Sanction for not disclosing conviction
A former Island dentist has been suspended for six months for failing to inform his profession's ruling body of a drink-drive conviction.
Ivan Santa admitted the offence at Douglas Magistrates Court in December 2015, and was fined £1,500.
He was twice over the legal limit when breathalysed.
But he fell foul of General Dental Council standards when he failed to tell them about the conviction.
In its judgment, the GDC says Mr Santa's breach of its rules amounts to misconduct.
It describes the case as at the lower end of seriousness and concedes there was no harm to patients.
However, it points out dentists are in a position of privilege and trust in society, and their conduct at all times must justify patients' and public trust in the profession.
Mr Santa had breached this standard by not informing the Council of his conviction.
Concluding the convicition and misconduct mean he is currently unfit to practice, the GDC imposed a six month suspension.
Mr Santa, a dentist with the Tracey Bell practice in Douglas at the time of the drink-drive conviction, has a 30 day window to appeal.
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