Franklin, New Hampshire -
A New Hampshire dentist who went on a homophobic tirade has had his state license to practice suspended.
The Board of Dental Examiners, in a written decision, said that Dr. Joseph Roper Jr. committed professional misconduct.
In March 1999, Roper confronted patient Tricia Thompson in the waiting room after seeing that she had identified a female partner as her spouse on a "get-acquainted card."
Roper refused to provide treatment to her and told her loudly that same-sex marriages were against his belief.
"During the same conversation ... and while in his reception area where other people were present, Dr. Roper asked of (Thompson), 'Do you have AIDS?'" the Board ruling said.
In a second instance of misconduct Roper became angry when a patient moved around in discomfort as he replaced old fillings.
He then accused the patient of trying to get him to accidentally cut him so he could sue.
Roper neither confirmed nor denied the accusations, but agreed to suspend his practice. The suspension will be lifted only if a psychiatrist determines Roper can practice dentistry "safely, professionally and competently."
by Michael J. Meade
365Gay.com Newscenter
Boston Bureau
©365Gay.com® 2003
The Board of Dental Examiners, in a written decision, said that Dr. Joseph Roper Jr. committed professional misconduct.
In March 1999, Roper confronted patient Tricia Thompson in the waiting room after seeing that she had identified a female partner as her spouse on a "get-acquainted card."
Roper refused to provide treatment to her and told her loudly that same-sex marriages were against his belief.
"During the same conversation ... and while in his reception area where other people were present, Dr. Roper asked of (Thompson), 'Do you have AIDS?'" the Board ruling said.
In a second instance of misconduct Roper became angry when a patient moved around in discomfort as he replaced old fillings.
He then accused the patient of trying to get him to accidentally cut him so he could sue.
Roper neither confirmed nor denied the accusations, but agreed to suspend his practice. The suspension will be lifted only if a psychiatrist determines Roper can practice dentistry "safely, professionally and competently."
by Michael J. Meade
365Gay.com Newscenter
Boston Bureau
©365Gay.com® 2003
This article originally appeared on 365gay.com. Republished with permission.
