GDC suspend registration for use of counterfeit equipment

At a hearing this month, Hamza Tahir Sheikh admitted to buying non-compliant and counterfeit dental equipment from an online auction website. The equipment included five Yabangbang contra angle fibre optic handpieces, an NSK S Max SG 20 reduction 20:1 handpiece and one Skysea dental handpiece. These pieces of equipment, which he purchased to treat his patients with, were counterfeit and non-compliant – which means that while they may look like a branded product, they are not, and will not be tested to the relevant safety standards.

The equipment was seized following two separate inspections carried out by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) at Mr Sheikh’s practice. The MHRA regulate medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion in the UK.

A fitness to practise investigation was conducted by the General Dental Council and was heard by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) on July 7, where Hamza Tahir Sheikh admitted to a number of allegations relating to the purchase of the equipment.