In this dental malpractice action, plaintiffs allegedly were injured as a result of treatment rendered by three defendant dentists employed in the office of a fourth defendant dentist. Clearly, there are common issues of law and fact concerning plaintiffs' alleged damages. It is apparent that part of the defense of each of the defendants will be that it was the treatment rendered by his colleague(s) which led to plaintiffs' alleged injuries. The same medical evidence and the testimony of common witnesses can be anticipated whether the actions are tried jointly or separately, and appellant fails to demonstrate that prejudice to a substantial right would result in the absence of a severance ( Shanley v Callanan Indus., 54 NY2d 52, 57; Dolce v Jones, 145 AD2d 594).