Iatrogenic
Pronunciation: eye-at-roh-JEN-ik
Describes a condition, complication, or injury caused inadvertently by dental treatment or a clinician's action.
Full Definition
In dental editorial copy, 'iatrogenic' qualifies adverse outcomes that result from clinical intervention rather than from disease progression alone. Examples include iatrogenic perforation during root canal treatment, iatrogenic caries from a poorly fitted crown margin, and iatrogenic nerve damage following third-molar extraction. The term is used across all dental specialties and carries a neutral, descriptive tone in clinical writing—it does not imply negligence. Editors should resist the temptation to substitute 'accidental' or 'unintended,' as 'iatrogenic' is the accepted clinical register. The term originates from Greek 'iatros' (physician) and 'genesis' (origin).
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'iatrogenic' to imply negligence; it is a neutral clinical descriptor. Preserve the term exactly; do not paraphrase.
In Context
- "An iatrogenic perforation of the mesial root was identified during retreatment of the lower left first molar." — Endodontic case report
- "The term 'iatrogenic' should not be replaced with 'accidental' in clinical manuscripts, as it carries a specific technical meaning." — Editorial style guide note