Prevalence and Predictors of Wrong Tooth Extraction in Eastern Province’s Dental Practice

Background: Wrong tooth extraction is a significant patient safety incident in dentistry, often resulting from factors such as miscommunication, inadequate referral systems, and the exhaustion of overworked dentists. Objectives: This study examines the prevalence, causes, and preventive measures for wrong tooth extractions among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 351 dentists, revealing a 14% prevalence of wrong tooth extractions. Results: The findings highlighted key contributory factors, such as lack of proper radiographic examination (40%), improper clinical examination (24%), and uncertainty about tooth notation (14%). Additionally, the study identified a statistically significant correlation between wrong tooth extractions and demographic factors such as gender, location of practice, years of experience, and specialization, with higher incidences noted among male dentists and practitioners in Hofuf. Preventive measures, such as the use of safety checklists, were reported by 52% of participants, indicating a positive trend toward adopting preventive protocols. However, only 7% of dentists informed patients immediately after a wrong tooth extraction, highlighting an area for ethical improvement in patient communication. The study recommends enhanced training in radiographic and clinical examination techniques, the implementation of standardized safety protocols, and encouraging a culture of transparency and ethical communication to reduce the incidence of wrong tooth extractions. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to improve patient safety in dental practices.