District Court Orders Pune Dentist to Refund Rs.1.9 Lakh for Failed Treatment
District Court Orders Pune Dentist to Refund Rs.1.9 Lakh for Failed Treatment
Nashik: The Nashik District Consumer Grievances Redressal Commission has directed a Pune-based dentist to refund ₹1.9 lakh to a patient after a failed dental treatment. The commission has also ordered the dentist to pay 10% interest on the refunded amount, ₹25,000 as compensation for mental and physical distress, and ₹7,000 towards legal expenses.
The order was passed in mid-February by a three-member bench led by Mandakini Bhosle. The commission found the dentist guilty of unfair trade practices for prescribing unnecessary aligner dental therapy and failing to resolve the patient’s dental issues.
Patient’s Complaint
Dinesh Wagh, a resident of Umrane village in Malegaon taluka of Nashik district, had approached the dentist in Pune in 2021 for treatment related to his lower jaw teeth. Initially advised to get his teeth capped, Wagh was instead convinced to undergo aligner dental therapy, which the dentist claimed would be more effective and long-lasting. The treatment cost was ₹2.5 lakh, to be paid in installments.
However, after nearly two years of treatment, Wagh saw no improvement. By February 2023, he noticed his teeth had turned black from the back. Despite raising concerns and requesting a refund, the dentist ignored his complaints.
Court’s Verdict
Frustrated by the lack of response, Wagh filed a complaint with the consumer commission in September 2023. The dentist failed to respond to the complaint, resulting in an ex-parte judgment.
The court ruled that the dentist had prescribed unnecessary treatment and failed to provide any relief. Holding the dentist responsible for the financial and mental distress suffered by Wagh, the court ordered the refund and additional compensation.
