GDC Secures Ninth Illegal Practice Prosecution Of 2010, UK

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Litigation / Medical Malpractice
Article Date: 27 Jul 2010 - 5:00 PDT

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The General Dental Council (GDC), the UK's dental regulator, is continuing to push ahead in its pursuit of people practising dentistry illegally.

It has successfully prosecuted the ninth person this year for the offence.

On Friday at Lancaster Magistrates' Court Mr Roger Simmons pleaded guilty to the charge of holding himself out as being prepared to practise dentistry in connection with the fitting, insertion and fixing of dentures at 71, Bowerham Road, Lancaster.

In addition he also pleaded guilty to unlawfully using a specified title, namely that of 'dental technician'. As he is not registered with the GDC both are criminal offences under the Dentists Act 1984.

Mr Simmons has been fined £540 and a £15 victim surcharge. He has also been ordered to pay all of the GDC's costs totaling £4365.13.

Interim Chief Executive and Registrar of the GDC Ian Todd said:

"More than 7,000 dental technicians have already done the right thing by registering with us, meeting our standards and showing their commitment to protecting the public. Anyone who does the work of a dental technician without being registered is breaking the law. We are determined to prosecute those who practise illegally. We will tackle this issue robustly and will continue to prosecute in every appropriate case. The Council's priorities are public protection and professional regulation.

If you would like to report someone you believe to be practising illegally you can do so by sending an email to illegalpractice@gdc-uk.org, by writing to Illegal Practice, The General Dental Council, 44 Baker Street, London, W1U 7AL or by calling 0845 222 4141."

Notes

1. The Dentists Act 1984 makes it a criminal offence for anyone other than a registered dental professional to carry out dentistry. The GDC is committed to protecting the public by bringing cases of illegal practice to court.

2. It is also a criminal offence under the Dentists Act 1984 to take or use any title or description implying that you are a registered dentist unless you are a registered dentist.

3. As the UK regulatory body of the dental profession, the GDC has a duty to protect the public. Registration with the GDC is a legal requirement for dentists and the following dental care professionals:

- clinical dental technicians
- dental hygienists
- dental technicians
- dental therapists
- dental nurses
- orthodontic therapists

Source:
General Dental Council

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