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'Spiritual' dentist fined $10,000
by The Age
Thanks to Brian English for the link.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/spiritual-dentist-fined-10000/2008/05/14/1210444512276.html
'Spiritual' dentist fined $10,000
Mex Cooper
Geelong dentist Paul Gardner wanted to do more than treat his patient's teeth. He wanted to save her soul.
The Christian convert told a schizophrenic patient in 2006 that she was oppressed by "spirits of fear" and should go to his church for "spiritual healing".
During a dental examination and clean, Dr Gardner told the woman his spiritual adviser could help her get off medication.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal today found Dr Gardner guilty of professional misconduct and fined him $10,000.
VCAT found Dr Gardner had refused to attend counselling as directed by the Dental Practice Board of Victoria last year after the woman complained he had blamed "evil spirits" for her schizophrenia.
The patient told the board, Dr Gardner had followed her into the reception area and said her husband was also "possessed" and had begun "chanting".
In a letter to the board, Dr Gardner said he had administered "simple command" prayers to patients for two-and-a-half years and had helped people overcome gagging, a fear of needles, anxiety, crying and vomiting.
He said his Highton practice was booming because "we successfully deal with the spirit of fear that oppresses so many patients".
"The patient leaves feeling different and knowing that they have been touched by Jesus Christ," Dr Gardner said in his letter.
He said he never forced prayers on patients.
The board reprimanded and cautioned Dr Gardner for his unprofessional conduct and directed him to undergo counselling on the relationship between his religious beliefs and dental practice.
In a decision handed down by VCAT vice-president Judge Marilyn Harbison and members Anthony Dickinson and Ben Keith, the panel said Dr Gardner's refusal to adhere to the board's determination was a "very severe type of misconduct".
"We are very concerned that (Dr Gardner) does not appear to accept that he has done anything wrong," the panel said. "We are very concerned that he appears to be painting himself as a martyr, inappropriately relying on scripture to justify a clear and calculated defiance of the authority of the Board and the (VCAT) Panel."
The panel warned Dr Gardner that any future refusal to comply with the board or VCAT could "jeopardise his continued registration as a dentist".
Dr Gardner was reprimanded and cautioned by the panel.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/spiritual-dentist-fined-10000/2008/05/14/1210444512276.html
'Spiritual' dentist fined $10,000
Mex Cooper
Geelong dentist Paul Gardner wanted to do more than treat his patient's teeth. He wanted to save her soul.
The Christian convert told a schizophrenic patient in 2006 that she was oppressed by "spirits of fear" and should go to his church for "spiritual healing".
During a dental examination and clean, Dr Gardner told the woman his spiritual adviser could help her get off medication.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal today found Dr Gardner guilty of professional misconduct and fined him $10,000.
VCAT found Dr Gardner had refused to attend counselling as directed by the Dental Practice Board of Victoria last year after the woman complained he had blamed "evil spirits" for her schizophrenia.
The patient told the board, Dr Gardner had followed her into the reception area and said her husband was also "possessed" and had begun "chanting".
In a letter to the board, Dr Gardner said he had administered "simple command" prayers to patients for two-and-a-half years and had helped people overcome gagging, a fear of needles, anxiety, crying and vomiting.
He said his Highton practice was booming because "we successfully deal with the spirit of fear that oppresses so many patients".
"The patient leaves feeling different and knowing that they have been touched by Jesus Christ," Dr Gardner said in his letter.
He said he never forced prayers on patients.
The board reprimanded and cautioned Dr Gardner for his unprofessional conduct and directed him to undergo counselling on the relationship between his religious beliefs and dental practice.
In a decision handed down by VCAT vice-president Judge Marilyn Harbison and members Anthony Dickinson and Ben Keith, the panel said Dr Gardner's refusal to adhere to the board's determination was a "very severe type of misconduct".
"We are very concerned that (Dr Gardner) does not appear to accept that he has done anything wrong," the panel said. "We are very concerned that he appears to be painting himself as a martyr, inappropriately relying on scripture to justify a clear and calculated defiance of the authority of the Board and the (VCAT) Panel."
The panel warned Dr Gardner that any future refusal to comply with the board or VCAT could "jeopardise his continued registration as a dentist".
Dr Gardner was reprimanded and cautioned by the panel.
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Posted: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 | PermalinkComments 1 - 50 of 53 |
Reload Comments | Back to Top | Page Numbers2. Comment #180161 by Incredulous on May 14, 2008 at 9:57 am
If this is the kind of thing expelled is purported to be deeming unfair then let's have more of it. If this dentist feels he is being made to choose between his spirituality and his profession then it should simply be a question at what angle he falls on his swordHow a trained health worker can sincerely believe that a disease as sad as schizophrenia can be caused by evil spirits is beyond comprehension.
He's been given another chance and should take it or go.
Other Comments by Incredulous
3. Comment #180163 by wiz220 on May 14, 2008 at 10:01 am
"The patient leaves feeling different and knowing that they have been touched by Jesus Christ,"If Jebus ever touches me I'm telling a grown up or a policeman!
Other Comments by wiz220
4. Comment #180164 by jiujitstheist on May 14, 2008 at 10:04 am
WACKJOB!!!sorry I couldn't come up with anything more clever, but that's what was screaming in my head upon reading this. Like someone elses voice. Now it's telling me to call my dentist. But I have fear.
Pray for me o Saint Molar.
Other Comments by jiujitstheist
5. Comment #180165 by Lucas on May 14, 2008 at 10:06 am
I had one of my most mystical experiences ever at the dentist's office one time. It involved a whole hell of a lot of nitrus oxide and a cheesy poster of a polar bear stapled to the ceiling. I became that polar bear, man. It was wild. Other Comments by Lucas
6. Comment #180167 by Diacanu on May 14, 2008 at 10:15 am
10 grand? Big fucking deal. The way dentists rake it in, that's a piss hole in the snow.He'll make that back charging a crate of toothbrushes to the insurance company.
Other Comments by Diacanu
7. Comment #180168 by leviticus on May 14, 2008 at 10:17 am
"The patient leaves feeling different and knowing that they have been touched by Jesus Christ,"
Wow i think Jesus is touching us in to many public and inappropriate places these days, and he has a particular fondness for the children and mentally ill.
Luckily it seems as if this board took this issue very seriously and it sounds like if Dr Gardner keeps up these antics he won't be a dentist much longer.
Other Comments by leviticus
8. Comment #180176 by Shaden on May 14, 2008 at 10:37 am
He said his Highton practice was booming because "we successfully deal with the spirit of fear that oppresses so many patients".
Can you deal with the spirit of plaque? Oh wait, that sounds ridiculous because we know how that works.
Other Comments by Shaden
9. Comment #180177 by steveroot on May 14, 2008 at 10:39 am
4. Comment #180164 by jiujitstheist on May 14, 2008 at 10:04 am
Pray for me o Saint Molar.
The correct saint to pray to is Apollonia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Apollonia
Seems like she committed suicide rather than speak blasphemy. :-)
Ste5e
Other Comments by steveroot
10. Comment #180180 by al-rawandi on May 14, 2008 at 10:43 am
Diacanu,
Most dentists don't even come close to raking it in. Most dentists are struggling, some are succeeding, and very few are "raking it in".
Other Comments by al-rawandi
11. Comment #180182 by Shaden on May 14, 2008 at 10:48 am
al-rawandi,
My dentist has a bowl of chocolates and candy at the receptionist's desk, it ensures return customers.
Other Comments by Shaden
12. Comment #180185 by bucketchemist on May 14, 2008 at 10:52 am
I had one of my most mystical experiences ever at the dentist's office one time. It involved a whole hell of a lot of nitrus oxide and a cheesy poster of a polar bear stapled to the ceiling. I became that polar bear, man. It was wild.
Funnily enough, I did have a wierd, out-of-body experience at the dentist when I was a kid. Made a profound impact on me which I still feel affected by in a way. No god involved however.
Other Comments by bucketchemist
13. Comment #180186 by Colwyn Abernathy on May 14, 2008 at 10:54 am
The Christian convert told a schizophrenic patient in 2006 that she was oppressed by "spirits of fear" and should go to his church for "spiritual healing".
Say it with me now...
DUUUMB-AAAAASSSS...
The moral, boys and girls? That's RIGHT! ALWAYS make sure your patients aren't ALREADY suffering from some form of delusion before attempting to insert your own!
If Jebus ever touches me I'm telling a grown up or a policeman!
BAD TOUCH BAD TOUCH BAD TOUCH!!!
Other Comments by Colwyn Abernathy
14. Comment #180190 by steveroot on May 14, 2008 at 10:59 am
10. Comment #180180 by al-rawandi on May 14, 2008 at 10:43 am
Most dentists don't even come close to raking it in. Most dentists are struggling, some are succeeding, and very few are "raking it in".
Depends how you define "struggling", "succeeding" and "raking it in". This data (for 2005) suggests that most dentists are not "struggling".
The average net income for an independent private practitioner who owned all or part of his or her practice in 2005 was $198,350 for a general practitioner and $304,020 for a specialist.
Source: 2006 Survey of Dental Practiceâ€"Income from the Private Practice of Dentistry
Item code: SDPI-2006/SDPI-2006D.
Of course, those of us who are full-time academics...
Ste5e
Other Comments by steveroot
15. Comment #180191 by Diacanu on May 14, 2008 at 10:59 am
al-rawandi-Really? I thought all of medicine was a big racket that everyone involved made gravy on.
Why are the dentists left out?
Anti-dentite-ism?
Other Comments by Diacanu
16. Comment #180195 by jimbob on May 14, 2008 at 11:02 am
I guess there's some teeth in that verdict!Other Comments by jimbob
18. Comment #180206 by Apathy personified on May 14, 2008 at 11:17 am
He claims Jesus is touching his patients, is that a smoke screen to protect himself from the peadophile and sexual harassment police?I think any qualified dentist can only be considered 'struggling' if they have poor financial management, as most of them earn well above the average wage.
Other Comments by Apathy personified
19. Comment #180209 by noodly_noodleson on May 14, 2008 at 11:24 am
"The patient leaves feeling different and knowing that they have been touched by Jesus Christ," Dr Gardner said in his letter.
Yeah, but the feeling wears off when you realize he's not going to call...
Other Comments by noodly_noodleson
20. Comment #180216 by catskill on May 14, 2008 at 11:34 am
Makes me glad that my own dentist is smart enough to know that real results in dentistry can only be had by honoring the one true god of healing, the Greek god Asclepios! Other Comments by catskill
21. Comment #180219 by Caudimordax on May 14, 2008 at 11:47 am
My dentist prescribes valium before surgery. It deals beautifully with the spirit of fear Other Comments by Caudimordax
22. Comment #180224 by seekerofall on May 14, 2008 at 11:59 am
lmao.......wonder why Jesus cant heal the cavity...surely the evil spirits are responsible for that too...... Other Comments by seekerofall
23. Comment #180229 by bluebird on May 14, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I think I'd prefer the dentist from 'Little Shop of Horrors', rather than this guy :/ Other Comments by bluebird
24. Comment #180246 by Colwyn Abernathy on May 14, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Who needs prayer...
When one has a Falcor? ;)
EDIT:
If not, then go here...
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b82/DJHexa/ihazafalcor.jpg
Other Comments by Colwyn Abernathy
25. Comment #180250 by Caudimordax on May 14, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Colwyn - link not working Other Comments by Caudimordax
26. Comment #180298 by alexmzk on May 14, 2008 at 2:11 pm
He said his Highton practice was booming because "we successfully deal with the spirit of fear that oppresses so many patients".
just goes to show - everyone loves a good gimmick.
Other Comments by alexmzk
27. Comment #180315 by Logicel on May 14, 2008 at 2:54 pm
(Dr Gardner) does not appear to accept that he has done anything wrong," the panel said_____
Of course not, he could not accept any wrong, after all he was telling the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth to his patient.
Other Comments by Logicel
28. Comment #180317 by Quetzalcoatl on May 14, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Colwyn-
excellent.
Logicel-
that's probably the worst joke I've ever read.
Other Comments by Quetzalcoatl
29. Comment #180324 by LeeLeeOne on May 14, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I find this article of particular interest in that I literally just came back from my dentist where I had my gums scraped off ---- I mean my teeth cleaned. Ouch! Both in mouth and in pocketbook ouch! Don't even try for a second to tell me most dentists do not rake in the $$$$! My dentist was chatting with the builder he had in the chair 2 cubicles down from where I was getting tortured, I mean my teeth cleaned. My dentist was chatting about the wonderful new Slate roof he had installed at his lake-side "cabin", which happens to be more than thrice the size of my own 3-bedroom home (not including the 2 boat docks and the dual boat house).
No dentist will take, in this city, any Medicaid-dependent patient. So many in our area usually do not attend dental care. Most indigent dental care is taken care of by an ER visit turned hospital stay for an abscess or malnutrition. The oral surgeons treat these people because they cannot legally turn them away as by this time, they usually are sick enough that the dental problem becomes literally life-threatening. The Medicaid program then gets stuck paying for treatment after the fact instead of preventative care. What a sick system!
Other Comments by LeeLeeOne
30. Comment #180380 by GordonYKWong on May 14, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I dun gettit? Why would you need to see a dentist to get your teeth fix if you could just pray for Jesus to fix the cavity and apply some fluoride while he is at it??
Remember kids, Jesus loves you... to floss twice a day after meals.
Other Comments by GordonYKWong
31. Comment #180401 by DasSquid on May 14, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I'm happily living in Victoria.
I'm happy also that my Governing bodies take this kind of thing, slap the dentist on the wrists and warn him that if he does it again, he's out.
I'm actually not being sarcastic. Hurrah for Victoria, and not putting up with any shit from Religion!
Note: In Victoria's Captiol, Melbourne, We have more than a few Catherdrals, and most of them are Museums now. I love it.
It's things like this I wonder why Dawkins has referred to Australia as a religious country? Oh, and Ken Ham sooooo doesn't count.
edit: screwed up the italics
Other Comments by DasSquid
32. Comment #180407 by steveroot on May 14, 2008 at 8:11 pm
28. Comment #180317 by Quetzalcoatl on May 14, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Logicel-
that's probably the worst joke I've ever read.
How 'bout this one:
Q: When is it time to see the dentist?
A: 2:30
Get it? :-)
29. Comment #180324 by LeeLeeOne on May 14, 2008 at 3:19 pm
No dentist will take, in this city, any Medicaid-dependent patient. So many in our area usually do not attend dental care. Most indigent dental care is taken care of by an ER visit turned hospital stay for an abscess or malnutrition.
We try to inculcate in our dental graduates a sense of responsibility to the community for adequate access to care. Of course, at a "state-supported" dental school with annual tuition in excess of $40,000 it's not hard to understand why many of them go for the higher-paying jobs that don't serve the needy.
This is the sort of thing "religion" could be useful for: instead of worrying about avoiding hellfire, it could be promoting healthy habits in the present. All based on good evidence. :-)
Ste5e
Other Comments by steveroot
33. Comment #180419 by Damien White on May 14, 2008 at 9:27 pm
DasSquid:"I'm happily living in Victoria."
This is physically impossible, even if you did manage to win the match on the weekend :o)
Other Comments by Damien White
34. Comment #180430 by LeeC on May 14, 2008 at 10:26 pm
DasSquid
I'm happily living in Victoria.
Me too.
Cannot complain... well, actually, I'm English so of course I can.
Hurrah for Victoria, and not putting up with any shit from Religion!
...
It's things like this I wonder why Dawkins has referred to Australia as a religious country? Oh, and Ken Ham sooooo doesn't count
Erm... Not sure about this last one.
Probably my ignorance, but does anyone know why abortions are illegal in Victoria the if it is not due to some religious nutjobs in government? (OK, I know under 'special' circumstances it can be done, but it is not the 'norm')
Just wondering - I was shocked when I found this information out. I thought I was living in a country that wasn't governed by religious dimwits, but it wasn't that long ago when the Prime Minster was asking the country to pray (to which God he didn't say) for rain
Anyone from Oz know more about the abortion laws? Just curious.
Lee
Other Comments by LeeC
35. Comment #180431 by Brian English on May 14, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Abortions laws vary from state to state. There's not much restriction on abortions in Victoria. I think the law is very vague, and restricts access somewhat. The government was going to change it, but I think the churches kicked up a stink.I just had a check, and abortion is on the criminal code, yet there are no prosecutions. That's why the government wants to change the law to reflect community attitudes and all that...
Other Comments by Brian English
36. Comment #180455 by Slyer on May 15, 2008 at 2:17 am
@DasSquidWe all have our religious nutters, you have ken ham and New Zealand has ray comfort.
I would like to officially disown him :P
Other Comments by Slyer
37. Comment #180492 by Rufus08 on May 15, 2008 at 5:26 am
"My dentist has a bowl of chocolates and candy at the receptionist's desk, it ensures return customers"My dentist has very attractive dental assistants. I swear she just finds it hilarious when guys try to sit on the chair with an erection.
Other Comments by Rufus08
38. Comment #180503 by The Reverend Dark on May 15, 2008 at 6:09 am
Rufus notes
My dentist has very attractive dental assistants. I swear she just finds it hilarious when guys try to sit on the chair with an erection.
Do you feel like you've just walked into a Carry On Movie? Syd James in the chair? "Who wants to do a little drilling today? Is there a cavity that needs to be filled. Hand me that probe. I need to you spit when I'm finished? You may feel a little prick."
Oooh Matron. (Kenneth Williams voice.)
If the dentist (or any other professional) starts spouting off on a faith that has no relation to the task they are doing, and then trying to tie it to the treatment, it is time to get out of the chair and leave.
You wouldn't trust a lawyer whose strategy is quoting Leviticus and applying like it is law.
Cheers,
Shayne Dark
Other Comments by The Reverend Dark
39. Comment #180611 by aussieatheist_111 on May 15, 2008 at 10:27 am
Wow - this man makes me ashamed to be Autralian. However, the swift government response quickly restores my pride.Other Comments by aussieatheist_111
40. Comment #180672 by mikecbraun on May 15, 2008 at 1:58 pm
"The patient leaves feeling different and knowing that they have been touched by Jesus Christ," Dr Gardner said in his letter.
That would explain the sores and blisters. Sorry, but I could not resist. This reminds me of the Seinfeld where Jerry's dentist and his assistant always appear to be putting their clothes back on when he wakes up from the gas.
If people want to be "touched by Jesus Christ," there are several different churches that exist for that express purpose (supposedly). One does not go to the dentist for spiritual guidance for much the same reason that one does not go to the laundromat to purchase a hamster.
Other Comments by mikecbraun
41. Comment #180758 by LeeC on May 15, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Thanks Brian,
I just had a check, and abortion is on the criminal code, yet there are no prosecutions. That's why the government wants to change the law to reflect community attitudes and all that...
So it is against the law, we agree to that â€" my question is why? The government has had long enough to change it, they have not â€" maybe religion is wiser over here and are playing behind the scenes, the fact remains though that because it is deemed a criminal act, getting an abortion will be more difficult than if it were not.
Why is it against the law? Is it because of some holy book? I would dearly like to know, but no idea how to find out.
Lee
Other Comments by LeeC
42. Comment #180759 by Brian English on May 15, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Lee, I'd say it's an artifact of previous social mores. Inertia, combined with religious sensibilities would be what's stopped the law being changed. However, changed legislation is before parliament I think. Other Comments by Brian English
43. Comment #180762 by LeeC on May 15, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Thanks Brian,
Should I hold my breath waiting for the change?
When the churches hear about it their will be trouble.
Lee
Other Comments by LeeC
44. Comment #180765 by Brian English on May 15, 2008 at 6:12 pm
The churches know about it. It was mooted a year ago. I think this one will pass, with the accompanying hand-wringing and pleas to save the children that the religious types always provide. Of course I could be wrong.......Now back to my blog and post :DJust did some checking, it may not be before the parliament, but it's the government's policy to decriminalize it this year.
Other Comments by Brian English
45. Comment #180766 by LiseYates on May 15, 2008 at 6:16 pm
This is where I draw the line. This idiot is telling schizos that they have demons and spirits? HE IS SCHIZO?! He should have to pay a bigger fine, I think. Other Comments by LiseYates
46. Comment #180767 by DasSquid on May 15, 2008 at 6:18 pm
LeeC, Brian English
That's actually quite a lot I didn't know, but to be honest, I have never heard of a problem with abortion before. Obviously I can't back it up with any evidence however I know of a friend of mine that had an abortion.
Just went to her GP, got a referral or what have you, and went and got it done.
I think the abortion law is likely yet another law that is completely ignored and the changing of it would really change nothing in society as a whole.
A touch off topic, one law I certainly don't agree with is this 2am law... I can't believe that the government thinks that it's going to make the city safer. What do they think will happen when groups of people are stranded in the city, drunk (likely) with nothing to do until 6-8am depending on which train/tram line you're on... Either that or they're trying to set up a bunch of drunk drivers for a fall.
A little bit more on topic: LeeC, Brian English, have either of you come across anything that you could attribute to religious fucktardery? I've honestly wanted to ask the question for a good long while because I feel like I'm either VERY lucky at having seen none of it, or just living in a bubble of ignorance.
Note: I don't accept TV or anything like that, as I refuse to watch that refuse.
edit:
DasSquid:
"I'm happily living in Victoria."
This is physically impossible, even if you did manage to win the match on the weekend :o)
Heh, that implies that I watch 'the match'. I'm more of a music type, y'know... the anti-sport type.
Other Comments by DasSquid
47. Comment #180768 by Brian English on May 15, 2008 at 6:21 pm
DasSquid, the 2 am law doesn't stop you drinking, just bar hopping after 2am. And the Casino is exempt, so if all else fails you can go there and get plastered until the trains start in the morn....As for fucktardery, I occasionally see stupid little billboards out the front of churches saying stuff like 'another inconvenient truth, those who don't accept Jeebus will burn forever' Such loving folks......
Other Comments by Brian English
48. Comment #180769 by DasSquid on May 15, 2008 at 6:26 pm
As for fucktardery, I occasionally see stupid little billboards out the front of churches saying stuff like 'another inconvenient truth, those who don't accept Jeebus will burn forever' Such loving folks......
Oh, lovely little beggars aren't they? Just makes you all warm and fuzzy on the inside.
Oh, one I remember is the guy that often stands on the corner of Bourke and Swanston St yelling stuff... Thing is, I see more people chuckling and laughing than anything else.
I just personally think that religion in Victoria is just non-pervasive... Sometimes I feel like I wish it were more like America in the way that it would really give me something to fight against.
Other Comments by DasSquid
49. Comment #180770 by Brian English on May 15, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Religion in Australia is reasonably benign and I hope it stays that way. However, give Cardinal Pell an inch and he'll have your daughters married at 16 and bearing 12 kids in a flash. That guy's medieval.I think what we here need to do is not let the church get away with it's moral posturing and attempts to hijack politics....
Other Comments by Brian English
50. Comment #180774 by DasSquid on May 15, 2008 at 6:37 pm
DasSquid, the 2 am law doesn't stop you drinking, just bar hopping after 2am. And the Casino is exempt, so if all else fails you can go there and get plastered until the trains start in the morn....
As for fucktardery, I occasionally see stupid little billboards out the front of churches saying stuff like 'another inconvenient truth, those who don't accept Jeebus will burn forever' Such loving folks......
Really? That... ... is beyond stupid. Crown is a bad enough place as it is, it's going to make the place all the worse, for everyone there and especially the employees. Almost state sanctioned gambling?
True that it doesn't stop you drinking, nor does it really apply to me, I'm done by then anyway. I just think it a terrible and unjust idea.
I rarely keep abreast of situations like that of the power of the churches over policy in Australia, yeah it's a selfish way of thinking I know, but until it really hinders me and my ability to do my line of work/enjoy my life, I can't really see a reason to pay too much attention to it.
Other Comments by DasSquid
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1. Comment #180160 by Godfree Gordon on May 14, 2008 at 9:55 am
Other Comments by Godfree Gordon