Dentists struck off for falsifying documents

Two dentists have been erased from the General Dental Council (GDC) register after falsifying documents, including fabricated employment references and fake indemnity certificates.

In a hearing concluding on 29 September, the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) said the first dentist had knowingly supplied fake Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) indemnity certificates to the GDC. Proper indemnity cover was not in place for a period of approximately 15.5 months, with the dentist continuing to treat patients throughout.

Clinical failings were also reported, such as inadequate assessment and treatment, not taking a necessary radiograph, insufficient discussion of treatment risks and benefits, and failure to obtain valid consent.

The committee also found that they failed to treat a patient with ‘dignity and respect’, with the patient describing the dentist as ‘dismissive and belittling’.

Evidence of patient harm was given, as an open contact point left between teeth had caused ‘inflammation, discomfort and pain from food packing’.

The committee determined that erasure with immediate suspension was the only appropriate sanction. It concluded that the dentist’s ‘dishonest behaviour towards his regulator, (their) blatant disregard of the GDC’s rules and regulations as well as (their) lack of insight is incompatible with being a registered dentist’.

Falsified employment references

In a separate hearing earlier in September, the GDC also ordered the erasure of a second dentist after they admitted falsifying employment references.

In 2023, a witness reported hiring the dentist after reaching out to two email addresses they provided as referees, receiving positive feedback on the candidate from both.

However, the PCC found that the email addresses were fake and, along with the responses, had been created by the dentist themself.

After the dentist had stopped working at the practice, the practice owner discovered that one referee’s email address was incorrect. Both supposed referees then confirmed they had not supplied references.

The dentist admitted that this conduct was misleading, dishonest and lacked integrity. While the PCC acknowledged this remorse and some ‘very difficult personal circumstances’ when the misconduct occurred, it remained concerned that the clinician had not explained why they falsified the references.

Ultimately, the committee found that a lesser sanction than erasure with immediate suspension would not maintain public confidence or uphold professional standards.

Unless an appeal is initiated, both dentists’ names will be erased from the register within 28 days of the determination being served.

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