Dentist accused of malpractice including exposing a seven-year-old to radiation

Posted On:   07 September 2018

Cambridge, UK – 21st August, 2018: A Cambridge dentist is facing a serious investigation after claims she unjustifiably exposed a child to radiation and worked on patients without consent.

Helen Harrison, of Granta Dental Practice in Newnham Road, Cambridge, has been accused by the General Dental Council (GDC) of practising orthodontic work without consent, worsening the alignment of teeth and acting "significantly below the level of professional practice" expected.

Following complaints from several patients, Ms Harrison is now subject to an 18-month interim order limiting her practice while the health authority continue its investigations.

This means she now unable to work on "in single-handed dental practice and must only work at premises where another dental professional or dental professionals are working at the same time."

Ms Harrison is also subject to strict supervision when treating children or when performing any form of orthodontic treatment.

In a public hearing on June 8, 2018, the GDC said its risk assessment uncovered serious concerns "relating to patient consent" and "to treatment which may have caused harm to patients" .

Her medical records were also littered with "omissions", "lacking in detail" and described as "difficult to follow".

The CDC found: "It was also of considerable concern to the committee that you allegedly exposed HT [a patient], aged seven, to radiation by taking an OPG [x-ray of teeth] without adequate clinical justification.”

It was "therefore satisfied that an interim order is necessary for the protection of the public."

The order will be reviewed in December.

Source: https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/cambridge-granta-dental-helen-harrison-15039675