THE head of a Blackburn dental practice has been punished by his governing body over his treatment of two patients.

Dr Holger Held, of Netherwood Dental Surgery, in Preston New Road, was called before the General Dental Council (GDC) over allegations of misconduct between 2008 and 2010.

Dr Held, 52, had six conditions imposed on his registration after the GDC found failures in his treatment of the patients and his handling of their complaints.

A professional conduct committee said that Dr Held, who qualified as a dentist in Germany six years ago, “fell below the standards to be expected of a registered dentist” by not taking a medical history, not taking bitewing radiographs and not identifying cavities in both patients.

He also failed to identify fillings needed in four teeth and deficient crowns that needed replacing in two teeth in the second patient.

Dr Held admitted that he did not respond to letters nor telephone messages from the patients and ignored specific requests to provide dental records.

Solicitors speaking on behalf of Dr Held said it was “a very challenging time” for him as he was initially working under a principal with health problems, from whom he bought the practice in June 2008.

They said the principal stayed on as his associate, but took many days off with no notice due to ill health.

The panel said imposing conditions was necessary “to ensure public protection”.

It said: “You told the committee that while you are 52 years of age, as a dentist you are only six years old.

“The committee recognises and commends the open and honest way you gave your evidence, but would remind you that whether a dentist is recently qualified or has many years experience, he or she is still required to meet the standards set by the GDC.”

The conditions will last two years.

Dr Held must notify the GDC of any professional appointment he accepts, provide the contact details of a professional colleague working at the same practice as him who will report every six months on his fitness to practise and must not engage in single-handed dental practice.

He must also take two audits of patient record keeping, patient complaints handling and x-ray diagnosis.

Dr Held was unavailable for comment.

Click on the link below for the General Dental Council's full report.