Patrick
A Jackson County judge has ordered a $9.5 million payout to 20 former patients of Kansas City-area dentist Brian Jenkins, following multiple medical malpractice lawsuits filed against him and his clinic.
According to court documents, the lawsuits were consolidated into a single case against Brian H. Jenkins DDS, LLC, which operated as Wright Dentures and Implants in Independence, Missouri.
The plaintiffs accused Jenkins of causing permanent damage and disfigurement through various dental procedures, alleging gross negligence and a breach of professional standards. Jenkins did not respond to the court summons or participate in the legal proceedings.
Court Findings and Compensation
Late last month, Judge Cory L. Atkins ruled Jenkins and his dental practice in default for failing to respond or defend themselves in court. Each of the 20 patients was awarded $473,445, totaling nearly $9.5 million.
Judge Atkins’ ruling stated that Jenkins’ practice had failed to provide proper post-procedure care, despite patients returning multiple times with complaints of pain and ill-fitting prosthetics. The court determined that Jenkins:
- Performed dental procedures beyond his professional qualifications.
- Failed to properly evaluate bone structure before placing implants.
- Did not refer patients to specialists when necessary.
- Neglected to obtain informed consent regarding the risks and scope of treatment.
- Misrepresented his qualifications and the standard of care his clinic provided.
As a result, the judge concluded that the patients suffered chronic pain, permanent disfigurement, bone loss-related disabilities, and mental anguish, along with additional medical expenses for corrective surgeries.
Closure of Clinic and Bankruptcy Filing
The now-defunct Wright Dentures and Implants abruptly shut down in the spring of 2024. Jenkins filed for bankruptcy protection in May 2024, which was later converted into a liquidation case in September 2024. In the filing, Jenkins reported $1.1 million in assets against $3.4 million in debts.
In November 2024, the Missouri Dental Board officially revoked his dental license after determining that Jenkins violated a 2022 disciplinary agreement. The agreement had placed him on a three-year probation following earlier complaints of substandard patient care.
Impact on Victims
Court records indicate that the lawsuits primarily involved tooth extractions and dental implants that caused severe complications.
The affected patients experienced prolonged pain, improper healing, and defective dental prosthetics, which severely impacted their quality of life.
Judge Atkins concluded that Jenkins’ negligence led to emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and an inability to eat or speak comfortably — a devastating outcome for victims who trusted his professional expertise.
The $9.5 million judgment against Brian Jenkins represents a significant victory for the victims, offering some relief for their physical and emotional suffering.
The case underscores the importance of medical accountability and highlights the consequences when healthcare professionals breach ethical and professional standards.