Concerns that 'God-bothering' dentist likely to re-offend

A self-confessed "God-botherer" Australian dentist was likely to re-offend after failing to show any remorse for trying to convert a patient lying in his chair, a tribunal has heard. Paul Gardner of Highton has declined to explain why he began spouting fundamental Christian views during a consultation, the Dental Board of Australia told the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

In December 2008 Gardner took his patient's "facial expression and body language" to mean she questioned the Bible and, upon seeing the patient's dragon tattoo, asserted tattoos de-sensitised people for prophecies detailed in scripture. Lawyer Patrick Monahan, acting for the dental board, said Dr Gardner has failed to comprehend the seriousness of his actions and was "likely to repeat his behaviour as he ever was".



Mr Monahan also rejected the argument the Geelong dentist was merely having a conversation about religion. "He wasn't just talking, he was trying to change her view," Mr Monahan said during a submission to have Mr Gardner suspended or disqualified for up to 18 months. "He was trying to persuade her that he was right and she was wrong." The tribunal heard the dentist had also offered the patient an "alarming and intense" DVD, which the tribunal heard was offensive to Muslims and Catholics.

In Mr Gardner's defence, Jeff Gleeson acknowledged unprofessional conduct but said a ban would end the dentist's career. The tribunal heard Mr Gardner was unable to attend yesterday's hearing because he was stuck in Brisbane during the current flight cancellations. VCAT deputy president Catherine Aird therefore reconvened the final determination for another hearing. Six months before the latest incident, Dr Gardner was fined $10,000 after he told a schizophrenic patient that she was possessed by the devil and could be cured through his church's spiritual healing.