There is a "real risk" a Sidcup dentist who repeatedly touched a nurse on the hips inappropriately could "commit misconduct" again, a committee has ruled.

On November 28 a General Dental Council professional conduct committee ruled Iraj Almasi, principal dentist at the Sidcup Dental Spa in Station Road, should have conditions imposed on his practise for the next year.

This followed a hearing in August at which Mr Almasi was found to have to have behaved in an inappropriate and unprofessional way by repeatedly touching the hips of a nurse while the pair worked together at VAS Dental Care in Forest Hill between January 2007 and December 2008.

Iranian-born Mr Almasi accused the nurse of being a "spy" in a text message for reporting him to the GDC.

It was also proved that at the Sidcup practice between May and September 2011, he repeatedly grasped a second nurse around the shoulders and squeezed her "without any acceptable justification".

In deciding Mr Almasi’s punishment, the GDC committee stated he had demonstrated "very poor judgement" and a "propensity to touch members of staff without considering how such physical contact might make them feel".

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Mr Almasi used to work at VAS Dental Care in London Road, Forest Hill.

The judgement said: "The committee finds that your conduct fell far below the appropriate standard and amounts to misconduct."

A subsequent commentary Mr Almasi had produced on his actions failed to show "adequate remorse", focussing instead "upon the impact of the situation on you", the committee said.

It also concluded the dentist had not provided sufficient evidence of a "fundamental change" in his approach to staff, or that he fully understood the "distinction between professional and personal boundaries".

The committee told Mr Almasi it was "not satisfied you have taken sufficient remedial steps.

"In light of this, there is a real risk of repetition of your misconduct."

A list of 10 conditions were imposed on Mr Almasi’s continuing practise as a dentist, including that he should produce a "personal development plan" and regularly meet with a GDC official to review his progress.

A follow-up hearing in 12 months will decide whether the conditions can be lifted.

When contacted by News Shopper Mr Almasi declined to comment.