Dental practitioner fined over £10k after illegal tooth whitening claim
21st July 2017 A former dental technician who was convicted of offering tooth whitening treatment illegally has been ordered to pay over £10,000 and has also been issued with a Criminal Behaviour Order preventing him from advertising his services or practicing dentistry.
This is the first time the General Dental Council (GDC) has been granted a criminal behaviour order. Should the order be breached, it could result in an increased fine, a prison sentence or both.
Originally banned from practicing dentistry by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) in 2012 for causing harm to patients and failing to accept accountability, the former dental practitioner was brought to the GDC’s attention after they received a complaint.
The banned practitioner was accused of offering tooth whitening services without being on the register of dental care professionals and was found guilty following a trial at a Magistrates’ Court.
The judge presiding over the case said: ““You do not have the qualifications or registration with the General Dental Council to carry out tooth whitening, and I’m quite certain that places members of the public at risk.”
The convicted former practitioner was fined £4,500 and ordered to pay £120 as a victim surcharge along with full costs to the GDC which totalled £5,703.99.
The Interim Head of the Illegal Practice team for the GDC, Mr Shaun Round, said: “This outcome shows how seriously both the GDC and the Magistrates’ Court take the illegal practice of dentistry. To ensure patient safety, tooth whitening can only be carried out by dentists and dental care professionals who are registered with the GDC. The GDC investigates and, where appropriate, prosecutes those who carry out illegal dentistry, to ensure that members of the public are protected and not put at risk.”
“This is the first time that the GDC has sought – and been granted – a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which aims to stop people reoffending and further endangerment of the public.”
“We hope this outcome will encourage patients to ensure that when they seek dental treatment – such as teeth whitening – they check whether the practitioner is registered with the GDC.”
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