My Claim vs. Dentfirst

Dentfirst owes client $12,500 minimally--she came to Dentfirst with an issue that was never resolved; not only was it not resolve, it has been complicated by the delay. As consideration for this time, delay, and pain, Dentfirst owes client beyond the $12,500, but the cost should not be "punitive" rather it should be the cost of resolution. That is, if the cost of getting usable dentures was $40,000, then Dentfirst should pay that cost. The client attempted several times to resolve this issue with Dentfirst seeing several different practitioners during the process over many months and years--all to no avail. As such a final settlement of 52,500 addresses the client's issue--getting dentures.

The client and Dentfirst also need to resolve the impact publically, personally, and professionally. The idea of using social media to damage the reputation of Dentfirst is one way to go, but is unlikely to lead to a settlement like the one offered above. To this end, I have a question, what is the client's end goal on this matter? I think Dentfirst owes client a personal apology and I think it is appropriate to report the company to the appropriate licensing board (State Dentistry Board, etc.) as the company not only failed to effectively treat the patient, but also did harm; but I think public smearing detracts from the end goal of resolution.  

My suggestion it to settle for a refund of money paid, e.g. the $12,500. I have mediated to settlement hundreds of cases and based on that experience, both sides will not like this suggestion but it will be much better than the alternative of trial. Trial is expensive for both sides and the result is uncertain. Presently the claimant is getting nothing, so getting the $12,500 back and moving on would be beneficial. Likewise, the business could be losing profits because of this bad publicity. The can resolve this for a simple refund and avoid a malpractice case.

First of all you can't get false teeth ..right after other teeth are pulled.  Because of the swelling. 

And it takes time to get it right. 

1. She needs to have someone take a video of her describing her experience with Dentfirst and detailing the suffering that she went through and having anyone who witnessed it, say a few words about it, and then post this through people claim to as many social sites as she can and as many review sites as she can and go through people with really active social media presences who are willing to share her story.

2. The claimant should gather all the documentation that she has that support the monetary amount that she is asking for, such as the receipt for cost of dentures, as well as any and all receipts from her visits and charges at Dentfirst, as well as any written communication she has had with Dentfirst - and following that, upload all these supporting documents and pieces of evidence that support her claim, to peopleclaim.com

3. At this point, the goal would be to have generated enough public attention, as well as a strong enough online claim through peopleclaim.com, in order to elicit a response from Dentfirst, and then mediate with Dentfirst and the claimant through peopleclaim.com to reach a resolution that meets the monetary compensation that is sufficient for the pain and suffering detailed in this claimant's case. 

4. Once the claim is resolved with Dentfirst, and the claimant has received proper compensation for expenses and loss of quality of life, the fact that a resolution was reached will be made public such that Dentfirst will be recognized as a provider that is present in issues involving their patients and their establishment as a whole.

I also experienced similar troubles with dentures to the extent I have been toothless for several years and resigned myself to accept it, I really do understand. Dentistry like medicine, is a practice, not a profession. It Texas they are merely given 8 hours continuing education for "practicing" on patience while under the influence of illicit drugs. No jail, no bond, no suspension of license. Nothing.

Going to court means nothing. I have (won) a 30K court judgment and can not collect a dime. I even tried to sell it and can't get $5000.00 for it. So that's a waste of money.

I would recommend contacting your elected officials, but that didn't really work out either.

You could bash them on every website you can find, but yea that didn't work either.

I once picketed a business, and yes, I  got their attention quick and a resolution immediately.

So I would say grab a marker and cardboard box, write your message on it. Put it on a stick, and start marching in front of the business.

BEST WISHES

The company is responsible for the actions of its employee
and in a court setting, the award of punitive damages might be higher because of
the permanent damages the malpractice caused the patient. The patient’s best
alternative to the negotiated agreement will always be to take her case to the
court and let a jury decide on the situation. I do not believe that a jury will
pardon the DENTFIRST for an act that seems deliberate due to the fact that they
use the client for practice.

The process is to let the company know that she is willing
to negotiate with the involvement of a third party unbiased dental professional
that would analyze the situation and make a statement on the record that can be
used either for a trial or the next step of a negotiation. I would suggest get
in contact with DENTFIRST again and give them your position and that if this
fail they may be looking at a higher payout. I would suggest to look into the
highest payout on medical malpractice for dental procedure in your state and a
national average and to let them know what they may be facing.

you can adjust the demand based on what a third party dentist will tell you
about the severity of that problem. And if they want you to see an expert to
ask that they pay for the consultation as part of the dispute resolution
process.

I would suggest contacting the Georgia State Department on Dentistry Regulation Georgia Dental Association
Ms. Martha S. Phillips
Executive Director
7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, NE
Suite 200, Building 17
Atlanta, GA 30328-1655
404.636.7553 (Office)
404.633.3943 (Fax)
phillips@gadental.org
www.gadental.org

I would attempt to use them as a mediator and then file a claim if possible with the Dentifirst insurance carrier you should be able to obtain this and further guidance from Georgia
John Oxendine, Commissioner      Office: 404.656.2070
Georgia Department of Insurance      Fax: 404.657.8542
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive      800.656.2298 (State Only)
West Tower, 704
Atlanta, GA  30334

Upon contacting these two agency's that regulate fraud and erroneous behavior and malpractice with this field they should be able to apply a little press with the whole complaint investigation process in order to gain the results in which you are seeking or in the least a  way to at least get them to be  more receptive to your needs