Suing a Dentist in Turkey: Your Guide to Dental Malpractice Claims
- Zeynep Atım Kurucuk
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve experienced pain, nerve damage, or a failed dental implant after treatment in Turkey, you’re not alone. Many patients — both local and international — find themselves wondering what went wrong and whether they can take legal action.
The truth is, you can sue a dentist in Turkey if their mistake or negligence caused you harm.
At Kurucuk & Associates Law Office in Istanbul, we help clients who have suffered from dental malpractice seek the compensation and justice they deserve. Here’s what you need to know before taking your next step for suing a dentist in Turkey.
What is Dental Malpractice in Turkey
Dental malpractice happens when a dentist or dental clinic fails to meet the accepted standard of care, leading to injury, pain, or financial loss for the patient. It’s a specific form of medical malpractice and is treated seriously under Turkish law.
When you decide to sue a dentist in Turkey, you’re essentially holding them accountable for professional negligence — a breach of their legal duty to treat you with care and competence.
A lawsuit can be based on:
Breach of contract, if the promised treatment outcome wasn’t delivered.
Liability under tort law, if the dentist’s actions caused you harm through negligence.
The purpose of a malpractice claim is simple: to recover damages. These can include:
Material damages (Maddi Tazminat): Medical expenses, corrective treatment, loss of income.
Moral damages (Manevi Tazminat): Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Common Reasons to Sue a Dentist in Turkey
Patients choose to sue dentists in Turkey for many different reasons — most of which involve either a mistake during treatment or an avoidable oversight.
Common examples to sue a dentist in Turkey may include:
Failed or misplaced dental implants
Root canal errors or incomplete procedures
Nerve damage, such as injury to the lingual or inferior alveolar nerve
TMJ disorders caused by improper dental work
Cosmetic dentistry failures involving veneers, crowns, or bridges
Injury during tooth extraction
Misdiagnosis of gum disease, oral infection, or even oral cancer
Anesthesia mistakes during dental surgery
Badly fitted dentures or prosthetics
Negligent periodontal (gum) treatment
Each of these situations can have lasting physical and emotional effects — and the law gives you the right to take action when that happens.
The Turkish Legal Framework for Dental Malpractice in Turkey
Dental malpractice cases in Turkey are governed by several laws and regulations designed to protect patients:
The Turkish Code of Obligations (Law No. 6098): Covers both contractual and tortious liability.
The Turkish Penal Code: May apply if the dentist’s negligence amounts to a criminal offence.
The Medical Malpractice and Consumer Protection Laws: Often apply to private clinics and aesthetic dentistry cases.
Oversight and Key Institutions
Ministry of Health (Sağlık Bakanlığı) — regulates and investigates professional conduct.
Turkish Dental Association (TDB) — handles disciplinary complaints.
Expert Witness Reports (Bilirkişi Raporu) — crucial in determining whether malpractice occurred.
Time Limits
There are strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. Generally, you must file your claim within 2 years of discovering the harm, and no later than 10 years from the date of treatment.
The Process of Suing for Dental Malpractice in Turkey
The legal process in Turkey can seem intimidating, especially for non-lawyers or foreign patients, but with proper guidance it becomes manageable.
Here’s how it works:
Gather Evidence
Collect your dental records, treatment receipts, and photographs. Seek a second opinion from another dentist or medical expert to confirm the malpractice.
File a Complaint
You may first submit a formal complaint to the Ministry of Health or the Turkish Dental Association. In many cases, mediation (Arabuluculuk) is required before going to court.
Start Legal Proceedings
With the help of your lawyer, file a civil lawsuit (Hukuk Davası) or compensation claim (Tazminat Davası). Your lawyer will present your evidence, claim damages, and coordinate expert evaluations.
Court Examination
The court reviews medical documents and the expert witness report, which plays a decisive role in proving negligence.
Judgment and Compensation
If malpractice is proven, the court may award material and moral damages. In some cases, parties reach a settlement or appeal (temyiz) the decision.
Suing a Dentist in Turkey as a Foreigner: Your Rights
Turkey attracts thousands of dental tourists every year — but if your treatment went wrong, you still have full legal rights. Foreign patients can sue a dentist in Turkey under the same laws as Turkish citizens.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Hire a specialized medical malpractice lawyer (Sağlık Hukuku Avukatı).
Ensure all documents are translated into Turkish for court submission.
Ask your embassy or consulate for assistance with official paperwork if needed.
Kurucuk & Associates regularly represents foreign patients who experienced negligence during dental or cosmetic procedures in Turkey, guiding them through every step with local expertise and international awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suing Dentists in Turkey
What is the statute of limitations for dental malpractice in Turkey?
You have 2 years from discovering the malpractice, and 10 years from the procedure date, to file a lawsuit.
Can I sue a Turkish dentist for a failed implant as a foreigner?
Yes. You’ll need to hire a Turkish lawyer experienced in malpractice cases, collect your medical records, and file your claim through the civil court system.
What kind of compensation can I receive?
You can claim reimbursement for medical costs, additional treatment, lost income, and damages for physical pain and emotional suffering.
Do I need to attend court in Turkey?
In some cases, your lawyer can represent you without your physical presence, especially if you are abroad. However, your testimony may be requested in complex cases.
Is it expensive to sue a dentist in Turkey?
Legal costs depend on the complexity of the case, expert reports, and court fees — but many firms, including ours, offer an initial consultation and a clear cost estimate upfront.
Have You Been a Victim of Dental Negligence in Turkey?
If you are suffering from a Failed Dental Implant, Nerve Damage, or any other form of dental malpractice, you do not have to face this challenge alone. The Istanbul-based legal team at Kurucuk & Associates specializes in Health Law (Sağlık Hukuku) and has a proven track record of guiding both domestic and international clients through the Turkish legal system. We are committed to fighting for the full compensation you deserve for both your financial losses and your pain and suffering.
Contact Kurucuk & Associates Law Office in Istanbul today for a confidential consultation regarding your dental malpractice case.
Let us help you secure the justice you deserve.
