A dentist whose advice was blamed for the death of a patient has been given permission to continue to practice by the General Dental Council (GDC) .
Dr Nalin Ramniklal Dhamecha told 44 year-old plumber Robin Read in May 2006 there was 'nothing untoward' with the ulcer on his tongue and suggested it be treated with mouthwash.
However, shortly after the consultation Mr Read was diagnosed with oral cancer and told he only had a year to live.
The General Dental Council (GDC) ruled that the dentist’s failure to spot the sore did not contribute to Mr Read's death and that he was free to continue working at the Aberdeen House Dental Practice in Surrey.
Panel Chair Dr John Gibson told Dr Dhamecha that even if he had managed to detect the lesion on the tongue, the outcome would have been the same.
The GDC said Dr Dhamecha will, however, have to attend a minimum of 10 hours of courses on identifying potentially malignant lesions. He will also be required to keep a log book on the management of patients with oral problems for the next 12 months.
Commenting on the decision, the patients widow Mrs Read, argued: "If he had been referred to a specialist and diagnosed, Robin's chances would have been so much greater."
"It may have been that the cancer would have come back after treatment but at least he would have had a longer life. That's why this is not fair."
