Differentiate malpractice and complication in endodontic treatment

A person's right to life, health and body integrity is an absolute right and under constitutional protection; indispensable, inalienable, unrestricted by law and morality. Medical intervention is accepted as "injury" or "killing" crime in Turkish Law. A lawful medical intervention is an intervention made by a physician authorized by law for treatment purposes, with informed consent of the patient, in accordance with the medical standards. The physician cannot guarantee the outcome, but in the course of medical practice, he must act in accordance with the law and professional rules. Otherwise, the physician and / or institution is held responsible for the outcome. The aim of this study is to investigate the professional obligations, legal responsibilities and the awareness of malpractice-complication relationship among dentists who frequently perform endodontic treatment. In this study, the concept of medical standards, malpractice, complications, relationship between them, legal and professional obligations, criminal and indemnity responsibilities for malpractice were examined in terms of endodontic treatment. A pilot questionnaire was carried out on volenteer 20 dentists to ensure that the questions were easily understood. A questionnaire was conducted with 166 dentists, who are specialists in endodontics and pedodontics, specialized students and faculty teachinf staff in these fields. Data were analyzed by chi-square test at a significance level of p = 0.05. Participant dentists were found to have higher awareness of malpractice and complications, and less knowledge of criminal sanctions and obligations. It is emphasized that Turkish Dental Association, professional chambers and health institutions should inform dentists about these issues and develop themselves in terms of professional and legal responsibilities of physicians. Keywords: Medical Intervention, Legal Responsibility Of Physician, Malpractice, Complication, Medical Standard, Informed Consent, Endodontic Treatment.