Woman Calls For Lessons To Be Learned After Dentist Admits Liability Through Legal Body

A woman from Surrey who has already lost two teeth and could lose up to 15 more as a result of gum disease is calling for lessons to be learned following a four-year delay in diagnosing her condition.

Tanya Ogland, 44, visited a dentist complaining of painful and bleeding gums and, later on, movement of her teeth.  She was reassured by him that she didn’t need to be referred for any further treatment and that the symptoms were normal.

Tanya’s symptoms worsened and she saw a hygienist.  She was diagnosed with periodontal disease, which is a serious gum infection.  She was told that she could lose many of her teeth and that she needed specialist treatment.

Following her diagnosis, Tanya, who lives in Ottershaw, Chertsey, instructed dental negligence experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her dental care.  The dentist subsequently admitted liability through the Dental Protection Society, the legal body which represents dentists, in that he should have diagnosed and treated Tanya’s gum disease sooner. The dentist admitted that she would have avoided some of the damage if the disease was treated earlier.

Tanya is now joining with her lawyers in supporting National Smile Month by calling for lessons to be learned to ensure other people don’t suffer like she has.

Expert Opinion

“The first-hand account we’ve heard from Tanya about what she’s been through is incredibly concerning.

Patients place a great deal of faith in dental professionals to provide them with the best possible treatment and care. The level of care Tanya received was well below what’s expected and she’s now been left with ongoing pain and complications.

She is understandably shocked and devastated that she has already lost two teeth and may lose many more as a result of the delay in diagnosing and treating her condition. While there is nothing we can do to change what’s happened to Tanya, we welcome the admission through the Dental Protection Society and now call for lessons to be learned to improve on patient care and prevent anyone else from ending up in similar situations.”
Kathryn Salt - Associate Solicitor

Tanya, an online pet supplies retailer and dog walker, attended appointments with the dentist between 2012 and 2016 with pain and bleeding gums as well as being concerned that some of her teeth were moving.  However, she was told by him that she didn’t need any further treatment.

Tanya became increasingly concerned about the condition of her gums.  She saw a hygienist in November 2016 and was subsequently diagnosed with periodontal disease.

Following investigation by Irwin Mitchell, the dentist admitted “periodontal disease should have been diagnosed” in August 2012, along with “a treatment plan instituted.”  Furthermore, it was admitted that in March 2013, Tanya should have been diagnosed with tooth decay and treatment provided.

Tanya, who lives with her husband Rickard, said: “After being reassured there was no need for me to seek further treatment, it was a huge shock when I was finally given a diagnosis.

“Since then, I’ve gone on to suffer from infections and more dental pain, I have lost two teeth already and I’ve had a lot of issues with my gums receding as a result of the disease. Some of my teeth have also moved and so my smile doesn’t look like it used to.

“Unfortunately, I have been told that up to 15 more of my teeth could be lost. I have needed to have extensive and painful treatment including having my gums debrided to try and save my teeth, and I will need more treatment in the future. This is particularly difficult to accept, as I believe this could potentially have been avoided had I been diagnosed sooner.

“I know there is nothing I can do to turn back the clock and change what’s happened, but I’m still so angry and upset at how things have turned out and how it’s continuing to affect my life.  All I can hope for now is that by sharing my story, it will encourage others to seek a second opinion if they feel something isn’t right and stop them going through what I have.”

National Smile Month ends on 17 June.

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