Patient Who Is Deaf Has Seven Teeth Removed Without Consent Due to Lack of Interpreter

A patient who is deaf sought dental treatment at an Iowa dental practice for oral pain. The dental provider scheduled the appointment and told the patient she would receive a call if an American Sign Language interpreter was unavailable. The patient said she did not receive a phone call. The patient arrived for treatment and there was no interpreter. She subsequently had seven teeth removed at the appointment without her understanding that this was the treatment plan. After the patient complained, the United States Department of Justice launched an investigation. The dental clinic has since been ordered to pay $45,000 to the patient and has agreed to adjust its practice policies to ensure the presence of an interpreter should one be necessary. Click here to read more.