[Professional risks of oral health care delivery]

Abstract

Hazards are an integral part of health care delivery and the associated logistics. Currently, the general opinion seems to be that health care delivery should be risk-free. Care consumers seem to be becoming more conscious of their 'rights' to receive adequate care. If the care delivered is not consistent with their expectations, people are aware of the feasibility of claiming their 'rights' and suing their doctor. Significant questions in this respect are what people can reasonably expect, when one can speak of failure or negligence, and in which circumstances a negative outcome is a standard hazard which should be accepted.