The patient had advanced periodontal disease and problems with a bridge which had become loose. He visited his dentist saying he was about to travel abroad and his mouth was tender. The dentist prescribed antibiotics, to be used if needed while he was away. He was given a short course of 250 mg of amoxycillin.
Unfortunately, on this visit, the dentist overlooked a note in the patient's records about his allergy to penicillin. She had prescribed erythromycin several times previously, indicating she was aware of his medical condition. The patient did not comment, even though he had suffered an anaphylactic shock some nine years before, after he was prescribed penicillin by his GP.
The patient did not use the antibiotics while abroad, but he did take one capsule six months later when he thought he had a dental abscess. Soon after this he suffered his second anaphylactic shock. His wife arranged for him to be taken quickly to hospital, and he made a full recovery, though he lost several days work.
Claim and settlement
The patient alleged that the dentist had been negligent. With the dentist's agreement, the MDU made an out of court payment of £2,500; of which £1000 was for loss of earnings and £1500 for pain and suffering.
Risk management advice
This case clearly illustrates how easy it is even for an experienced, conscientious practitioner who is familiar with a patient and his background to make an error such as this.
We advise dental members to place an easily visible marker on patients' records if they have a history of allergic reaction or if any aspect of the patient's medical history is particularly relevant to dental treatment.
The dentist's prompt action in referring the matter to the DDU and the agreement on the part of all concerned that the case was indefensible resulted in a prompt out-of-court payment, which meant less stress for both the patient and the practitioner.
This page was correct at publication on 11/09/2002. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.