Disgraced Auckland Dentist Fined for Illegal Practice, Botched Procedures
Auckland, New Zealand – Disgraced Auckland dentist David Zimmerman has been fined for illegally practicing dentistry and performing substandard work that caused harm to patients. Judge Murray imposed a provisional fine of $41,000 on Zimmerman and $22,500 on his company, following guilty pleas and consideration of his limited financial means.A final determination of the fines will be made after a mortgagee sale of Zimmerman’s home on November 5th and a review of his financial capacity.
The case stemmed from a March 2023 search of Zimmerman’s premises conducted with the assistance of police by the Ministry of Health’s enforcement team. During the search, investigators found concerning practices, including instruments in an autoclave without evidence of sterilization, used local anesthetic cartridges, and vials of lignocaine – a prescription item not typically found in a dental surgery. Old plastic milk containers were being used as “sharps” containers,and pre-loaded syringes with partially full cartridges were discovered. A delivery of root canal treatment cement arrived during the search.
The Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of health professional regulation to ensure public safety. Prosecutor Danielle Houghton sought fines starting at $55,000-$60,000 for Zimmerman and $30,000-$50,000 for the company. Judge Murray noted the case was less severe than that of impostor dentist Narayan Prasad, sentenced in September to three months’ community detention and $15,950 in reparation to 28 victims.
Zimmerman, now reliant on a government pension, reportedly has debts exceeding $500,000. The court ordered $4275 in reparation, with $500 allocated to each victim and the remainder distributed to those who incurred costs for corrective treatments.
judge Murray highlighted aggravating factors, stating the offending was premeditated, as Zimmerman continued practicing despite knowing he was not entitled to do so, even after the initial search. The judge also acknowledged an element of commercial gain, even if Zimmerman was “genuinely, misguidedly motivated” to help people. He further noted a pattern of behavior and that several procedures caused “real harm” to vulnerable patients.
One patient,speaking to NZME after the sentencing,expressed relief that Zimmerman coudl no longer harm others. “I felt so stupid as I began writing it down, but now I see how many people he has hurt, and I’m proud I spoke out,” she said, describing the courage it took to come forward knowing Zimmerman was still practicing.
The case underscores the critical need for vigilance in ensuring qualified and safe dental care within New Zealand.
(Original story published in the New Zealand Herald: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/disgraced-auckland-dentist-david-zimmerman-fined-for-illegal-and-botched-work-which-harmed-patients/H6SF7MN2LFCHVAFH4K3APL7M6Y/)
