Risk and limits in dental practice: a Portuguese approach to medical responsibility

Orofacial impairment analysis is based on the gathering of information to prove the causal link between the event and the individual’s clinical condition. It also intends to evaluate corporal damage according to the medical law context(criminal, civil or labor). The aim of this article is to answer the questions: What are the assumptions of malpractice? How far should we risk? Can we anticipate it? Data from the Forensic Dentistry Laboratory (Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra) was analyzed, between the years of 2013 to 2018. The analysis of leges artis limits was performed, according to the type of clinical procedure.107 files were selected.Our data support that there are three major areas with significant expression in the field of expert evaluations: implants, orthodontics and oral surgery.We believe that long and complex treatments could explain the prevalence of leges artis limits situations. We consider the necessary monitoring procedures to prevent unlawful acts