NHS Grampian dentist did not keep proper records of tooth extraction

A dental practice has been told that it did not keep proper records of a patient’s tooth extraction following a procedure.

A patient complained about the care and treatment they received from a dentist in the NHS Grampian board area after having a tooth pulled and the potential failure to remove the root of the tooth.

The dentist performed an x-ray and examined C’s mouth but did not identify any evidence of infection or retained tooth or bone.

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) did not find any issues with the care or treatment, but it did find that there were “insufficient records” of the extraction.

“Based on the limited evidence available, we concluded that the care and treatment was reasonable,” the watchdog said.

“However, the standard of record keeping fell below the required professional standards.”

The ombudsman acknowledged that it was likely an isolated incident and did not make any recommendations, but it upheld the patient’s complaint.

The SSPO said it was satisfied the dentist had “appropriately reflected on their practice”.