who should I contact if I need to file a malpractice claim against a dentist?
374283
I'm a California attorney (who doesn't practice in this area).  Make sure to contact an attorney who specializes in medical/dental negligence, not just any attorney.  There are many great specialists in this area--particularly in California.
602472
Ask around.  \nReferences from people you know are the best\neventually you will find someone who can't stop ranting about their dentist.  These are the best refferals
1050697
Stay away from refferal advertisments like 1-800 DENTIST they are just that paid advertisements.  \n\nThe best refferals come from happy patients who swear by their dentist.  Make sure the dentist know who sent you and why.  It only helps him want to keep his old patient happy.
742574
There really isn't anything you can do. Once it comes out, go to your dentist and he will tell you about replacement options.
579402
Yes, get a malpractice laywer!
92049
www.switchboard.com - look for dentists in your area.
707164
If you assume your dentist is trying to rip you off, you should go somewhere else. There is an obvious lack of trust.
131380
There should be a toll free phone number on the back of your dental card.  Call them and ask them to send you a list of providers.
960825
If you are in that much pain you dentist should have an emergency call number!! If not try a walk in clinic for a RX until you can get to see a dentist! Take blue's advice!!
513635
take tylonol, and call the dentist and tell them and c if they can move to date up
722688
When I purchased our practice long ago, we took over from a retiring dentist.  There was one family Iremember the mom was all over us, "She wanted to know who these new kids were?"  Well we saw the girls, it was one question after another.  We finsihed the exam.  Each girl had 6-7 cavities.   She wanted  us to show her, so we did as best we could pulled out the X-ray, tried to cam a full year of radiography into a 30 second explanation.  pocked the little pocky thing(exporer) into some stick spots.  Well needless to say they never came back.  They even went so far as to call the previous owner and tell them how agressive we were.  Turns out the previous dentist was terified of the mom and dad,  She had always been all over him and over the years  he just wanted to get them out of the office whenever they came in.  He under treated unintentionally because of the mother and father.  \n\nAs far as your situation, look, if you don't trust your dentist, ask him to show you the cavity.   Whenever I sense that a patient is not confident in my diagnosis. I'll stop in the middle of the procedure get my intraoral cameral and take a snapshot of the lesion.  ust to re-assure the patient that he has made the right decision.  Ask your dentist if he can show you the cavity.  We love questions.  Good luck\nThey are your teeth, you have the right to ask questions.
252574
Call your local Health Department.  They usually have listings of affordable dentists.
355358
Of course you can use the yellow pages or use 1-800-dentist... but I would not suggest it because the dentist pays for the ad and you have no way of knowing if they are a good dentist.  I would suggest getting recommendations from friends, family members and coworkers.
481722
I wouldn't totally depend on a company like 1-800-dentist.  They are not going to necessarily recommend the best dentist, just dentists that use their service.  I would get in contact with you state dental association.  They will be able to direct you to a dentist that can help you in your area that has a good reputation.  They should know of any complaints made by other patients against the dentists.
1174951
Saying your in pain may get you seen faster, but may lead to unnecessary treatment.  Despite how you feel, you should be evaluated by an endodontist (root canal specialist) since this was a trauma.  They will not be able to fix the cosmetic issue, but they may be able to expedite this with your dentist by a simple phone call.  They have some pull here.  Also, it ensures that you get the best treatment overall.  If your dentist will not budge, then tell the office that you will be switching dentists and need all copies of your record including films.  The staff will not want to invest that time to copy records and will prefer to find a spot in the schedule for you.  Presto!
1054419
Firstly approach the dentist in writing to see if he/she can resolve the issue.  If not, then write a formal complaint to the practice manager and say that you will make a complaint of serious professional misconduct to the GDC (General Dental Council) based in Wimpole st, London if the matter is not resolved.  See my website for further details on the procedure. http://www.personalinjuryplus.co.uk
318150
Google them.\n\nDon't call 1 800 dentist, As they are an advertisement company\n- they only have the names of dentists that pay them big bucks\n   to hype their practices.  They don't do any pre screaning other than a copy of your license and your bank account