Houston, TX personal injury lawyer Shane Kadlec explains how to know if you have a claim for dental malpractice. He shares that clients who believe they have experienced malpractice from a dentist or other dental professional often recognize it because of the outcome, but frequently they seek a second opinion or visit another provider after losing faith in their original dentist. That subsequent provider often confirms the problem.

In many cases, he has clients undergo an independent dental examination by an expert—such as an oral surgeon, general dentist, or periodontist—who evaluates the patient and reviews all relevant records. This process provides the clearest perspective on what happened and the consequences. The dental expert is then in the best position to prepare a detailed report that helps present the case, often with the goal of achieving a settlement.