Who can be liable in a malpractice suit against a dental practice?

• A. Staff and owner (dentist) — patient can sue both
• B. Only the dentist
• C. Only the staff
• D. The insurance company

Answer: (A)

In dental malpractice, liability can attach to both the clinician and the practice’s staff due to the way responsibility is distributed for actions in a medical setting. The dentist can be personally liable for professional negligence, while staff who directly contribute to harm through negligent acts can also be liable for their own wrongdoing. The practice owner can bear liability as well, through the doctrine of negligent hiring, supervision, and failure to maintain proper standards within the office. Because these harms can stem from various individuals acting in the course of providing care or support, a patient may name both the clinician and the staff as defendants. The insurance company, while it provides coverage and handles defense under the policy, is not typically the party at fault for the malpractice itself. This combination of potential liability is why both staff and the dentist (the owner) can be sued in a malpractice claim.