A dentist from the USA has pleaded guilty to using inappropriate materials whilst treating a patient. It seems the dentist in question used paper clips while carrying out a root canal operation.

In fact this is just one of a number of charges that the dentist faced in court recently. He was also accused of illegally prescribing drugs, assault and battery, conning Medicaid out of $130,000 and even witnesses interference.

When asked why he was using paper clips rather than proper stainless steal dental clips, he said that he was trying to save money.

Speaking with local reporters the Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley said: “[the case] paints a picture of someone who shouldn’t be practicing dentistry in Massachusetts, or anywhere else for that matter.”

The dentist was actually struck off in 2008 in a number of US States, after his licence to practice was revoked. These include Florida, West Virginia and Maryland, but it seems recently he started practicing in Massachusetts.

Each US State is responsible for the licensing and regulation of its own dentists rather than any national federal organisation. As such, it is likely that the dentist was able to apply for a new licence after moving to a different State, providing he could prove his qualifications.

The Attorney General’s office is recommending that any patient of the dentist should visit another dentist for a check up.

Tags: Dentist charged, Dentist struck off, paper clips use in dental treatment, USA

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 26th, 2012 at 8:38 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.