1:45pm Thursday 1st November 2007
A Hornsey dentist who allegedly treated NHS patients without adequate safeguards and using out-of-date drugs has defended her position.
Maryam Ashrafi sedated clients at Park Road Dental Practice, in Muswell Hill, without proper training, the General Dental Council heard last week.
The hearing revealed inadequate radiation protection, a lack of rules for using X-ray equipment, and no record of safety checks on radiographic machines.
Ashrafi told the panel: "I had some difficulties in running the practice since two of my nurses finished at the same time. My receptionist left to go to China and my hygienist left as well. I was just running between trying to do so many things."
Inspectors from Haringey Teaching Primary Care Trust visited the practice in January last year.
Despite being warned of her surgery's deficiencies ,Ashrafi continued to treat patients for more than two months without rectifying her blunders, it is claimed.
Ashrafi denies her conduct was inappropriate, unprofessional and contrary to patients' best interests.
She denied using drugs that were several years old, telling the council they were only two to three months past their expiry dates.
The hearing resumes on December 3.
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