The number of claims against dental professionals exceeding £100,000 has quadrupled, according to the Dental Defence Union (DDU), with 11 claims for more than £100,000 settled on behalf of members in 2015, as opposed to just two in 2006.

Over the last ten years, the DDU paid out nearly £5 million to compensate patients and pay legal costs in claims that exceeded £100,000. The highest compensation amount was £120,000. Other cases exceeded £200,000 when claimant's legal fees were added.

John Makin, Head of the DDU, said that these payments are no reflection on clinical standards, but a result of rising expectations and availability of 'no win no fee' arrangements.

Over the last three years the DDU has paid more in claimant's legal costs than in compensation and the increases in the size and number of claims is leading to indemnity becoming more expensive for dental professionals.

While the current climate is challenging for dental professionals, who are more likely than ever to face a claim, the DDU has made no compensation payment in over 50% of cases in the last 10 years.

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