Final answer:
The four "D's" are: Duty, Dereliction, Direct causation, and Damages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four "D's" that must be present for a malpractice suit against a dentist to be successful are:
- Duty: The dentist must have owed a duty of care to the patient.
- Dereliction: The dentist must have breached the standard of care owed to the patient.
- Direct causation: The breach of duty by the dentist must have directly caused harm or injury to the patient.
- Damages: The patient must have suffered actual damages as a result of the dentist's actions or omissions.
For example, if a dentist fails to properly diagnose a dental condition, causing the patient to suffer unnecessary pain and requiring additional treatment, the four "D's" may be present, and the patient may have a valid malpractice claim.