A family from South Africa is seeking legal advice after alleging that a dentist at Intercare Milnerton removed the wrong tooth from their five-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Angelina. According to Lambertus Koster, Angelina's father, she had been experiencing a toothache and was taken to the clinic on 26 September 2026. The dentist examined her, took X-rays, and recommended extracting the decayed tooth. The family agreed to the procedure based on the dentist's professional assessment.
Koster claims that immediately after the procedure, he noticed that the wrong tooth had been removed. Instead of the second-to-last tooth, which the dentist had identified as severely decayed, the last tooth was missing. The intact tooth showed no visible signs of decay, cavities, or black spots. Koster questioned the dentist, who appeared uncomfortable and left the clinic without providing a satisfactory explanation. The family tried to contact the dentist for two weeks, but he did not adequately address their concerns.
Angelina underwent additional treatment under general anaesthesia at a day hospital on 2 November and was discharged the same day. Her parents allege that she had been experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort from the decayed tooth that was left behind during the original procedure. The family has started consulting lawyers and believes that both the dentist and the clinic should be held accountable for their actions.
Dr Naqeeb Solomon, the dentist who treated Angelina, said he could not respond to the allegations within the given deadline. He intends to provide a considered response addressing the issues raised by the family within the next few days. Solomon emphasized that his decision not to respond within the deadline should not be construed as an admission of any allegations made.
Intercare head of marketing Ronelle Crighton stated that patient privacy rules prevent her from confirming or discussing a child's care without written parental consent. However, she stressed that the clinic takes every complaint seriously and that a senior member of their head office team is reaching out to the family directly to listen and work towards a resolution.
The incident has raised concerns about dental care and patient safety at Intercare Milnerton. The family's experience highlights the importance of clear communication between healthcare providers and patients, particularly when it comes to procedures that carry risks and potential complications. The clinic's response to the allegations will likely be closely watched by the medical community and the public.
The family's case is a reminder that patients have the right to seek redress when they experience subpar care. As the family continues to pursue legal action, they hope to hold the dentist and the clinic accountable for their actions and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The outcome of this case may have implications for dental care providers and their patients in South Africa.
Key points
- The family alleges that the dentist removed the wrong tooth from their daughter at Intercare Milnerton.
- The dentist, Dr Naqeeb Solomon, has not yet responded to the allegations.
- The clinic has taken steps to engage with the family and address their concerns.
