HR Adviser Wins £40,000 Payout Over Botched Dental Treatment

UK: Lynne Haines, a 56-year-old HR adviser, has secured a £40,000 payout after enduring more than a decade of botched dental treatment. Ms. Haines claimed to have suffered from severe gum disease, which went undiagnosed for years, leading to the deterioration of her dental health.

Legal Battle and Settlement

The Dental Law Partnership took up Ms. Haines’ case in 2020, representing her claim that her gum issues should have been addressed as far back as 2001. The legal battle was settled against Dr. John Graham, who provided treatment at Croft Dental Practice in Aberdare, Wales, between 2001 and 2014. Dr. Graham, who retired in 2014, did not admit liability in the case.

Settlement Reached After Botched Dental Work

Allegations of Negligence

Ms. Haines, residing in Penarth, South Wales, asserted that despite regular check-ups, Dr. Graham failed to provide any advice or indication of the severity of her dental problems. She claimed that periodontal disease was ignored for over a decade, resulting in substantial gaps in her teeth and the loss of several teeth.

Psychological Impact

The dental issues not only had a physical toll but also left Ms. Haines with profound psychological scars. She expressed her frustration, stating, “I was so angry that I had put my whole trust in the dentist who had ruined my smile, me, and my confidence.” The impact extended to her professional life, especially during the pandemic, where video calls became a source of discomfort.

Woman Sues Dentist Over Alleged Negligence in Extensive Dental Procedure

Four years after her last appointment with Dr. Graham, Ms. Haines was referred to specialists who diagnosed severe periodontal disease, leading to extreme bone loss. The subsequent therapy was described as painful and intrusive, with constant sensitivity in her mouth. While some corrective measures, including composite bonding, have improved the appearance of her teeth, the long-term consequences remain. 

Ms. Haines acknowledged, “The disease is under control for now, but I won’t ever get my bone density back and have to be extremely careful looking after my gums and attending appointments.”

Reflecting on her ordeal, Ms. Haines shared, “While I am happy with my appearance for now, the whole experience has left deep mental scars.”