Can a dentist remove my minor child’s tooth without my permission?
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Can a dentist remove my minor child’s tooth without my permission?
My young son went to the dentist over the weekend. The dentist cracked a healthy tooth which resulted in them removing the entire tooth. The problem I have is the dentist and the helpers failed to inform me how they cracked his tooth and why they removed it. I don’t know if it was a permanent tooth that was removed or if another tooth will grow in its place. Don’t I have the right to be informed and give consent?
Asked on November 1, 2010 under Malpractice Law, Missouri
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Yes, of course that you have the right as a parent to be informed as to what happens to your child and yes, consent should have been given. Were you there with him or was someone else? Did the other party give consent without the right to do so? All the details here are not clear. But what I would do is to take your son to another dentist and to speak with that dentist as to what you believe happened. The dentist should be able to tell which tooth was recently removed and consult with you as to the future ramifications. Then you will have a better idea on how to proceed here. Good luck.
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