Appearing at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on November 17, 2016, Robert Webb (60) was fined £4,500 – £1,500 for each offence – and was also ordered to pay a £150 victim surcharge and £1,883.18 in costs to the GDC – a total of £6,533.18.
Mr Webb had been previously qualified and registered as a dental technician with the GDC but was removed from the register on November 28, 2014, for failing to adhere to his continuing professional development requirements. Subsequently, the GDC was informed that Mr Webb was offering to provide dentures directly to the public at Dentures Direct in Hitchin.
During an investigation, Mr Webb offered to take impressions and fit a new set of dentures for investigators for the sum of £650. He also referred to himself as a clinical dental technician – which is a protected title and, since he was removed from the register, was misleading and unlawful. The investigators also noted that the premises, where Mr Webb worked alone, were very dirty, covered in a thick layer of dust and had cages containing several hedgehogs next to the treatment area.
Victoria Sheppard-Jones, interim head of illegal practice at the GDC said: “This latest successful prosecution and the level of the fine imposed demonstrates how seriously the court view these matters. Previous qualification and registration does not preclude an individual from being prosecuted if there is evidence of illegal practice. We hope that this case acts as both a deterrent and a reminder for practitioners in this sector of the importance of being on the register of dental professionals if you are providing dentures to patients.”
“If an individual is not registered there is simply no way of being sure that they are qualified and have the skills to do the job they say they will do – which could have severe health and financial implications for the patient.
“We always strongly advise anyone considering dental treatment to check the individual is on the GDC register.”