No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.
Dental negligence occurs when a dental professional in England or Wales provides treatment that falls below the standard required by the Bolam test, causing harm to the patient. Patients generally have 3 years from the date of treatment — or from when they first became aware of harm — to bring a claim. NJS Law’s specialist solicitors offer a free, no-obligation assessment on a No Win No Fee basis.
At NJS Law, we understand that going to the dentist can be a stressful experience. When dental negligence leads to unnecessary pain, injury, or long-term complications, you may have a valid claim for compensation.
We provide legal advice and representation for dental negligence claims across England and Wales. Our specialist solicitors have experience securing compensation for clients affected by substandard care from dentists, dental hygienists, and orthodontists.
Check If You're Eligible With
Our Dental Negligence Solicitors
Discover today if you’re eligible to make a claim. Tell us what happened using the enquiry form on this page.
What Is Dental Negligence?
Dental negligence is when a dental professional provides treatment below the accepted standard, causing injury, pain, or avoidable complications.
This can include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Incorrect or unnecessary treatment
- Surgical errors (e.g. nerve damage)
- Poorly performed procedures
To make a claim, your case must meet the legal test of:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation (harm caused)
Understanding Whether You Have a Dental Negligence Claim
If you’ve suffered pain, complications, or unexpected outcomes after dental treatment, you may be wondering whether it was just bad luck — or something more. Our free Dental Negligence Guide gives you clear, straightforward answers.
It explains:
- your rights as a dental patient in England and Wales
- what separates a poor outcome from legally actionable negligence
- the 3-year time limit and when it starts running
- how to take the next step with confidence
Read our Dental Negligence Claims Guide, or if you’re ready to speak to a specialist, contact NJS Law today for a free, no-obligation assessment.
Who Can Make a Dental Negligence Claim in the UK?
You can make a dental negligence claim if three legal conditions are met:
1. A duty of care existed Any registered dentist, dental hygienist, orthodontist or dental therapist in the UK owes their patients a duty of care. This applies whether you were treated on the NHS or privately, and whether the treatment took place in a dental practice, a hospital, or a cosmetic clinic.
2. That duty was breached The treatment must have fallen below the standard a reasonable body of dental professionals would consider acceptable — known as the Bolam standard, established in Bolam v Friern Hospital Management Committee [1957]. An independent dental expert will assess whether this threshold was met in your case.
3. The breach caused you harm There must be a direct link between the substandard treatment and the harm you suffered. This is known as causation. It is not enough that a mistake was made — the mistake must have caused measurable injury, pain, financial loss, or the need for corrective treatment.
Who is covered?
| Situation | Eligible to claim? |
|---|---|
| NHS dental patient | Yes |
| Private dental patient | Yes |
| Patient of a dental hygienist or therapist | Yes |
| Patient who had cosmetic dental treatment | Yes |
| Parent claiming on behalf of a child | Yes — time limit starts at age 18 |
| Person lacking mental capacity | Yes — does not start while the person lacks capacity from the date of injury |
| Family member of a deceased patient | Yes — estate can claim within 3 years of death |
What if I'm not sure whether I have a claim?
Many patients are uncertain whether what happened to them counts as negligence. The fact that you had a bad outcome does not automatically mean your dentist was negligent — sometimes complications occur even with good care. Equally, a dentist can be negligent even if you have not yet noticed any obvious harm.
The only reliable way to know is to have your case assessed by a specialist solicitor alongside an independent dental expert report. At NJS Law, we offer a free, no-obligation assessment — if you do not have a valid claim, we will tell you clearly and at no cost to you.
Time Limits for Dental Negligence Claims
In most cases, you have 3 years to make a dental negligence claim. This usually runs from the date of the treatment or from when you became aware that negligence occurred.
There are some exceptions, including:
- Children– the limitation period does not begin until the child turns 18, meaning a claim can be brought up totheir 21st birthday
- If someone lacked mental capacity when the injury happened, the three years do not start until they regain it. If they lose capacity later, the time limit keeps running, so act quickly.
- Deceased patients– where the patient has died, a claim may be brought by their estate within 3 years of the date of death or the date of knowledge of the personal representative, whichever is later, under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)Act 1934
For a detailed explanation, see our guide on time limits for dental negligence claims.
At NJS Law, our solicitors can quickly assess whether you have a valid claim and guide you through the process on a No Win No Fee basis.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for Dental Negligence?
Compensation depends on the severity of your injury and its impact.
You may be able to claim for:
- Pain and suffering
- Corrective treatment costs
- Loss of earnings
- Travel expenses
If you’re interested in how dental negligence cases are evolving in the UK, see our article
Why dental negligence claims are rising
Indicative Compensation Ranges for Dental Negligence Claims
The figures below are indicative ranges based on the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026) — the framework used by courts across England and Wales to value personal injury claims. They reflect general damages only; special damages and future care costs are assessed separately and may increase the total significantly.
| Type of dental negligence | Key factors considered | Indicative range |
|---|---|---|
| Nerve damageInferior alveolar or lingual nerve injury | Severity, permanence, impact on taste, speech or sensation | Depends on severity: ask us for an estimate |
| Delayed diagnosisOral cancer, gum disease or other condition | Stage at diagnosis, treatment required, long-term prognosis | Depends on severity: ask us for an estimate |
| Jaw fractureCaused by negligent procedure or technique | Severity, recovery period, long-term complications | £8,530 to £60,160 |
| Multiple tooth lossNegligent extractions or untreated gum disease | Number of teeth, reconstructive treatment, aesthetic impact | Depends on severity: ask us for an estimate |
| Orthodontic negligenceBraces, aligners or treatment planning errors | Severity of misalignment, corrective treatment needed, duration of harm | Depends on severity: ask us for an estimate |
| Cosmetic dentistry failureImplants, veneers, crowns or composite bonding | Cost of corrective work, psychological impact, aesthetic outcome | £3,000 – £25,000 |
| Failed root canal treatmentReinfection, instrument fracture or poor technique | Ongoing pain, further treatment required, tooth loss | Depends on severity: ask us for an estimate |
| Single tooth lossNegligent extraction or wrong tooth removed | Age, implant or bridge costs, aesthetic and functional impact | Depends on severity: ask us for an estimate |
According to the British Dental Journal, dental negligence claims against NHS hospitals resulted in £14 million in payouts between 2015 and 2020 — including nearly £4 million for delayed treatment alone. The figures below reflect current Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026) for general damages across the most common claim types.
Important — please read before relying on these figuresThese ranges are provided as a general guide only, based on the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026), and do not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of outcome. The value of any individual claim depends on its specific facts and circumstances. Special damages — including the cost of corrective dental treatment, lost earnings, and travel — are assessed separately and are not reflected in the ranges above. For an accurate assessment of what your claim may be worth, contact our solicitors for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Factors Affect Dental Negligence Compensation?
Find out what your claim could be worth
Our specialist dental negligence solicitors offer a free, no-obligation assessment. No Win No Fee — no upfront costs.
Types of Dental Negligence Claims Our Solicitors Handle
Dental negligence can take many forms. For a broader overview of the issues patients most often experience, you may find our guide on the most common types of dental negligence helpful. Examples of negligent dental treatment include:
- Failure to diagnose or treat gum disease (Periodontal Disease): Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and serious health risks..
- Negligent root canal treatment: Poor technique or errors, such as sodium hypochlorite leakage, can cause lasting damage.
- Tooth extraction errors: This includes removal of the wrong tooth, damage to surrounding teeth, or even a broken jaw.
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Dental implant negligence: This can include:
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Inserting implants without first treating gum disease.
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Inadequate bone density assessment.
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Incorrect implant placement angle.
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Implants placed too close to adjacent teeth, leading to complications.
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- Negligently fitted crowns, veneers, or dental bridges: Poor restorative work that impacts bite function or aesthetics.
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Orthodontic negligence: Including:
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Incorrect treatment plans.
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Poor monitoring or management of braces/invisible aligners.
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Delayed or inappropriate treatment leading to worse dental alignment.
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Composite bonding errors: Such as:
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Unnecessary or unsuitable procedures.
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Poor fit, unnatural appearance, or premature failure requiring early replacement.
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If any of these situations sound familiar, our dental negligence lawyers can assess your case and advise you on the next steps.
How to Prove Dental Negligence
To prove a claim, you must show:
- A breach of duty of care
- That the breach caused harm
Evidence may include:
- Dental records
- Expert reports
- Photographs
- Treatment history
The Legal Standard Applied in Dental Negligence Claims
Dental negligence claims in the UK are assessed against the Bolam standard, established in Bolam v Friern Hospital Management Committee [1957] 1 WLR 582.
Under this test, a dental professional is not negligent if their treatment was in accordance with a practice accepted as proper by a responsible body of dental professionals skilled in that field — even if other practitioners would have acted differently.
However, the Bolam standard was refined by the Supreme Court in Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board [2015] UKSC 11, which established that patients must be informed of all material risks before consenting to treatment.
A dentist who failed to warn you of a significant risk — even if the procedure itself was performed competently — may still be liable in negligence.
In practice, our solicitors work with independent dental experts to produce a formal expert report assessing whether your treatment fell below the Bolam standard. This report is the cornerstone of any dental negligence claim and is required before a Letter of Claim can be issued under the Pre-Action Protocol for the Resolution of Clinical Disputes.
Dental Professional Regulation in the UK
All dentists, dental hygienists, orthodontists, and dental therapists practising in the UK must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) and adhere to its Standards for the Dental Team(2013).
These standards set out the professional and ethical obligations every registered dental professional must meet, including:
- Putting patients’ interests first and acting to protect them
- Communicating effectively and obtaining valid informed consent
- Maintaining and developing their professional knowledge and skills
- Working within their knowledge, skills, professional competence and abilities
- Raising concerns if patients are at risk
Where a dentist’s conduct falls below these standards, this may form part of the evidence in a negligence claim. You can verify whether your dentist is currently registered with the GDC using the GDC’s public register.
Making a dental negligence claim through NJS Law is a separate process from raising a complaint with the GDC. A GDC investigation addresses the dentist’s fitness to practise — it does not result in financial compensation for you. Our solicitors pursue compensation through the civil courts or negotiated settlement, independently of any GDC proceedings.
The Dental Negligence Claims Process Explained
Understanding the dental negligence claims process can make pursuing compensation less daunting. As part of our wider medical negligence claims service, NJS Law guides you through each step to ensure your claim is handled efficiently and effectively.
If you’re wondering about timescales, our guide on how long a dental negligence claim takes explains what to expect at each stage.
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Free Case Assessment – We start by reviewing your situation to determine if you have a valid claim.
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Gathering Evidence – Our team collects medical records, expert reports, and any other evidence to build a strong case.
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Letter of Claim – We send a formal letter to the responsible healthcare provider outlining your claim and seeking resolution.
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Negotiation and Settlement – Many claims are settled without going to court, but if necessary, we are prepared to represent you in litigation.
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Compensation Award – Once a settlement or court decision is reached, we ensure you receive the compensation the law allows for your injury and losses.
Throughout the process, our No Win No Fee dental negligence solicitors provide guidance, keeping you informed and supported every step of the way.
Can You Claim Against NHS and Private Dentists?
Yes, you can claim against both NHS and private dental providers if negligence can be proven.
How Long Does a Dental Negligence Claim Take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of your case and whether liability is disputed. Most claims follow the Pre-Action Protocol for Clinical Disputes, which sets formal deadlines for both sides.
| Stage | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|
| Initial case assessment & funding agreement | 1–4 weeks |
| Obtaining dental records | 4–8 weeks (records must be provided within 40 days under UK law) |
| Independent expert report commissioned | 8–16 weeks |
| Letter of Claim sent to defendant | Within 3–6 months of instruction |
| Defendant’s Letter of Response | Up to 4 months (required under Pre-Action Protocol) |
| Negotiation and settlement (uncontested) | 3–6 months after Letter of Response |
| Court proceedings issued (if disputed) | 12–18 months additional |
As a general guide:
- Straightforward claims — where liability is admitted early — typically settle within 9–18 months
- Disputed or complex claims — involving serious injury, multiple procedures, or delayed diagnosis — typically take 2–4 years
- Claims involving children — the 3-year limitation period does not begin until the child turns 18, so these may proceed on a longer timescale
The 3-year limitation period generally runs from the date of negligent treatment, or from the date you first became aware that negligence had occurred — whichever is later. If you are approaching this deadline, contact us immediately.
Get practical advice and in-depth guides on dental negligence claims. From understanding what counts as negligent dental care to learning how compensation is calculated, our resources are designed to give you clarity and confidence.
Browse the latest articles to see how real dental negligence cases are handled, what factors affect compensation, and how our solicitors approach claims for dental errors, misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or poor cosmetic dentistry. These insights can help you understand your rights and what to expect when pursuing a dental negligence claim.
A Complete Guide to Dental Negligence Claims in the UK (Step-by-Step)
How to Prove Dental Negligence in the UK
Dental Negligence Time Limits — How Long Do I Have to Claim?
What Evidence do I Need for a Dental Negligence Claim?
Can You Claim Against an NHS Dentist?
How to Identify Gross Dental Negligence by Your Dentist
Taking Legal Action Against a Private Dentist –Guide
How Much Compensation Can I get for Dental Negligence in the UK?
No Win No Fee Dental Negligence Claims Explained
Why Choose NJS Law as Your Dental Negligence Solicitors
Suffering from dental negligence can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of your rights or worried about the impact on your health. Our specialist dental negligence solicitors provide clear, honest advice and manage every aspect of your claim, so you can focus on recovery while we pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
- Clear, jargon-free legal advice
- Full support from claim to compensation
- Our team has more than 200 years of combined legal experience, and we act only for people who have been injured.
- National service across England & Wales
Experienced
- More than 200 years of combined legal experience, delivering tailored and reliable personal injury support
- SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) Regulated
What our clients say
- Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot from 874 reviews.
- Rated 4.7/5 on Google and 4.8/5 on Trustpilot, from 1,667 reviews on the two sites.
Our dental negligence solicitors combine more than 200 years of combined legal experience with a client-first approach. We understand how stressful and painful dental errors can be, and we’ll stand by your side throughout your claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation the law allows for your dental injury or poor dental treatment.
Recent Dental Negligence Case Example
Woman Awarded £3,000+After Failed Filling Leads to Tooth Loss
Figures are compensation before any deductions.
Case summary:
A woman received over £3,000 in compensation after negligent dental treatment turned a routine filling into months of pain, repeated failures, and the loss of three teeth. The dentist’s failure to provide proper care led to ongoing complications and ultimately tooth removal.
Why the claim succeeded:
- The dentist breached their duty of care
- The patient suffered harm, including tooth loss
- The claim was made within the 3-year legal time limit
Common Questions About Dental Negligence Claims
Starting a dental negligence claim can feel daunting, and you’re likely to have questions about how the process works, what it costs, and how long it takes. To help, we’ve answered the most common questions our clients ask — from evidence to compensation amounts and court proceedings.
Am I eligible to make a dental negligence claim?
You may be eligible if you received substandard treatment that caused harm.
How long do I have to make a dental negligence claim?
You typically have 3 years from the date of negligence or when you became aware of it.
What types of compensation can I claim?
Compensation can cover:
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Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life (general damages)
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Financial losses such as treatment costs, travel expenses, lost income, or corrective care (special damages)
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Future care or treatment costs if your injury requires long-term support
How is a dental negligence claim proven?
You must show that:
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The dental care provided fell below the expected professional standard
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This negligence directly caused harm or worsened your condition
Evidence required may include:
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Dental records and treatment notes
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X-rays or scans
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Witness statements from dental professionals or staff
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Photographs of dental injuries or outcomes
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Expert reports from independent dental experts
Can I claim dental negligence if the treatment was private or NHS?
Yes. You can claim compensation whether you were treated privately or through the NHS.
How long does a dental negligence claim take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and the severity of the injury. Some claims may be resolved in a few months, while more complex cases could take longer.
Do I have to pay legal fees upfront?
No. Many dental negligence claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you only pay if your claim is successful.
Can I claim for cosmetic dentistry mistakes?
Yes. Poor outcomes in cosmetic procedures, such as implants, veneers, or teeth whitening, can form the basis of a dental negligence claim if the care fell below the accepted standard.
How do I start a dental negligence claim with NJS Law?
Starting a claim with NJS Law is simple: contact our experienced dental negligence solicitors to discuss your case. We will assess your eligibility, gather all necessary evidence, and guide you through each step of the claims process.
Our team works on a No Win No Fee basis, providing support and advice to help you secure the compensation the law allows for your injury and losses.
Thinking about a claim? Read about Personal injury claims and how No Win No Fee works, or send us your enquiry.
Articles: Dental Negligence Claims
- No Win No Fee Dental Negligence Claims Explained
- How Much Compensation Can I Get for Dental Negligence in the UK
- Can You Claim Against an NHS Dentist?
- How to Prove Dental Negligence in the UK
- Dental Negligence Time Limits — How Long Do I Have to Claim?
- Dental Negligence Claim: Woman Awarded £3,000+ After Failed Filling Leads to Tooth Loss
- Taking Legal Action Against a Private Dentist
- How Long Does A Dental Negligence Claim Take?
- How to Identify Gross Negligence by Your Dentist
- Dental Negligence in England: What It Is and How to Claim Compensation
- Failed Root Canal Treatment and Dental Negligence
- The NHS Dental Crisis and the Rise in Dental Negligence Claims