Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the recognition and experience of adverse events by patients and/or their families at dental clinics. A self-administered questionnaire mail survey was conducted in 2,000 subjects (response rate, 29.0%). The responses included descriptions of 19 experiences of adverse events at dentists, and one of these subjects was interviewed. In regard to the recognition of adverse events at dental clinics, the patient and his/her family first recognized unusual pain, a decline in oral function, or other unusual changes, and then recognized and judged adverse events according to the information provided by medical professionals, such as discrepancy between the diagnosis/treatment and treatment outcomes. In addition, inappropriate communication by medical professionals had some influence on the recognition of adverse events. Medical professionals are required to interview patients regarding their past treatments and outcomes, and the treatments and outcomes they want, and then are required to provide patients with sufficient explanation about potentially negative treatment outcomes and symptoms.
