Woman awarded €255k damages against dentist

A DENTAL surgeon’s treatment of a patient was found to be negligent and fell below the requisite standards required, a High Court judge ruled yesterday when awarding €255,000 in damages to the woman.

The proceedings were taken by Esther Hammond, aged 61, of Redgap, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, against registered dental surgeon Brendan Bastible, of Greenhills, Co Dublin.

Mr Justice John Quirke said he was satisfied on the evidence of expert witnesses that, as a result of the dentist’s negligence, Ms Hammond’s treatment and recovery from dental difficulties had probably been delayed by about 15 to 20 years. He was satisfied her life and lifestyle had been grossly and continuously diminished during the past 20 years.