Home / Health / Dentist Suspended: Regulator Stays Silent on Reasons
Dentist Suspended: Regulator Stays Silent on Reasons
6 Apr
Summary
- Dentist suspended since July; review confirmed ban six months later.
- Suspension is linked to an incident during a holiday in Cyprus.
- Healthcare watchdog raised concerns about governance and clinical oversight.
Dr. Stephen Gary Lodge, a dentist who previously operated two clinics in Wales, has been suspended from practice since July of last year. A review six months later confirmed the suspension, which will continue until at least January of next year. The General Dental Council, the dental regulator, has declined to specify the grounds for Dr. Lodge's suspension.
It is understood that the suspension is connected to an incident that occurred while Dr. Lodge was on holiday in Cyprus last year. Furthermore, Lodge Dental has faced scrutiny from Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) due to concerns about its governance and clinical oversight arrangements. Dr. Lodge, who had been the sole director for 17 years, stepped down from that role in October, following his suspension.
A spokesperson for HIW stated that the watchdog has been engaged with the service and has implemented appropriate regulatory arrangements. Lodge Dental, which offers monthly membership plans, has not yet responded to inquiries.
