Mr Siddiqui was immediately suspended from the NHS Rotherham dental performers list – which means he was not allowed to practice NHS dentistry in Rotherham. Mr Siddiqui was also reported to the General Dental Council (GDC) which is normal practice in these situations.

The GDC interim orders committee suspended Mr Siddiqui from June 2009. At the review in June 2010 the GDC lifted the suspension but imposed 17 conditions of practice until a further hearing could be convened early in 2011. Mr Siddiqui has been referred by the GDC to its professional conduct committee for full consideration of the case.

In the meantime Mr Siddiqui appealed against his removal from the NHS Rotherham performers list which was heard today (30 July 2010) by the Family Health Services Appeals Unit (FHSAU). The panel is currently considering all the evidence with a view to a verdict in 3 weeks time.

UPDATE (27/08/2010): A further delay has been announced. We will publish the outcome as soon as we have it.

Whilst we await a verdict, Mr Siddiqui will remain suspended from practicing NHS dentistry in Rotherham.

NHS Rotherham Statement

Dr Ken Wragg, Consultant in Dental Public Health said;

"This has been a long and comprehensive investigation spanning many months. We understand that some of Mr Siddiqui’s patients will naturally be concerned about the poor infection control practice at his dental surgery. We can reassure patients that although there is a low potential risk to patients, our investigation has not found any evidence that any of Mr Siddiqui’s patients have been affected.

"However, if former patients of Mr Siddiqui are concerned about their health they should seek advice from their GP."