Dentist ordered to work with a chaperone after groping claims
A FEMALE dentist has been ordered to work with a chaperone after being accused of groping a colleague’s breasts, a tribunal heard.
Dr Aviva Riley, a partner at a dental practice in Kent, was brought before the General Dental Council (GDC) after being accused of sexual assault.
The hearing was also told that the 46-year-old, who has been a dentist for 20 years, is facing a criminal trial later this month.
At a hearing last month, the results of which were published yesterday, the GDC imposed 12 conditions on Dr Riley – including that she work with a chaperone while treating patients – for the next 18 months.
The dentist, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, is accused of touching a colleague’s breasts and groping her buttocks at the practice in Kent in November 2016 – and is also accused of sexually assaulting another former colleague.
The GDC ruling said: “A complaint was received on November 16 2017 from a colleague, who alleges that on two occasions during November you sexually assaulted her. In particular she alleged that you touched her breasts on one occasion and groped her right buttock on the other occasion.
“Information received confirms that you have now been charged in connection with three alleged incidents of sexual assault.
“You have been given bail conditions by the magistrates’ court, which include a requirement that you are not to have any unsupervised contact with the complainant in respect of two of the alleged incidents.
“The other complainant no longer works at the practice.”
Mr Round, of the GDC, said that the allegations relate to “sexual assault on two colleagues” at the dental practice.
Mr Jenkins, speaking on behalf of Dr Riley, said that she “strongly denied” the claims against her, adding that the charges had been “trumped up”. The GDC imposed an 18-month interim order that allows Dr Riley to continue to practice, with a string of conditions, including having a chaperone with her when she treats patients.
Kent Police confirmed that Dr Riley has been charged with sexual assault. She is described on the practice website as a “warm and gentle clinician”.
It read: “Avi has worked for several years in general practice, both in the National Health Service and privately, giving her a wide range of clinical experience and patient understanding. She is an expert at making you feel at ease and comfortable.”