Flatulent Shropshire dentist found guilty of misconduct

A Shropshire dentist who repeatedly broke wind in front of colleagues and patients has been found guilty of misconduct.

Matthew Walton, 35, "found it funny" to break wind next to colleagues when they were trying to eat their lunch, the General Dental Council heard.

The dentist claimed he had "inadvertent" outbreaks of flatulence — but admitted a colleague once had to get an air freshener out to mask the smell.

A GDC panel sitting in London yesterday found the dentist had belched and broken wind in front of patients and ruled that his behaviour was unprofessional.

The misconduct related to his time at the Green End Dental Practice, Green End, Whitchurch, from August, 2006 to December, 2007.

Dental nurse Carol Stokes told how she begged the dentist to stop passing wind.

Fellow nurse Nicola Groom had told the hearing Walton liked to belch while saying swear words and showed "no respect" for elderly and disabled patients.

Walton admitted he went behind the dentist's chair to make V-signs at patients.

The hearing heard he treated poorer patients with disrespect and demanded some show him their money before treatment.

The GDC ruled that Walton was frequently "abrupt and rude" towards patients.

Panel chairman Valerie Paterson said: "The committee accepted that you made such inquiries in a way which was considered by them to be offensive. The committee noted your evidence that if a patient could not show an ability to pay you would send them away and ask them to return on another occasion."

Charges that Walton made offensive remarks about patients' employment status, disabilities and ethnic origin were all proved.

She added: "The committee found that your conduct as proved was both unprofessional and inappropriate."

Walton had denied many of the allegations but admitted it was "juvenile" to stick fingers up behind patients' backs, and apologised to the committee for his behaviour.

A charge that Walton "forcefully" pushed a four-year-old child out of his way during an appointment was not proved. The committee said it was "not satisfied" with the evidence.

The committee will now decide what sanction Walton should face.

By Tom Johannsen