The care of one patient was described as a case of "supervised neglect" over a period of 25 years. Photo: 123rf.com
A dentist working in sole practice for three decades has been criticised for sloppy record-keeping and "supervised neglect" of some patients.
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Dr Vanessa Caldwell has just issued her findings in relation to seven patients of the dentist 'Dr C'.
The problems came to light in November 2021, when Dr C had a break from practice and two other dentists treated his patients.
Dr Angela McKeefry, an expert advisor to the HDC, described his care of one patient - Ms D - as a case of "supervised neglect" over a period of 25 years.
She had about 18 appointments in that time, but never had any X-rays taken, even before having teeth removed.
Another dentist who saw her in February 2022 because her front teeth were sore said she was "in complete shock" to learn she had severe periodontal disease, as she had been seeing Dr C for regular cleaning.
An X-ray showed dead gum tissue, abscess and "severe bone loss" around some teeth.
Dr McKeefry admitted that even with specialist treatment, the patient could still have lost all her upper teeth, but she was "effectively given no opportunity to try and prevent this from happening".
"The lack of radiographs, periodontal pocket depth charting, diagnosis, offer of specialist referral or satisfactory clinical notes would be found to be shocking by most dentists."
Dr C told the commission that after providing dental care to the community for 30 years "this complaint has been a source of shame and stress for him".
He acknowledged his record-keeping was significantly below standard for all these patients and that there were deficiencies in the care provided, and said that he was sorry for this.
For many of these patients, the treatment he provided allowed them to keep their teeth for longer than they otherwise would have, he said.
He maintained he discussed treatment plans with his patients, but accepted his poor record-keeping meant this could not be confirmed.
"Dr C also acknowledged that he should have been more assertive with some patients, setting out holistic, permanent options for treatment as opposed to quick-fix solutions that would only prolong the inevitable."
The dentist said he had taken various steps to improve his practice, and has had no complaints since 2021, including doing extra training, working with a supervisor and hiring more staff to do administration.
Dr Caldwell said due to the severity of the breaches and number of patients affected, she had considered prosecution.
"However, given the measures that have since been put in place by the Dental Council, the time that has elapsed since these events, and that some of the consumers did not support a referral, I have decided not to proceed with a referral to the Director of Proceedings in this instance."
Instead, she has recommended Dr C do some additional training, an audit of his records, and apologise to the patients involved.
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