Wrong-site tooth extraction removed from the list of NHS never events – implications for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Summary

In February 2021, the list of never events was updated to exclude wrong tooth extraction, as the systemic barriers to prevent these incidents were not considered ‘strong enough.’ In this article, published in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, authors discuss the matter, and provide some recommendations to minimise the risk of wrong tooth extraction.

Content

Human factors that could reduce the risk of wrong tooth extraction:

• Lower team authority gradients - anyone can speak up if concerned irrespective of grade or position
• Improve situational awareness - ask the team to confirm the tooth (teeth) to be extracted
• Avoid miscommunication error: if there is potentially conflicting information (often in relation to molar teeth), seek advice from the prescribing practitioner or another colleague if possible
• Check and double-check radiographs, consent, and clinical examination findings
• If in doubt, do NOT proceed.