The dental practitioner's role as an expert witness

Dentists of different specialties have been called upon for their expert testimony in dental or related injury cases. These injuries can be due to an auto accident, a fall, professional negligence or injury by an animal. The practitioner is asked to evaluate the injury, write a report and perhaps testify in a deposition or a court of law for a professional opinion. This article is to discuss the role of the dental practitioner in litigation. The dentist-witness' responsibilities, legal protections, the necessary tools to give an opinion, the characteristics of a good expert witness, the demeanor in a deposition and court appearance are discussed.