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Case ref:201202549
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Date:April 2013
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Body:A Dentist in the Fife NHS Board area
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Sector:Health
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Outcome:Not upheld, no recommendations
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Subject:communication, staff attitude, dignity, confidentiality
Summary
Miss C complained that during treatment a dentist handled her five-year-old daughter (Miss A) with excessive force, and shouted at her. While the dentist was attempting to fill one of Miss A's teeth, she became distressed and moved in the chair. In trying to adjust Miss A's position in the chair, Miss C complained that the dentist handled Miss A roughly, causing bruising to her arm.
The dentist indicated that, as Miss A had slid down the chair, he lifted her under the arms to put her back in the correct position. He said he did not use any force and he could not understand the bruising allegation. He also said that he was required to raise his voice to give instructions to his nurse and be heard over Miss A's crying. He said he did not shout at Miss A. In investigating the complaint, we obtained a statement from the nurse which supported the dentist's position. In the absence of any evidence to support Miss C's version of events, we did not uphold the complaint.