Illegal practice

22 March 2013
Volume 29 · Issue 3

The UK regulator of dental practice, the General Dental Council (GDC), has successfully prosecuted a man for working as a dental technician whilst not registered with the GDC.

By law 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. This is to ensure only appropriately qualified and skilled dental professionals are part of the dental team looking after patients.

In March 2013 Mr Ray Wolland appeared at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the offence of unlawfully holding himself out as being prepared to practise dentistry, contrary to sections 38 (1) and (2) of the Dentists Act 1984.

The court heard that on May 29, 2012 Mr Wolland offered his services as a dental technician at six Ronald Rolph Court, Wadloes Road, Cambridge, whilst not registered with the GDC.
 
In delivering their guilty verdict, the Chairwoman of the Magistrates’ bench said the evidence of the prosecution witnesses was indisputable.

He has been fined £1000, ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge and full costs to the GDC of £2,827.70.