Civil liability of dentists based on reports filed to the Regional Council of Dentistry

Civil liability is the obligation to repair the damage that one causes someone else. Dentists must respect legal precepts and comply with the Consumer Protection and Defense Code. In order to prevent legal action, it is important to communicate with the patients and/or their caregiver. Aim: The goal of this study was to assess the number of dentists living in the city of Teresina-PI and in some other capitals of the northeastern Brazil as well as the number of reports filed against dentists to the Regional Council of Dentistry (CRO) between 2002 and 2009. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in the city of Teresina, located in northeastern Brazil, with an estimated population of 802,537 inhabitants. In 2009, 1,938 dentists were registered at the CRO - Piauí, 1,239 of whom belonged to the city of Teresina. The number of reports filed against dentists is presented, using a comparative description of the data by dental specialty and states in northeastern Brazil. Results: Data collection showed that 70 complaints were registered. The majority were against orthodontists (N=16), regarding advertising (N=15) and regarding administrative, ethical or service violation (N=15, 11 of whom were dentists who worked in a nonregistered practice). Conclusions: The number of reports filed against dentists has decreased in Piauí, unlike other states. However, professionals must be aware about communication with the patient and archiving of dental charts and treatment-related documents or exams.