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Woman Arrested for Refusing AI in Dentist's Chair
23 Nov
Summary
- Mother refused AI note-taking during dental appointment.
- Dentist called police after patient declined AI use.
- Patient cited privacy and ethical concerns about AI.
A Melbourne woman's dental appointment took a dramatic turn when her dentist summoned police because she objected to the use of artificial intelligence for note-taking. Caerwin Martin, 52, cited privacy and security concerns regarding her medical data being processed by AI. The periodontist reportedly became agitated when Martin declined to consent to the AI software, escalating the situation to the point of calling emergency services.
Martin explained that as a musician, she has a personal boycott on AI due to ethical reasons and government actions concerning creative works. She felt uneasy about AI accessing her sensitive medical records and believed she had the right to refuse its use. The dentist allegedly stated that using AI was legally sound and refused to provide further details about the software, leading to a heated exchange.
After leaving the appointment, Martin was reportedly followed to the reception by the dentist, who then insisted the police be called. Officers arrived and spoke with Martin, who stated she was not violating any laws. She later contacted the Dental Board of Australia, who confirmed her right to choose and assured her the incident should not have occurred, highlighting a broader conversation needed about AI in healthcare.
