DENTISTS are free to commit adultery with their patients as long as they do not abuse their professional position, the Court of Appeal heard yesterday.
This is according to a 'little red book' of rules compiled by the Dental Council, the court was told.
But Mr Justice Godfrey challenged the council to put its message across in bolder terms.
He said he was willing to bet it would not state in the book that 'a dentist may commit adultery with a patient with impunity providing he does not abuse his professional position'.
The argument was put forward in an appeal arising out of a complaint made by Cathay Pacific pilot Norman Tomlin.
Mr Tomlin, 44, found out his wife Michelle, a dancer, was having an affair with dentist Dr Philip Newsome in October 1992.
He complained to the Dental Council. But his case was dismissed by a preliminary committee as 'frivolous and groundless'.