La mala praxis en ortodoncia: percepcion de los pacientes afectados en Merida Venezuela
Malpractice is performed by a health professional, which can cause partial or total damage to tissues or organs of the patient due to carelessness, imperfection or negligence, where legal liability can be demanded. Objective: to describe the perception of malpractice in patients affected by deficient orthodontic treatments that were diagnosed by the orthodontist in his private practice in the city of Merida, Merida State. Materials and Methods: descriptive research with field design. The sample consisted of 6 young adults who attended orthodontists with a degree of specialists or higher located in the city of Merida. The semi structured interview was used as a data collection technique. Analysis of Results: patients understand the term of malpractice, relating it to damages and unfavorable consequences. They reported feeling displeased with the result of their previous treatment and do not have enough information about the competent institutes to make claims. Conclusions: Malpractice is conceived as negative by patients. Your education on the regulations regarding professional duties and patient rights in dental services in general, is deficient.