A Perth dental surgeon has been barred from practising for four years after a tribunal found he secretly took photographs up the skirts of female staff and patients.
Tribunal Details Serious Professional Misconduct
The State Administrative Tribunal of Western Australia handed down the significant penalty to Jacky Chan, who was found guilty of serious professional misconduct. The tribunal heard that Chan used his mobile phone to take inappropriate photographs of three women without their knowledge or consent between 2018 and 2019.
The incidents occurred at two different dental practices where Chan worked. The victims included both a colleague and patients who were under his professional care. The tribunal's findings detailed a pattern of deliberate and covert behaviour that breached the fundamental trust of the dentist-patient relationship.
The Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The matter came to light when one of the women discovered the photos on Chan's phone. This discovery triggered an immediate investigation. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Dental Board of Australia subsequently brought the case before the tribunal.
In its published reasons, the tribunal stated that Chan's actions were a gross violation of professional boundaries and ethical standards. His conduct was deemed to be fundamentally incompatible with being a registered health practitioner. The tribunal emphasised that the public must have confidence that dental professionals will act with integrity and respect.
Jacky Chan's registration as a dentist was cancelled effective immediately. He cannot apply for reinstatement for a period of four years. Should he seek to return to practice after that ban, he will face stringent conditions, including the need to demonstrate rehabilitation and complete extensive ethics education.
Broader Consequences and Industry Response
This case highlights the severe consequences for health professionals who engage in predatory behaviour. The Dental Board of Australia has reiterated its commitment to patient safety and upholding the highest standards of the profession.
The four-year ban serves as a strong deterrent and underscores the legal and professional repercussions for such invasions of privacy. It also reinforces the responsibility of all practitioners to maintain a safe and respectful environment for both staff and patients.
The tribunal's decision is now a matter of public record, ensuring transparency and accountability within the healthcare sector.
