A woman in Ireland has been awarded 255,000 euros ($351,000 U.S.) after a court determined that a dentist fitted her with orthodontic braces that she did not need, the Independent reported.
Esther Hammond, 61, of Dublin filed the complaint against registered dental surgeon Brendan Bastible, BCh, BDentSc, who she initially saw in 1991 for treatment of a loose crown on an upper front tooth.
Dr. Bastible noted the loose crown, caries, several missing teeth, and periodontitis during the visit, and recommended orthodontic treatment, according to the article. Expert witnesses at the hearing said that the braces were "an inappropriate treatment course."
In addition, the dentist "was and still is" unqualified for orthodontic procedures, the Independent noted.
Hammond testified that the injuries she dealt with during a 20-year period resulted in ongoing pain and discomfort, as well as distress. Her recovery from her dental issues was set back 15 to 20 years due to the dentist's negligence, expert witnesses said, and the judge agreed, according to the article.
Hammond was awarded 170,000 euros ($234,000) in general damages, 50,000 euros ($69,000) for pain and suffering occurring over the next five years, and 35,000 euros ($48,000) for previous and ensuing expenses, the article noted.
