11 May 2012

GDC prosecutes former registrant

A Surrey-based dentist has been successfully prosecuted by the General Dental Council (GDC) and ordered to pay £2000 in costs for the illegal practice of dentistry.

On Friday 11 May 2012 Mr Richard Spencer, who formerly worked from Aberfoyle Dental Surgery, Epsom Road, Epsom, Surrey pleaded guilty at Redhill Magistrates’ Court to unlawfully holding himself out as being prepared to practise dentistry while not registered, contrary to Section 38 (1) of the Dentists Act 1984.

He also pleaded guilty to unlawfully using the title of dental surgeon on registration forms at the above named premises, contrary to Section 39 of the Dentists Act 1984.

Mr Spencer has not been registered with the GDC since 2007.

All dentists, dental nurses, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians, dental hygienists, dental therapists and orthodontic therapists must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK.

Mr Spencer received a conditional discharge of 12 months on both offences and was ordered to pay £2000 towards GDC costs.

Chief Executive of the GDC Evlynne Gilvarry said:

“We are committed to taking action against people who practise dentistry illegally, whether they’ve been removed from our register or never gained the qualifications to register in the first place. I hope this prosecution sends a clear message to others who may be tempted to practise unlawfully. They are a risk to the people they treat and we will do everything we can to ensure public safety.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

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. 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: