Charge
On 28 July 2014 the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal considered a charge laid by a Professional Conduct Committee against Dr G (the Dentist).

The charge alleged the Dentist was convicted on two representative charges of doing an indecent act on two children under 12 years of age and one charge of doing an indecent act on a person under 16 years of age.  The convictions resulted in a sentence of 8 months home detention on each charge to be served concurrently, together with 12 months post detention conditions.

Findings
The hearing proceeded on an agreed summary of facts basis.  The Tribunal found that the charge was established and the offences reflected adversely on the Dentist's fitness to practise.  The Tribunal noted that the offending occurred outside the Dentist's work setting but that the offences related to a health practitioner's core professional obligation to avoid any unlawful sexual conduct as it fundamentally undermines the trust and confidence that the community must have in a health practitioner.  Indecent offending against young and vulnerable children must always be regarded as morally, ethically and professionally repugnant.

Penalty
The Tribunal censured the Dentist, cancelled his registration and imposed conditions should he apply for re-registration in the future.  The Dentist was ordered to pay a total sum of $5,958 as a contribution of costs of the Tribunal and the PCC.

The Tribunal granted permanent name suppression for the Dentist in order to protect the identity of the victims.

The Tribunal also directed publication of its decision and a summary.