A dentist has been cleared of "unprofessional" and "inappropriate" conduct following a lengthy hearing.

Gerhardus Smit, who was the owner of Riverhead Dental Practice until two years ago, appeared in front of the General Dental Council Professional Conduct Committee facing a number of claims, including improper record-keeping and taking a non-urgent call on his mobile phone during an appointment.

In 2006 and 2007, while working at the Riverhead practice in River Parade, Dr Smit provided a treatment plan for a patient, who cannot be named for legal reasons, costing thousands of pounds.

He sold the practice before he left in 2008, but shortly after the patient complained about her care and the dentist's "unprofessional" conduct.

The hearing swung into action last September but was adjourned until this month because it could not be completed in the allotted time.

His name has now been cleared following a decision by the committee, who found his treatment was "in almost all respects, in keeping with acceptable and normal practice".

"Where there were factual differences between the patient and you, the committee found your evidence to be more credible and reliable," they added.

"The fact you had left the practice during the course of her treatment contributed to her frustration."

The committee found Dr Smit had not recorded the dose of a sedative used in his treatment of the patient but said it did not amount to misconduct.

They added: "The committee hopes that your appearance before it has had a salutary effect and hopes that you fully appreciate the importance of good record-keeping, in particular the need at all times to record dosages of drugs prescribed."

The manager of Riverhead Dental Practice, Chantal Roberts, said: "We note from the case determination that the care and treatment for the patient was found to be 'acceptable and in keeping with normal practice' and we are pleased to be able to confirm the patient is still a member of the practice.

"Since acquiring the practice the new management team have actively invested in the practice and are committed to high standards of service and care.

"The patient always comes first is at the forefront of our current team members focus."