Dental Malpractice in Turkey – Legal Guide for Patients
Turkey has become one of the top destinations for dental tourism, attracting thousands of international patients each year for treatments ranging from cosmetic procedures to complex oral surgeries. With modern clinics, experienced dentists, and competitive prices, the country offers a wide variety of services, including dental implants, veneers, crowns, orthodontics, and full-mouth restorations.
While many patients leave with the results they hoped for, not all experiences end positively. In some cases, negligence, substandard care, or avoidable mistakes lead to pain, disfigurement, or long-term dental problems. When this happens, it may constitute dental malpractice—and patients have the right to seek justice and compensation.
This guide explains what constitutes dental malpractice in Turkey, the legal framework for filing claims, the challenges international patients face, and how Oran Partners can help you navigate the process.
What Is Dental Malpractice?
Dental malpractice occurs when a dental professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. This harm can be physical, financial, or emotional.
Common Examples of Dental Malpractice in Turkey
- Incorrect Diagnoses or Treatments – Misdiagnosing a dental condition or performing the wrong procedure, such as extracting the wrong tooth or placing an unnecessary implant.
- Surgical Errors – Mistakes during oral surgeries, including nerve damage, jaw fractures, or incorrect implant placement.
- Infections Due to Poor Sterilization – Failure to maintain hygiene standards can lead to severe oral or systemic infections.
- Lack of Informed Consent – Not fully explaining the risks, alternatives, and possible outcomes before a procedure.
- Improper Use of Anesthesia – Overdosing, underdosing, or using unsafe techniques that cause complications.
- Substandard Cosmetic Work – Poor-quality veneers, crowns, or bridges that fail prematurely or cause discomfort.
In all these situations, the key factor is whether the dentist’s actions (or inaction) deviated from the standard of care expected in the profession.
Legal Framework for Dental Malpractice in Turkey
Turkish law provides clear protections for patients and holds dental professionals accountable for negligence.
1. Proving Negligence
To successfully bring a malpractice claim, you must prove:
- Duty of Care – The dentist had a legal obligation to provide competent treatment.
- Breach of Duty – The dentist’s actions fell below professional standards.
- Causation – This breach directly caused your injury or worsened your condition.
- Damages – You suffered measurable harm (physical, emotional, or financial).
Evidence is crucial. This may include:
- Medical and dental records
- X-rays and scans
- Treatment plans and invoices
- Photos before and after the procedure
- Expert dental testimony
2. Steps to Take if You’ve Experienced Dental Malpractice
a. Document Everything
- Keep detailed notes about your treatment, including timelines, symptoms, and communications.
- Take clear photographs before and after the procedure.
- Request copies of your medical records and all relevant imaging.
b. Seek a Second Opinion
- Have an independent dentist examine your condition.
- Their report can help establish whether malpractice occurred.
c. Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
- A lawyer experienced in Turkish malpractice law can assess your case, guide you through the process, and represent you effectively.
d. Initiate a Legal Claim
- If negligence is proven, your lawyer will help you file a claim seeking compensation for damages.
3. What Compensation Can You Claim?
Victims of dental malpractice may be entitled to:
- Medical Expenses – Costs for corrective dental work, surgery, medication, and ongoing care.
- Loss of Income – Compensation for wages lost during recovery or due to long-term disability.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Future Damages – Anticipated costs for further corrective procedures.
- Punitive Damages – In severe cases of gross negligence.
4. Statute of Limitations
In Turkey, you generally have five years from the date of the malpractice to file a claim. Acting quickly increases your chances of preserving evidence and building a stronger case.
Challenges for International Dental Malpractice Victims
International patients face additional obstacles when pursuing claims in Turkey:
- Language Barriers – All medical and legal documentation is in Turkish, requiring accurate translation.
- Navigating a Foreign Legal System – Understanding Turkish healthcare regulations and court procedures can be complex.
- Evidence Collection – Obtaining complete dental records and securing expert witnesses from abroad can be challenging.
- Travel Requirements – While some cases can be managed remotely, certain legal steps may require your presence in Turkey.
How Oran Partners Can Help
Oran Partners is Turkey’s leading law firm exclusively dedicated to medical malpractice cases, including dental negligence claims. We have a proven history of helping international patients successfully navigate the complexities of Turkish law.
Why Choose Us?
- Specialized Expertise – We focus solely on malpractice, combining deep legal knowledge with medical understanding.
- International Client Support – We provide bilingual communication and remote case management for foreign clients.
- Proven Track Record – We have secured favorable settlements and verdicts for malpractice victims worldwide.
- Transparent Communication – You will be fully informed at every stage of the process.
Steps to Begin Your Dental Malpractice Claim with Oran Partners
- Initial Consultation – Contact us to share the details of your case.
- Case Review – Our lawyers will examine your records, consult experts, and assess your chances of success.
- Legal Action – We will prepare and file your claim, handling all legal procedures.
- Settlement or Trial – We will negotiate a settlement or, if necessary, represent you in court to secure maximum compensation.
Possible Outcomes of Your Case
A successful dental malpractice claim can:
- Cover your corrective treatment costs
- Compensate for emotional and physical suffering
- Hold negligent dentists accountable
- Prevent similar harm to future patients
Conclusion – Protecting Your Rights After Dental Malpractice in Turkey
While Turkey offers world-class dental care in many clinics, mistakes and negligence can occur—and when they do, the consequences can be life-changing. If you’ve suffered harm due to dental malpractice, you have the right to seek justice.
At Oran Partners, we are committed to helping patients—both in Turkey and abroad—secure fair compensation, restore their health, and hold negligent practitioners accountable.
