In recent years, dental malpractice claims have increased dramatically worldwide. The purpose of the present study is to analyze claims related to orthodontic treatment involving periodontal problems that resulted in legal decisions in Israel. This study analyzed legal claims registered by Medical Consultants International (MCI) between 2005 and 2018. Only closed cases of orthodontic claims involving periodontal problems in which a decision was made were included. The parameters studied included patients’ demographic data, the main reasons of the claim, and complications. Statistical significance was found for aesthetic damage, which was more common in claims of females (p = 0.035) and in older claims (p = 0.004); tooth damage was more common in claims of older patients (p = 0.032); violation of autonomy was higher in private practice (p = 0.047) and in more recent claims (p = 0.001). As orthodontic treatment is becoming more popular in older patients, and as lawsuit claims become more common in recent years, the orthodontists should always analyze and document the periodontal status of their patients before and during treatment in order to maintain professional practice and avoid future claims.

Background: In recent years, worldwide dental malpractice claims have dramatically increased. The purpose of the present study is to analyze periodontal therapy related claims in Israel that led to legal decisions. Methods: This retrospective cohort study includes malpractice claims against dental practitioners related to periodontology between 2005 and 2019. Only closed cases where a final decision was made were included. The chi-square test or Fisher exact test for categorical variables were performed and a p value of 35 years old. Most claims (82.8%) were settled out of court and ended in compromise. Claims concerning the treatment of periodontal disease by periodontists accounted only for 4.5% (23/508) of the cases while 95.5% (485/508) of the claims were for complications secondary to another treatment. Prosthodontic treatment was involved with the highest number 54.5%, followed by dental implants 17.7%, and endodontics 11.6%. The allegations were related to pain and distress (84.8%), aggravation of existent periodontal disease (83.3%), tooth loss (78.1%), and violation of autonomy (47%). Conclusions: The main cause for lawsuits was related to aggravation of periodontal disease during prosthetic or implant therapy and related to suspected faulty or inexistent preoperative diagnosis and planning. Practical implications: Periodontal consultation before dental treatment may reduce malpractice risks, adverse events, and un-necessary changes of treatment plans.

Age determination is important for forensic evaluation and for determining criminal responsibility. Based on the development of permanent teeth, the Demirjian staging evaluation key is commonly used in research for estimating age using teeth developmental stage. The purpose of the current study was to correlate the dental developmental age of third molar teeth with the chronological age of adolescent patients. This study evaluated 324 panorex images of Israeli patients aged 8–21 years with known birth dates and genders. The dental developmental stage was compared to the patient’s chronological age by gender and side (right/left and upper/lower jaws). This study also attempted to predict the patient’s age using the third molar developmental stage. The study included 179 male and 145 female patients. There was no statistical difference between the right and left sides of the upper or lower teeth. A strong correlation was found between third molar development and chronological age for both the maxilla and mandible. In 100% of cases, patients in developmental stage >5 were over 12 years old in the maxilla and in 97% of cases, were over 12 years old in the mandible. Patients in developmental stage >6 were over 14 years old in 100% of cases in both the maxilla and mandible. Patients in developmental stage >7 were over 16 years old in 100% of cases in both the maxilla and mandible. This study found that third molars can be used to accurately estimate age in a narrow age range, with a strong correlation between third molar development and chronological age. Further research may be needed to understand the utility of this method and its possible usage in different countries around the world.