Charge

A Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) charged that Mr Michael van Vliet, registered Dental Technician and Clinical Dental Technician, of Auckland (the Dental Technician) practised the profession of dental technology between 1 April 2012 and 23 April 2012 without a current practising certificate.

Finding

The Tribunal found the Dental Technician guilty of practising without a practising certificate and the charge was established.

Reason for Finding

The Tribunal considered the three elements which were required to be proven by the PCC were all established as follows:

1. The Dental Technician acknowledged he was at the time registered as a dental technician and a clinical dental technician.  Therefore, the first element was established.
2. The Dental Technician acknowledged he practised as a dental technician and clinical dental technician in the period 1 - 23 April 2012.  Therefore, the second element was established.
3. The Dental Technician acknowledged his previous APC expired on 31 March 2012 and he did not have renewal of his APC until 23 April 2012.  For the period the Dental Technician did not hold an APC.  Therefore, the third element was established.

Penalty

The Tribunal ordered that the Dental Technician:

• be censured;
• pay a fine of $750.00; and
• pay costs of $1,000.00.

The Tribunal directed the Executive Officer to publish a copy of this decision and a summary on the Tribunal's website.  The Tribunal further directed the Executive Officer to publish details of this decision in the newsletter of the Dental Council of New Zealand and on the Dental Council website.