A DENTIST has been told that he is able to continue practising despite acting in an ‘unprofessional and dishonest’ manner.
Anthony David Harness was summoned to appear before the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) on December 3 for an inquiry into asking a colleague to lie and unprofessional, misleading and dishonest conduct.
Anthony was also accused of breaching patient confidentially but this was not looked into by the committee because it could not prove it. Anthony was accused of asking a colleague at his previous practice to lie about the fact they witnessed him telling patients he was leaving and that patients should follow him to his new practice.
The colleague who witnessed Anthony, known as Ms S, said in her witness statement: “I was out having lunch with my family when Mr Harness phoned me on my mobile. He said that if anybody asked me whether he had told patients to leave the practice and follow him to his new practice that I should say that he hadn’t. He basically asked me to lie for him. I told him I couldn’t do that.”
The committee concluded it could not be proved Anthony had asked the patients to follow him to his new practice, but did accept that the phone call took place and that his conduct was both unprofessional and dishonest.
The chairman of the committee said to Anthony: “The committee was provided with a large number of testimonials which spoke extremely highly of your qualities as a dentist and a member of the community. In particular they attest to your honesty and integrity.
“Your contributions to the community include your work with the Scouting Association, the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and your voluntary role as a dentist for a local hospice. When asked in oral evidence, witnesses gave evidence of the high regard in which you are held by colleagues and patients.
“The committee is satisfied that this incident was utterly out of character and there is no risk of repetition. Given there is no risk of repetition, this is not a case where a requirement for remediation is a relevant factor.
“This incident has resulted in you undergoing a General Dental Council investigation and a fitness to practise hearing which has resulted in a finding of misconduct being made against you.”
The committee confirmed that Anthony’s fitness to practise is not impaired.
