eBay Dental Equipment may bite back

The MHRA has warned people against buying dental equipment over the internet after enforcement investigators seized a number of potentially dangerous fake dental instruments including a non-approved portable dental x-ray unit that could emit harmful radiation.

A West Midlands business was raided by the MHRA and a total of 100 fake dental instruments were seized following an anonymous complaint regarding non CE marked portable x-ray unit bought on eBay.

Test revealed that one of the machines available for sale had a lack of sufficient shielding in the x-ray tube which could mean that the machines were emitting harmful radiation levels to both the operator and the patient.

MHRA is working closely with eBay to prevent further unapproved devices being sold. Fake equipment can be spotted by the following:

1. The Dental instrument has no recognised brand name and can be recognised by missing information on the packaging;

2. No instructions for use leaflet is with the product;

3. No lot or batch identification number is listed;

4. No CE mark affixed;

5. No manufacturer or European representative details is listed; and

6. No four digit unique identification number to show the device has been through the appropriate notified Body assessment.

John Wilkinson the MHRA's Director of Devices said "People should be cautious when buying any dental or medical equipment from the Internet because unapproved medical devises can be dangerous or ineffective."

Any faulty medical devices should be reported at 0203 080 7080 or www.mhra.gov.uk."

BDA Membership fees

BDA membership fees are currently being reviewed with the BDA introducing a new membership structure offering more choice regarding the benefits and level of fees paid. Although launching in June 2012, no concrete plans have yet been finalised.

Review of Cosmetic Inventions launched

The Department of Health has launched a review of the Regulations of Cosmetic Interventions Sir Bruce Keogh, the NHS Medical Director, is leading the review and seeking views on experience of cosmetic surgery industry and cosmetic procedures. Among those reviewed and identified for consideration are teeth whitening and Botox.

The issues to be considered are:

  • Whether there is sufficient amount of regulation in place;
  • Whether patients are making informed decisions before opting for surgery; and,
  • Ensuring sufficient aftercare is provided to patients.

Sir Bruce will be gathering evidence and making recommendations to the Government in March 2013. Dentists can comment at: www.dh.gov.uk/health/cosmetic-form/.

Stem Cell Tooth Fairy

Dentists have been worried about accepting cash for stem cell research. Dentists were being awarded £100 cash bonus for each patient who supplied a tooth to be processed. Precious Cells founder Husein Salem who operates the scheme said that there is no evidence as yet that dentist collections were ongoing. The GDC has stated that it will hold an investigation into the practise. Professional conduct guidance says that dentists must put patient's interests before their own or those of any organisation or business.

NHS Fraud

Dr Werner Muller and Dr John Atkinson were both found guilty of fraud at Leicestershire Crown Court. During a month long trial the Court heard how the Defendants embarked on a scam by billing the NHS for private work to gain extra UDAs for underperformance to prevent the PCT from claw backing the money. Both men were convicted of evasion of liability by deception, fraud and false accounting. The GDC is currently carrying out its own investigation and both dentists could be struck off the Dentist Register. Each was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for a year, and ordered to do 300 hours of unpaid work.

Beautician overturns illegal practice conviction

A Southport beautician has been convicted of carrying out tooth whitening and fined £1,200 together with costs. However the beautician has subsequently obtained a Statutory Declaration following the prosecution and the convictions no longer stand. The GDC has announced that it is considering whether or not to reinstitute proceedings against her.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.