What is the name of your state? Massachusetts
In 1990, my mom was fitted with a denture and lower fixed bridge (dental implants). She wore the denture and bridge for 12 years with no issues.
In 2002, she contacted the dental practice (a prominent dental school) in order to have the teeth in her bridge replaced because they were worn down. Unfortunately, the dentist who originally constructed her bridge was no longer available and she was referred to a student. Even though she merely needed the teeth in her bridge replaced, the student proceeded to construct an entirely new bridge and denture which changed her bite entirely. Because she was so dissatisfied, he agreed to construct a second set of teeth. Again, the finished product was completely unacceptable. However, she tried to wear them to see if she could adapt to them.
As a result of wearing ill-fitting teeth, she began suffering constant headaches and jaw pain. She was diagnosed with neuralgia and was prescribed Neurontin to alleviate some of the pain.
In January 2004, she again contacted the dental school and met with a teacher this time. He constructed yet another denture and bridge. After 11 frustrating and disappointing months of fittings and preparation, she was presented with the "final product". They were ridiculously unacceptable. She is unable to wear the denture or the bridge and to date, she is continuing to live without any bottom denture or appliance.
We contacted our local bar association and were given the name of two attorneys who were qualified to assist her. One had a conflict of interest because they had previously represented the dental school and the other advised us to write a letter of demand to the school requesting her money back.
We did as the second attorney instructed, and received a response that they are only willing to refund the portion which she paid for the student's work (about $1200), but that they were not willing to refund the funds which she paid for the teacher's work (about $3500).
She really needs to recoup all of the funds (and I personally feel she should be able to!) in order to be able to seek the services of another dentist.
She is miserable and depressed. She can barely eat and is totally discouraged about her appearance. She is a cosmetologist and her appearance is important to her job.
Any suggestions on what we should do at this point?
In 1990, my mom was fitted with a denture and lower fixed bridge (dental implants). She wore the denture and bridge for 12 years with no issues.
In 2002, she contacted the dental practice (a prominent dental school) in order to have the teeth in her bridge replaced because they were worn down. Unfortunately, the dentist who originally constructed her bridge was no longer available and she was referred to a student. Even though she merely needed the teeth in her bridge replaced, the student proceeded to construct an entirely new bridge and denture which changed her bite entirely. Because she was so dissatisfied, he agreed to construct a second set of teeth. Again, the finished product was completely unacceptable. However, she tried to wear them to see if she could adapt to them.
As a result of wearing ill-fitting teeth, she began suffering constant headaches and jaw pain. She was diagnosed with neuralgia and was prescribed Neurontin to alleviate some of the pain.
In January 2004, she again contacted the dental school and met with a teacher this time. He constructed yet another denture and bridge. After 11 frustrating and disappointing months of fittings and preparation, she was presented with the "final product". They were ridiculously unacceptable. She is unable to wear the denture or the bridge and to date, she is continuing to live without any bottom denture or appliance.
We contacted our local bar association and were given the name of two attorneys who were qualified to assist her. One had a conflict of interest because they had previously represented the dental school and the other advised us to write a letter of demand to the school requesting her money back.
We did as the second attorney instructed, and received a response that they are only willing to refund the portion which she paid for the student's work (about $1200), but that they were not willing to refund the funds which she paid for the teacher's work (about $3500).
She really needs to recoup all of the funds (and I personally feel she should be able to!) in order to be able to seek the services of another dentist.
She is miserable and depressed. She can barely eat and is totally discouraged about her appearance. She is a cosmetologist and her appearance is important to her job.
Any suggestions on what we should do at this point?
Last edited: