A Czech dentist, Lubomír B., is facing charges of grievous bodily harm after a patient, Petr Večeř, sued him for nearly €140,000, accusing him of extracting 18 healthy teeth and causing permanent health issues. The case has drawn attention due to the severe consequences Večeř claims to have suffered, including jaw damage and hearing loss, as a result of the procedures.
Večeř, from Ostrava in eastern Czech Republic, asserts that in 2021, Lubomír B. removed 18 perfectly healthy teeth and caused further damage to his jaw and a cranial nerve, which led to his hearing loss. The dentist then demanded payment of nearly €26,000 within just two days of the procedure.
Having already borrowed money for the initial treatment, Večeř found himself in financial distress, taking out an additional loan of almost €20,000 to cover corrective dental procedures. Despite having his upper jaw restored, he is still seeking funds for work on his lower jaw, while being pursued by creditors for repayment.
Večeř told Czech newspaper Blesk, “I’m broke. I was completely toothless for two years. I didn’t even go out. It gave me mental problems. It irreversibly damaged my jaw and I can’t hear because of it.”
In his defense, Lubomír B. denies the charges and claims that the lawsuit is politically motivated. He argues that individuals are using Večeř’s case to undermine his professional reputation, particularly following his unsuccessful bid to become the head of the national dental chamber.
However, the current president of the Czech Dental Chamber, Prof. Roman Šmucler, responded with a statement confirming that Lubomír B. has a responsibility to repair the damage at his own expense or cover the additional costs incurred by the patient.
As the case continues, the outcome will have significant implications for the dental community in the Czech Republic, where this high-profile dispute is raising important questions about professional accountability and patient rights.
Related topics:
Expert Warns Against Overreliance on Flossing Picks for Effective Oral Hygiene
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to Expand Coverage, Enhancing Access to Oral Health Services