The NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has found that a mobile dental service, Australian Aged Dental Care (AADC), failed to ensure that their staff were correctly licenced to take X-rays.
Four mobile dental units operated by AADC visited schools between 13th August 2013 and 20th March 2015 to provide dental services to the school children. Despite not being licenced to do so, the staff operating these units were taking orthopantomograms (OPGs – an X-ray used in dentistry to examine teeth and jaw structures) of the children.
“The schools, the parents and the children were all entitled to expect the defendant to conduct its affairs in compliance with the law as it regulates the use of radiation and in particular to abide by the licensing system under the Act,” Magistrate Hugh Donnelly told the court.
“The decision by the court reflects the seriousness of the offence and the importance of complying with environmental laws and standards.”
