Experience of wrong-site tooth extraction among Nigerian dentists
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Date
2011-07-01
Authors
Adeyemo, W.L.
Oderinu, O.H.
Olojede, A.C.
Fashina, A.A.
Ayodele, A.O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To report the experience of wrong-site tooth extraction among Nigerian dentists.
STUDY DESIGN:
A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among a cross-section of Nigerian dentists. Information requested included personal experience on wrong-site tooth/teeth extraction and its after-effect, possible reasons for wrong-site tooth extraction and documentation of the event in patients' case. Respondents were also asked if they were aware of any colleagues who had previously experienced wrong-site tooth extraction and possible legal implication of the event, and if they aware of the universal protocol for preventing wrong site, wrong procedure, and wrong person surgery.
RESULTS:
Twenty-two (13%) of the respondents reported having extracted a wrong tooth. The event occurred within 5 years after graduation in most cases. Most respondents (53.6%) informed the patient immediately after the event. Only 68% of the respondents documented the event in patient's case record. Most common reasons for wrong-site tooth extraction were heavy workload, presence of multiple condemned teeth and miscommunication between dentists. Fifty-five percent of respondents were aware of a colleague who had extracted a wrong tooth. The most probable legal implication of wrong-site tooth extraction according to the respondents was litigation by the patient. Only 25% of dentists were aware of a universal protocol for preventing wrong-site surgery.
CONCLUSIONS:
Wrong tooth/teeth extraction is not an uncommon event in the studied environment. The need to be familiar with universal protocol on wrong-site surgery and its legal implications are highlighted.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Wrong site , Tooth extractions , Research Subject Categories::ODONTOLOGY , Nigerian dentists
Citation
Adeyemo, W.L., Oderinu, O.H., Olojede, A.C., Fashina, A.A., and Ayodele, A.O. (2011). Experience of wrong-site tooth extraction among Nigerian dentists. Saudi Dent J. Vol.23(3):153-6.