Analysis of cases concerning assessment of the correctness of orthodontic treatment in the material of the Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine of the Medical University of Lodz.

In assessing the correctness of dentist's proceedings, the expert opinion plays a crucial role and forms the basis for the decision-making process of the procedural authority. Experts, using their knowledge and experience, while also relying on medical standards and recognized international indicators of orthodontic treatment effectiveness, evaluate the medical proceedings. The aim of the study was to analyse the opinions concerning orthodontic treatment in the material of the Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine of the Medical University of Lodz. During the examined period from 2016 to 2023, 14 such opinions were issued. These opinions were analysed in terms of case characteristics and primarily examined whether there is a correlation between the orthodontic specialization of the dentist conducting the treatment and the expert's assessment of their proceedings. Our analysis indicates that the qualifications of the dentist, understood as holding a specialization, affect the objective quality of orthodontic treatment. In cases where an opinion indicated incorrect proceedings, the error was most often made at the stage of orthodontic diagnosis, leading to the implementation of incorrect treatment. Therefore, dentists without a specialization - although no regulation prohibits them from providing orthodontic treatment - should realistically assess their capabilities before undertaking such treatment. This is particularly important because if they do undertake such treatment, their actions will be judged in the same way as those of specialists.