Jersey dentist given official warning from standards watchdog

Monday 28 September 2020

A Jersey dentist has been given a formal warning by his profession’s official regulator of standards.

Dr Jacobus Thomas Cornelis Kuijpers, who works from the New Era Dental Practice in Victoria Road, St Clement, has received a year-long warning from the General Dental Council (GDC).

He is, however, allowed to continue to practise without any restrictions.

In its official report explain the warning, the GDC says: “The circumstances of this case relate to information received about the practice of a dentist in respect of the care provided to two patients. 

“Allegations have been put to the Registrant [Dr Kuijpers] in relation to inadequate care in a number of areas including failing to obtain informed consent, failing to maintain an adequate standard of record keeping, failing to undertake diagnostic assessments and misleading conduct. 

“The Case Examiners considered evidence including patient records and an independent clinical advice report commissioned by the GDC."

Pictured: Dr Kuijpers practises at New Era Dental Practise in St Clement.

It continued: “The Case Examiners have determined that there is a real prospect of most of the facts alleged being found proved by a Practice Committee, a real prospect of the statutory ground of misconduct being established but no real prospect of a Practice Committee finding the Registrant’s fitness to practise to be currently impaired.

“In the circumstances, therefore, the Case Examiners have determined to issue a warning to indicate to the Registrant that, while this matter has not been referred to a Practice Committee, his conduct was a departure from expected standards which warrants a formal response from the GDC."

Based on its own guidelines, the GDC’s Case Examiners considered that a warning was necessary “to declare and uphold proper standards of conduct."

Pictured: The General Dental Council say the Dr Kuijpers needs to keep accurate and details dental records.

The GDC Examiners have specifically warned Dr Kuijpers that: 

• Failure to obtain and record informed consent can have serious effects on the individual patient, and on the wider trust and public confidence in the profession. Dr Kuijpers must ensure that he gets “full, informed consent prior to carrying out any procedures, including discussion of treatment options and risks and benefits, and that relevant discussions are fully documented”. 
• Failure to undertake full “diagnostic assessments” can have significant impact upon patients, resulting in permanent effects. The Jersey dentist must undertake a full assessment at the beginning of treatment, and ensure this assessment is kept up to date.
• Failure to keep accurate and detailed records can impact upon ongoing patient care. “Clinical records must be sufficiently detailed so as to allow future audit or review, to understand any and all clinical considerations, justifications and potential diagnostic conclusions reached; as well as the actions carried out by Dr Kuijpers and information discussed with the patient."  
• He must ensure that all information published in relation to his complaint’s procedure is accurate and up to date, as the failure to do so has the potential to mislead the public.

The warning is in place from 15 September this year until 14 September next year.