A woman from Dartford has pleaded guilty to practising dentistry illegally following a prosecution by the General Dental Council (GDC).

A woman from Dartford has pleaded guilty to practising dentistry illegally following a prosecution by the General Dental Council (GDC).

Lisa Fox was handed a conditional discharge and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge and a contribution of £400 towards the GDC’s costs, at Bexley Magistrates’ Court.

Ms Fox admitted practising dentistry – specifically teeth whitening – illegally at Guys n Dolls, 44 London Road, Dartford, on 28 April 2017. The Dentists Act 1984 outlines that to practise dentistry legally – which includes teeth whitening – an individual must be registered with the GDC.

The GDC’s role is to regulate the dental team in order to protect patients and help to maintain public confidence in dental services. One of the ways patients are protected and public confidence is maintained, is by prosecuting people who carry out dentistry illegally.

Shaun Round, Interim Head of Illegal Practice at the GDC, said: 'It is imperative that dental professionals are registered to practise. Registration ensures that only those fully trained and qualified can practise dentistry legally. It also places a legal requirement on dental professionals to keep their skills and knowledge up to date through the completion of continued professional development (CPD) – this makes sure that patients receive the best possible treatment by a professional that is trained, competent and indemnified.

'Registration with the GDC is also required to purchase valid indemnity insurance, which is imperative as it allows patients to seek compensation if they are harmed as a consequence. By performing dentistry illegally, patients are placed at serious risk of harm.'

The register of dental professionals is publicly available on the GDC’s website, www.GDC-uk.org.

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