Dentist’s assault - Who does the law protect?

The 57-year-old Cork dentist, who was convicted in the district court 10 days ago of sexually assaulting a trainee nurse, is free to practice without restrictions.

The Irish Dental Council (IDC), which maintains the register of dentists working in Ireland, must first discuss his case at its regular meeting in December.

Under the terms of the 1985 Dentist Act, any person may apply to the IDC for an inquiry into a registered dentist’s fitness to practise on the grounds of professional misconduct, or by reason of physical or mental disability. The IDC has no power to suspend or automatically remove a dentist’s name from the register until a Fitness to Practise hearing is held.