee representation – so you face no financial risk in bringing your claim
Local insight – we are familiar with Nottingham’s dental services and the NHS Trusts involved

Our goal is to secure the justice and financial compensation you deserve while minimising stress throughout the legal process.

Dental negligence in Nottingham: Local context

Nottingham is home to both NHS and private dental services, including general practitioners, dental hospitals, and specialist clinics. Unfortunately, even in a city with strong healthcare infrastructure, dental errors can occur. We frequently assist residents from areas such as West Bridgford, Beeston, Arnold, and Carlton, as well as the city centre.

Whether your treatment took place in a small practice or a larger facility like the Queen’s Medical Centre or Nottingham Dental Hospital, we can help assess whether you have grounds for a claim.

Get in touch with Marley Solicitors today

If you or a loved one has suffered due to dental negligence in Nottingham, you do not need to face it alone. Marley Solicitors is here to support your claim with care, clarity and expert legal advice.

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Dental negligence solicitors in Nottingham: How to claim compensation