The UK dental regulator, the General Dental Council (GDC), has successfully prosecuted Mr Andrew White of Aspire Dental Laboratories Limited, Bakewell, for three counts of illegally practising dentistry.

Mr White pleaded guilty to the three offences at Chesterfield Magistrates Court on 8 August 2007. These offences related to his treatment of an elderly patient over a period of two years. The treatment involved the manufacture and fitting of dentures which proved to be ill fitting and caused the patient a great deal of discomfort which required her to undergo extensive medical treatment. As Mr White is not registered with the GDC these are criminal offences under the Dentists Act.

Mr White was fined £2,250 (£750 per offence), was ordered to pay £500 compensation to the patient and to pay a contribution of £1,830 to the GDC's costs.

The recent convictions followed two earlier convictions against Mr White at the same court on 16 April 2007 for the illegal practice of dentistry involving two other patients.

GDC Chief Executive and Registrar Duncan Rudkin said:

“The General Dental Council’s priority is to protect the public. We can do this by taking action against individuals who abuse patient trust by practising illegally.

We rely on information we receive from patients and others. If any members of the public have information which suggests that an individual has practised dentistry without being registered with the GDC they should contact us.”

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Notes to editors:

1. The Dentists Act 1984 makes it a criminal offence for anyone other than a GDC-registered dentist or dental care professional (or, in limited circumstances, someone registered with another regulatory body) to practise dentistry. The GDC considers that the practice of dentistry includes any treatment or advice which is usually given by dentists.
2. The GDC is committed to protecting the public by bringing cases of illegal practice of dentistry to court. When we receive information that suggests an unregistered person may be practising dentistry illegally, we investigate. Where we have sufficient evidence, we proceed with a prosecution to the local Magistrates Court. The penalty for the illegal practice of dentistry is a fine.
3. The General Dental Council regulates dental professionals in the UK. All dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists must be registered with us to work in the UK - whether they work in the NHS, private practice or any other form of practice. From 31 July 2008 all dental nurses and dental technicians must be registered with us to work in the UK.