[Legal medicine and dentistry].

With reference to cases of American dentists sued for "malpractice" during the 80s, the authors summarise the causes why, initially, the American lawyers found it difficult to plead on behalf of their clients. Therefore, the authors suggest a number of measures in order to reduce the probability of being sued by patients. In particular, they focus attention on:--the duty to treat patients, with reference to experimentation on humans within the context of scientific research and citing the Declaration of Helsinki;--informed consent, with particular emphasis on the need to inform the patient regarding all aspects of treatment, including any risks or presumed complications that might arise during and after treatment;--professional liability, drawing a distinction between moral responsibility (regulated by the Code of Professional Practice) and legal liability (involving the legal field). Lastly, the authors underline the need to perfect and increase the awareness of the "management" risk of a dental practice, drawing special attention to the need to keep precise records on patients receiving treatment: radiographical and photographical examination, remote and recent medical history, the current state of teeth and gums, the presence of clicks and/or crepitus on ATM, cephalea, spontaneous and/or provoked pain involving masticatory and cervical muscles, obtaining the informed consent of the patient.