A retrospective assessment of the dental malpractice cases filed in Riyadh from 2009-2015

INTRODUCTION: Malpractice is one of the most significant hazards to patient safety in healthcare and is considered the second factor associated with the overall quality of the healthcare system. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malpractice in dentistry and its possible causes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during 2009-2015. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis of the dental complaints filed by the patients in the general directorate of forensic medicine centers in Riyadh was reviewed, and the data was collected. Descriptive statistics of frequency distribution and percentages were calculated using the collected data. The Chi-square test for categorical variables was performed with a significance level set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The Riyadh region reported 168 (14.5%) dental malpractice cases during 2009- 2015. The highest number of malpractice cases was reported in 2010 (18.45%), and the least number of cases was reported in 2011 (10.1%). Prosthodontic specialty had the highest number of lawsuits (32.4%), followed by orthodontics (20.2%) and endodontics (15.8%). The Chi-square test showed no association between the different specialties and types of malpractice (P = 0.881) and between compensation and the type of malpractice (P = 0.832). Among the 114 cases, financial compensation was the most common retribution. CONCLUSION: Dental malpractice prevalence was high in the private sector, followed by the government and military sectors, with the highest number of cases registered against the prosthodontic specialty. Dental malpractice is a serious concern that can be prevented by fair and honest policies and thorough patient education.