GSDM Student Organization Reenacts Real Dental Malpractice Case Adaptation in Mock Trial
Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry (SPEA), a student organization at GSDM, presented a mock trial, “Smith vs. Jones,” on April 2, which was a reenactment of a real dental malpractice case tried in the Superior Court in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The goal of the mock trial was to help dental students to integrate their didactic education with clinical training, said Catherine Frankl Sarkis, clinical professor of health policy & health service research and SPEA faculty advisor.
In “Smith vs. Jones: A Mock Trial,” plaintiff Jeanne Smith sued her endodontist, Dr. James Earl Jones, for dental negligence, alleging his two root canal treatments during the same appointment led to future suffering and the substantial medical expenses. In the mock trial, GSDM students found in favor of the plaintiff, mirroring the events of the actual trial. Sarkis said this case adaptation was selected because it was legally complex and ethically challenging.
All the mock trial attendees listened to the SPEA’s demonstration and voted on the trial’s verdict. In the case of “Smith vs. Jones: A Mock Trial,” the audience said the defendant was negligent in their care and treatment of the plaintiff.
“A mock trial supports legal understanding, critical thinking skills, communication and advocacy skills, and professional responsibility,” Sarkis said. “By participating in mock trials, dental students develop essential skills, gain insights into professional responsibilities, and enhance their readiness for ethical and competent dental practice.”
Torera Aina, 2023-2024 SPEA president, said she enjoyed having an audience being completely immersed in the case, making an ethical consensus in real time. According to Aina, the experience can help empower GSDM students to handle any ethical dilemma they may face in the future.
“It is important for us students to start building good habits and making good decisions now even in questionable circumstances,” Aina said. “Once those ethical habits are ingrained in us, it will be hard to deviate from them.”
Melanie Thomas DMD AS 24, SPEA Advanced Standing Representative, said she thought the mock trial was a fun and creative way to learn about ethical considerations in dental practice.
“The aim was to encourage discussion and critical thinking as students explored dilemmas related to informed consent, standard of care, patient communication, and professional conduct,” Thomas said. “The trial showed us how complex a malpractice case can be while teaching us about professional responsibility and liabilities.”
For a mock trial to be successful, Sarkis said it takes dedicated participants who are willing to look carefully at the evidence, practice giving testimony as witnesses, and/or develop opening and closing statements as attorneys. In her role as faculty advisor, Sarkis provided the SPEA chapter with the specific case and helped identify members of GSDM community who could best play their respective roles. She said she was impressed by the outstanding performances every participant gave.
“The GSDM SPEA Chapter, led by Torera Aina, put in the time and effort, despite their highly committed schedules, to present a mock trial,” Sarkis said. “In addition, a wonderful group of faculty members volunteered to provide expert testimony for the mock trial.”
“Smith vs. Jones: A Mock Trial” Participants:
- Plaintiff: “Ms. Jeanne Smith” – Anooja Lall DMD AS 24
- Defendant’s Expert: “Dr. James Mason” – Kerollos Wissa DMD AS 24
- Defendant’s Expert: “Dr. Donna Spencer” – Dr. Sheila Rodriguez-Vamvas, clinical associate professor of general dentistry and practice leader for the pre-doctoral patient treatment center
- Defendant: “Dr. James Earl Jones” – Muhannad Abdulghani DMD AS 24
- Subsequent Provider: “Dr. Morgan Freeman” – Garrett Wingrove DMD 17 ENDO 26
- Plaintiff’s Expert: “Dr. Stephanie Spielberg” – Dr. Meredith Bailey, clinical assistant professor of general dentistry and practice leader for the pre-doctoral patient treatment center
- Judge – Catherine Sarkis
- Defendant’s Attorney – Torera Aina
- Plaintiff’s Attorney – Melanie Thomas