‘Unprofessional’ dentist ticked off (From Haringey Independent)

‘Unprofessional’ dentist ticked off

7:12pm Thursday 6th December 2007

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A Hornsey dentist who kept a cupboard full of out-of-date drugs and lacked adequate emergency equipment has been cleared of serious professional misconduct.

Maryam Ashrafi, of the Park Road Dental Practice, in Park Road, was hauled before the General Dental Council in October after an inspection of her north London surgery revealed a catalogue of failings.

It was found that vital emergency medical equipment was either missing or out-of-date and not all of Ms Ashrafi's practice staff were trained to resuscitate patients if they fell ill during treatment.

Elements of radiation protection in the surgery were deemed inadequate following the inspection by Haringey Teaching Primary Care Trust on January 5 last year.

The GDC found Ms Ashrafi's conduct to be "inappropriate, unprofessional and contrary to patients' best interests" but said on Tuesday that such matters should not have resulted in a disciplinary hearing.

Ms Ashrafi had also faced claims from a patient who said no X-rays had been taken of her teeth prior to treatment and that she had not received an adequate assessment.

But the GDC ruled the patient's evidence was "inconsistent".

Panel chairman Shiv Pabary said: "It is important that all dentists give their full attention to all areas of the management of their practice as this clearly has an impact on patient care.

"In this respect, you clearly failed, and the committee expresses its disapproval at your conduct.

"The committee expects that your experience in appearing before it has been a salutary lesson and that you will not allow such administrative lapses to occur again."

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