The working practice of a well-known dentist has been restricted after he is alleged to have caused "pain and discomfort" to several of his patients.
Marius McGovern, clinical director at Liverpool Dental Spa, appeared before the Dental Professionals Hearing Service on February 22 where a number of interim restrictions were imposed upon his registration while an investigation into the allegations continues. The General Dental Council (GDC) said the case against Dr McGovern arose from seven patients who complained about implant treatment between 2012 and 2019.
The GDC appointed a clinical advisor who published a report, dated December 2022, into the allegations against Dr McGovern. Chris Hamlet, case presenter for the GDC, drew the committee's attention to the report during the virtual hearing. The report, which was brought before the GDC committee, was not critical of Dr McGovern's practice in relation to every patient.
READ MORE: Teacher's note after letting boy, 4, leave school alone
But the committee, bearing in mind the public interest, determined the material commented on in the report highlighted alleged failures in Dr McGovern's treatment of patients. The committee said: "Restorative treatment is not being carried out via a calculated and organised manner and seems to be out of clinical scope…particular problems with occlusion and fracture of superstructures. This has led to pain and discomfort."
The committee added: "This was exacerbated by your alleged failure to respond to the lawyers instructed on behalf of some of the patients and provide clinical records despite there being a court order in place. In the committee’s view, there is currently a risk of harm to patients if you were to practise as a dentist without there being some restriction on your registration."
Julia Furley, Dr McGovern's representative in the GDC's investigation, highlighted that the clinical advisor stated the standard of care provided was "below" standard, not "far below". Ms Furley added Dr McGovern had admitted his standards had fallen below standard in regard to two complaints which had already been settled in civil claims.
A spokesperson for Dr McGovern told the ECHO the clinical director saw over 3,840 patients each year - and the Liverpool Dental Spa, which won Best Dental Team UK in 2009, receives fewer complaints than the average dental practice. Ms Furley asked the committee to look at the relative risk in the context of a practitioner who has been working for 30 years.
Ms Furley told the ECHO: "Dr McGovern has been providing dental services to the Liverpool community for over 30 years, treating thousands of patients during this time. He is a highly regarded member of the dental profession, who is dedicated to the care of his patients.
"The GDC are in the very early stages of an investigation into his professional conduct, following complaints made regarding the treatment of 7 patients between 2012 and 2019; Dr McGovern was the treating clinician for 5 of the 7 patients. Dr McGovern is cooperating fully with the GDC into this investigation. Meanwhile, an Interim Orders committee has deemed that he is able to continue practising with conditions."
The committee determined it was in the public interest that Dr McGovern's dental registration be subject to an interim order for 15 months given "the serious nature of the allegations". Dr McGovern must place himself under the supervision of a workplace supervisor nominated by himself and agreed by the GDC at any time he provides dental services.
The supervisor need not work at the same practice as the registrant, but must make themselves available to provide advice or assistance when required. Mr McGovern's work must be reviewed at least once fortnightly by the supervisor, while also maintaining a log detailing all dental work.
The committee determined the interim order's length of time is appropriate for the GDC to complete its investigation into the allegations against Dr McGovern. The committee will also review the interim order within the next six months.
Dr McGovern previously paid £10,000 to a patient in 2018 following a complaint regarding the fitting of braces eight years before. The dentist did not accept liability and described the £10,000 payment as a "gesture of good will".
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here.
READ NEXT:
Teacher who let boy, 4, leave school alone 'didn't want to be there'
Woman scammed her own grandad out of £75k
Major search launched for missing baby after mum and dad arrested for child neglect
Scouse citizenship test proves how much you know about the city
John Bishop bringing 'most joyful' show he's worked on to Liverpool Empire this week
