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Auckland Dentist Faces Further Scrutiny After Health and Disability Commission Investigation

Auckland-based dentist, Bharath Subramani, is once again under the spotlight following a recent investigation by the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC). This follows a string of previous complaints and investigations into his practice, highlighting a concerning pattern of errors and breaches of patient rights. The latest findings reveal further instances where Mr. Subramani’s actions fell significantly short of expected professional standards.

The Latest Breach: A Case of Mistaken Identity

The most recent investigation centred around a particularly alarming incident where Mr. Subramani fitted a crown onto the wrong tooth – a clear and significant error with potential implications for the patient’s oral health and well-being. While Mr. Subramani has since apologized for this mistake, the HDC found that his actions constituted a serious breach of the patient's rights, emphasizing the importance of meticulous attention to detail and accurate patient identification in dental procedures.

A History of Concerns

This is not an isolated incident. Mr. Subramani has been the subject of multiple previous investigations, each uncovering a range of concerns regarding his practice. These concerns have included inadequate record-keeping, failure to obtain informed consent, and substandard treatment. The cumulative effect of these breaches raises serious questions about the dentist's competence and commitment to patient safety.

HDC's Findings and Recommendations

The Health and Disability Commissioner's report details a comprehensive review of Mr. Subramani’s conduct and the impact on his patients. The HDC found that Mr. Subramani failed to provide services in a manner that was reasonable and met the needs of his patients. The report also highlighted a lack of appropriate professional oversight and a failure to address previous concerns raised.

As a consequence of these findings, the HDC has issued a series of recommendations, including:

• Requiring Mr. Subramani to undergo further professional development focused on patient safety and clinical practices.
• Implementing a robust system of oversight and mentorship to ensure adherence to professional standards.
• Compensating the affected patient for the distress and inconvenience caused by the errors.

Striking Off and Future Implications

In a significant development, Mr. Subramani has been struck off the dental register. This decision reflects the seriousness of the repeated breaches and the HDC's determination to protect the public from potential harm. The striking off order prevents Mr. Subramani from practicing dentistry in New Zealand, safeguarding the health and well-being of future patients.

Patient Safety and Accountability

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of patient safety and the need for accountability within the healthcare profession. The Health and Disability Commissioner plays a crucial role in investigating complaints, ensuring that healthcare providers adhere to ethical and professional standards, and providing redress for patients who have been harmed. The HDC’s actions in this case underscore their commitment to upholding these vital principles.

The Dental Council will now consider whether further action is required, potentially including legal proceedings.