Dentist did extra work on my son's teeth without clear consent. What can I do?

Question

I took my son to the dentist for dental work, and the original plan was to fill or cap six cavities between his teeth. The dentist mentioned that he would address any additional issues found on the X-ray during the procedure. My son ended up having eight extra teeth worked on, with the entire bottom row being capped because the dentist claimed he found more cavities. He informed me that extra work would be done if needed, but I did not expect this amount of additional treatment. I requested to see the X-rays, but the dentist wants me to come to the office instead of sending them via email for security reasons. There were no extra out-of-pocket costs, as the charges went to insurance, and there have been no complications since the procedure took place two days ago. I believe some of the additional work may not have been necessary based on the X-rays. What are my options to address this situation?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

It’s completely understandable to feel concerned, especially when more work was done on your child than you expected or clearly agreed to. Even though the dentist mentioned that they might address additional issues, you have the right to be fully informed and give specific consent before significant changes are made to a treatment plan. Informed consent is a key part of dental care, and working on eight extra teeth without your clear approval may raise ethical or legal concerns—even if insurance covered the cost. 
 
Your first step should be to request a full copy of your son’s dental records, including the X-rays, treatment notes, and any documentation of your consent. While the dentist may prefer you view the X-rays in person, you have a legal right under HIPAA to request a copy in a format you choose, including digital. You can submit a written request and state clearly that you’d like them emailed or provided on a disc or USB for review. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for denying access to medical records. 
 
Once you have the records, you might consider getting a second opinion from another dentist to evaluate whether the additional work was medically necessary. If the second opinion supports your concerns, you can file a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry. It may not undo what’s already been done, but it could help hold the provider accountable and prevent similar experiences for others. You deserve transparency and respect when it comes to decisions about your child’s care.

Q: Dentist did extra work on my son's teeth without clear consent. What can I do?