Flatulent dentist is struck off

A dentist who faced charges of breaking wind and belching in front of patients and staff has been struck off. Matthew Walton, 35, from Shrewsbury, also swore and made "V-sign" hand gestures to patients and staff behind their backs, a committee heard. Mr Walton worked at Green End Dental Practice in Whitchurch, Shropshire.

The General Dental Council in London ruled his conduct required immediate suspension of his registration "for the protection of the public". Unless Mr Walton appeals his name will be erased from the Dentist's Register in April, meaning he cannot legally work as a dentist in the UK. He faced a number of clinical and conduct charges, including:

Breaking wind during appointments. Telling a patient he had bad breath. Exposing a nurse to X-ray radiation



Making derogatory comments about unemployed patients. Asking patients to show their money before providing treatment. Pushing a nervous teenage patient back into his chair, telling him: "You will sit and let me do it".

Mr Walton admitted all the allegations about clinical issues, but denied some of the allegations of poor conduct. But the committee ruled: "In the course of your evidence you did make further concessions regarding the [conduct] allegations."

The committee concluded it had "taken into account the nature of your misconduct both towards patients and staff and your clinical failings. It has also taken into account your lack of insight and lack of remediation. For the protection of the public and in the public interest, immediate suspension of your registration is necessary."