Dentist suspended for refusing to treat lesbian patient

Boston Globe ^ | 07/18/03 | Associated Press

[bedolido]

FRANKLIN, N.H. (AP) The state has suspended the license of a New Hampshire dentist for refusing to treat a lesbian patient and for berating another patient.

The Board of Dental Examiners found that in March 1999, Joseph Roper Jr. refused to treat Tricia Thompson, a patient of his for almost three years, for a painful infected tooth after he found out that she considered herself married to a female partner.

[tdadams]

I guess in a free country he's free to be a bellicose lout and send his practice down the toilet.

[bedolido]

The State of New Hampshire also has the right to revoke his license for businesses practices they find objectionable.

Yeah he doesn't sound like a "Dentist of the Year" candidate either. I actually hope they pull his license... but not for refusing service, for his other offenses.

[GreatOne]

Absolutely. I'd like to think that the primary reason he was suspended was because of the emergency situation. I'm an attorney, and there is no way on God's green earth I will ever knowingly represent a sodomite.

We need to quit labeling these people as "homosexuals", "lesbians", etc. Say what it truly is: people who engage in homosexual activity. I am not defined by who I have sex with, and neither should anyone else (even if perverted).

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Is it safe? Is it safe?

[dead]

Should a medical doctor be able to refuse service to patents that smoke of consume a poor diet?

For non-emergency treatment, sure.

I don’t know why one would, but he’s presumably a free citizen who can enter into business transactions with whomever he chooses.

Of course, that’s not how our nanny state sees it. We all work and live at their discretion.

[joesnuffy]

Should a medical doctor be able to refuse service to patents that smoke of consume a poor diet?

If they smoke the pole or their diet consists of carpet munchies....I'd say yep

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Wouldn't lesbians be among the LEAST likely group to contract AIDS?

[governsleastgovernsbest]

This dentist sounds like an insensitive clod, perhaps an outright jerk. But I don't understand why he shouldn't be entitled to treat or not treat whomever he wants.

[bedolido]

Should a medical doctor be able to refuse service to patents that smoke of consume a poor diet? For non-emergency treatment, sure. I don’t know why one would, but he’s presumably a free citizen who can enter into business transactions with whomever he chooses. Of course, that’s not how our nanny state sees it. We all work and live at their discretion.

I had a cardiologist that asked me three times to fire him. For some reason he couldn't or wouldn't tell me to find another doctor (strange how I seem to repell some people...hmmmmm)

[HELLRAISER II]

In all actuality you are both right, at least from what i've read I feel that your right. Not to be gross but when there are no body fluids secreted into the body cavity, the chances of contracting AIDS is minimal. But that doesn't mean he doesn't have the right to protect himself and his patients if he doesn't believe that to be true.

[bedolido]

Wouldn't lesbians be among the LEAST likely group to contract AIDS?

You would think so... but just the creepiness of their actions may be the issue (my apologies to any homosexual freepers).

[bedolido]

In all actuality you are both right, at least from what i've read I feel that your right. Not to be gross but when there are no body fluids secreted into the body cavity, the chances of contracting AIDS is minimal. But that doesn't mean he doesn't have the right to protect himself and his patients if he doesn't believe that to be true.

not to continue in your grossness... what about "ladies days" fluids accidentally being transfered during (aledged) lovemaking (again, my apologies to any homosexual freepers and the admin moderator)

[HELLRAISER II]

While it is possible to get the disease orally, I believe that the chances are just less. Not only that but i'm sure that during that time frame they probably abstain. I know that I do when the wife is going through that.

[pogo101]

What'd've been wrong with this woman just changing dentists and, if she wished to do so, also legally bad-mouthing the guy all over the community? The free market is a wonderful thing.

[bedolido]

While it is possible to get the disease orally, I believe that the chances are just less. Not only that but i'm sure that during that time frame they probably abstain. I know that I do when the wife is going through that.

well don't worry... the time will come when you won't have to do that anymore... been married 32 years and don't have to worry about that anymore.

One of the funniest Seinfelds was when Elaine's saxiphone playing boyfriend did that to her before his time on stage and couldn't play at all on stage afterwards... lol

[FourPeas]

Does this dentist have the right to refuse treatment to Blacks, Asians, Muslims or Jews or any other group he finds objectionable?

Apparently not. Should he? Sure. It's HIS business. If he wants to be stupid and alienate/discriminate/refuse treatment to a particular sector of potential patients, that should be his right being the owner of his business. The state's roll should be in technical competency, not decorum.

[Badray]

Bingo!

[angkor]

"You don't know what it's like! The discipline – the long hours – the lack of support – in a world that goes on ignoring dental hygiene!!"
Corbin Bernsen as "Dr. Feinstone"