Three dentists were today accused of a series of t

Three dentists were today accused of a series of tragic blunders which led to the death of 10-year-old boy in what should have been a routine tooth extraction.

Hallgeir Pederson the Norwegian who carried out the operation is accused of serious professional misconduct.

Paul Shields, who referred tragic Darren Denholm to Edinburgh’s Peffermill Clinic is also fighting for his professional career.

And Maurice Beckett, owner of the Peffermill also must answer the allegations of the General Dental Council.

Incompetent anaesthetist Dr John Evans-Appiah, 58, has already been struck off by the General Medical Council for his catalogue of errors during the extraction.

Pedersen, of (49a) High Street, Linlithgow, West Lothian, is charged with having only previously carried out four clinic sessions involving general anaesthesia, and lacking any adequate training in advanced resuscitation techniques.

His counsel, Mary O’Rourke has claimed that it would be impossible for him to have a fair trial under the European Convention of Human Rights.

She is arguing the General Dental Council’s own guidelines regarding training of foreign dentists was at fault and not her client.

Shields of (5) West Main Street, Armadale, Bathgate, West Lothian, is alleged to have failed to explain the risks of general anaesthetic to Darren’s mother, Isla.

He also failed to check that the Peffermill clinic was of a high standard, the hearing was told.

Beckett of (169a) Church Street Blackpool – described by the counsel for the GDC as ‘more of a businessman than a dentist’ – is said to have have neglected to check the credentials of Evans-Appiah – who had held some 43 jobs in his career.

It is also alleged he did not check Pedersen had sufficient training to carry out his work, or to ensure that his clinic was equipped to carry out emergency resuscitation.

All three men deny serious professional misconduct.

The hearing continues.

mfls

ends