DENTAL NEWS: Inaccurate Referral Leads to Wrong Tooth Extraction
OMSNIC shares a claim of incorrect tooth extractions due to referral miscommunication.
This first appeared on OMSNIC Vol 35, No 11 - October 31, 2024. It has been abbreviated.
Reducing the Risk of Wrong Tooth Extractions: Lessons from a Closed Claim
A recent closed claim summary details a case where a referral miscommunication led to a wrong tooth extraction for a 13-year-old patient. The referring general dentist requested the removal of retained primary molars, but the oral surgeon mistakenly extracted first permanent molars, leading to legal consequences and a costly settlement.
This case underscores the importance of clear communication and more importantly independent assessment when handling referrals. Below are some practical risk management recommendations to help prevent similar incidents:
- Conduct an Independent Assessment: Oral surgeons should always perform their own assessments rather than solely following the referral request. Documenting clinical indications can also support clarity in the patient’s treatment plan. You can always pick up the phone and consult with the referring doctor as well.
- Enhance Staff Communication: Ensure staff are part of the referral review process, from checking that referrals and images are available to identifying any gaps in information before an appointment. Additional confirmation for more complex referrals is helpful.
- Build Adaptive Systems for Intake: Train staff to review and clarify referrals early, confirm treatment details with patients, and document consent discussions and patient education. This supports both staff training and operational continuity.
- Use Pre-Surgical Time-Outs: Taking a brief pause to confirm planned treatment can prevent errors and enhance patient safety. Always triple check!
Read the full article here to learn more about these practices and their impact on patient care.
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