In the state where “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence” is the motto, dentists and dental care professionals can no longer date their patients. The State Board of Dentistry and Pennsylvania Dental Association disagree on the new ruling. The Board has deemed that sexual misconduct is defined as such: “[a]ny sexual conduct with a current patient, including words, gestures or expressions, actions or any combination thereof, which are sexual in nature, or which may be construed by a reasonable person as sexual in nature.” If a PA dentist, hygienist, or EFDA is going to date a patient, with consent of both parties, that patient must switch dentists and be a registered patient at another dental practice or have not been seen by the dentist for three months.
Pennsylvania Dental Association members think that romantic relationships in which both adult parties consent should not be considered sexual misconduct. Furthermore, they are concerned about trying to enlist young, unmarried dentists to work in rural areas. The Board counters this with the fact that California, Maine, Iowa, and Mississippi have similar regulations.
Quote Source: http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol36/36-42/2060.html
Article: http://www.ldnews.com/ci_10768939?source=most_emailed