By Tara Shaskey, Open Justice multimedia journalist
Additional complaints regarding the unethical practices of a previously banned dentist have surfaced, shedding light on the extent of the harm caused to patients.
One patient reported excruciating pain after a piece of tooth was left in their gum, while another had to be hospitalized after a mishap with an airflow polisher pierced their cheek.
Former Greymouth dentist Bharath Subramani, also known as Barry Subramani, was prohibited from practicing for three years by the Dental Council in 2023 due to numerous upheld complaints against him.
Deputy Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell, from the Health and Disability Commissioner’s office, recently released an extensive report detailing three new complaints against Subramani.
One of the complainants, referred to as Mr C, underwent multiple dental procedures with Subramani, resulting in complications such as infection and severe pain. Subramani’s negligence in providing proper post-treatment care and obtaining informed consent was highlighted in Caldwell’s findings.
Another patient, Mr B, experienced ongoing pain and required further dental treatment after a visit to Subramani in 2018. Subramani’s use of outdated materials, incomplete procedures, and failure to diagnose and treat infections were cited as key issues in this case.
The third complainant, referred to as Ms A, suffered a traumatic incident during a dental procedure where an airflow polisher pierced her cheek, causing swelling and breathing difficulties. Subramani’s improper use of the device and lack of informed consent were identified as serious breaches of patient care.
Caldwell’s report underscored a pattern of unsafe practices and poor patient engagement by Subramani, prompting recommendations for further education and training before he could potentially resume his practice. The Dental Council had already taken action against Subramani prior to the release of Caldwell’s report.
Despite Subramani no longer practicing, he was directed to issue formal apologies to the complainants and provide evidence of his training courses. Caldwell also urged the Dental Council to conduct a competence review and ensure Subramani undergoes additional education and training before being considered for registration again.
Subramani’s history of complaints and professional misconduct highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of patients in the dental profession.
After being fined, ordered to pay costs, and deregistered, he decided to appeal the decision.
Following this, the HDC referred two of the complainants in the report to the Dental Council due to public interest.
In 2020, Subramani was allowed to continue practicing under the supervision of a dentist appointed by the council until his appeal to the High Court was resolved.
Initially, the HDC was not aware of the third complaint in the report, but it has now been brought to their attention.
In November 2023, the council announced that Subramani’s appeal had been heard and the High Court upheld the decision to deregister him. He was banned from practicing for three years starting from October 2023.
