back, it was revealed yesterday.

For an appeal to Governor Thorold Masefield has resulted in an order to the Dental Practitioners Board to "reconsider'' its decision to strike off Dr.

Clark Godwin for "disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.'' When The Royal Gazette contacted Dr. Godwin he confirmed he had received a letter and said: "It would appear that the Governor has upheld my appeal to him.

"I'm glad that wise heads have prevailed at Government House.'' According to sources, the news came in a letter from Deputy Governor Peter Willis to Dr. Godwin, which confirmed that Mr. Masefield had asked the Dental Practitioners Board to look at the matter again.

The letter stops short of ordering the Board to clear Dr. Godwin and reinstate him. No-one from Government House could be contacted for comment last night -- but it is understood the Governor's order is likely to carry considerable weight with the Board.

Dr. Godwin said: "I think they worded it as delicately as they could possibly word it.'' Dental Practioners Board chairman Dr. Kenneth Snaith said last night the Board would be meeting next week and Dr. Godwin's case was on the agenda.

He added: "I really don't think it would be appropriate for me to make any further comment.'' Dr. Godwin was struck off the register of dentists in May. The move came after his conviction two years ago on four charges of intent to defraud Somers Isles Insurance in a bid to gain more than $3000.

Magistrates Court heard that Dr. Godwin made sure patients got the right treatment by filling in false insurance claims.

Hope for dentist Godwin The money was gained through the practice of "cross-charging'' -- carrying out one form of work not covered by insurance and charging for another type of procedure which was.

During the trial, Dr. Godwin claimed the practice was commonplace among dentists. But no evidence was presented to back the claim, which was later denied by the Dental Practitioners Board.

Dr. Godwin later appealed both conviction and sentence. His fine was reduced from $6000 to $2000 -- but the conviction was upheld.

In June, he applied for permission to convert a building in Parsons Road, Pembroke, into a dental practice and signalled his intention to go to the Governor under a provision of the Dental Practitioners' Act.

Dr. Godwin said this week that he had been unable to practice his profession for almost two years.

He added: "I have family support and friends. I don't need a whole lot to survive -- but things could definitely be better.'' It is understood Dr. Godwin's petition to the Governor contained ten points arguing for reinstatement.

Among the points claimed by Dr. Godwin were that three of the five-man Bermuda Practioners Dental Board which struck him off were witnesses for the Crown and gave statements to the Police prior to his 1995 court case.

Also, Dr. Godwin said that the Board's exceeded its jurisdiction by allowing him the option of appearing in person before it or making a written submission.

But Dr. Godwin said the relevant section of the Dental Practitioners Act made it mandatory for him to appear in person to defend himself.

And he added that another dentist, convicted several years ago of a drug offence, was not struck off.

The letter from Mr. Willis is understood to have asked the Board to re-examine the case with regard to the Dental Practioners Act and "the need to avoid any possibility of bias.''