MANOJ CHOPRA FROM SEDGLEY AND WOLVERHAMPTON STRUCK OFF DENTAL PROFESSION AFTER GROPING GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Sedgley and Wolverhampton, Manoj Chopra, a dentist who previously practiced at Sedgley Dental Care, has been formally removed from the dental profession following serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving young girls. The disciplinary action was taken after Chopra was convicted and sentenced to eight months in prison last July for assaulting two female minors aged 12 and 13, incidents that occurred a decade apart.

Specifically, the first assault took place in Wednesbury in June 1995, while the second incident occurred at his Sedgley-based practice in 2005. These events have cast a long shadow over Chopra’s career, which spanned fifteen years and reportedly earned him an annual income of up to £100,000. The gravity of his misconduct was recognized by the General Dental Council’s professional conduct committee, which convened in London on Monday, January 8.

The committee, led by chairman Jason Leitch, emphasized the severity of Chopra’s actions, stating, “These are serious offences and can only serve to bring the profession into disrepute and undermine public confidence in the profession.” He further explained that the nature of the offences fundamentally breaches the trust that is essential in the dentist-patient relationship, which is built on confidence and integrity. “The offence goes to the heart of the professional relationship between dentist and patient which relies on trust. You abused that trust,” Leitch added.

Moreover, the committee highlighted that Chopra’s placement on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years rendered him incompatible with continuing his practice as a dentist. As a result, the panel decided to strike him off the professional register, effectively banning him from practicing dentistry in the future.

Chopra, who resides on Merridale Grove in Wolverhampton, has already launched an appeal against his conviction in the High Court, although this appeal was unsuccessful. He was also ordered to refrain from working with children for life. Despite these legal setbacks, Chopra is reportedly in the process of selling his Sedgley practice, which may be a step towards distancing himself from his previous professional activities.

He now has 28 days to challenge the decision made by the disciplinary committee, but the verdict has already had a significant impact on his career and reputation, leaving a lasting stain on his professional record and raising serious concerns about safeguarding and trust within the dental community.