Dental Protection: Government proposal could deprive dentists of NHS Pension Scheme prior to a conviction

Dental Protection has serious concerns about this proposal as it goes against the principles of natural justice which assumes that one is innocent until proven guilty.

The DHSC has argued that this change would enable them to start the lengthy process of removing pension rights sooner prior to a conviction being made. This proposed change will put healthcare professionals and their families in a very difficult situation at an already distressing time.

Although the medical and dental unions lead on pension issues, Dental Protection has strong concerns given the implications these proposed changes could have for dentists facing criminal charges.

Raj Rattan, dental director at Dental Protection, said, “We are strongly opposed to the Department of Health and Social Care’s proposal, which goes against the basic principle of natural justice, being innocent until proven guilty.

“If this goes ahead, it is unfair that dentists facing unproven allegations could find their pension rights put at risk prior to any conviction being made.