BDA Tells GDC “Stop Using Registrant Money” For Undercover Ops
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- Published: Monday, 12 April 2021 15:27
- Written by Chris Tapper
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The British Dental Association has spoken out after the General Dental Council admitted acting unlawfully when conducting an under-guise operation against a clinical dental technician.
It was revealed last week that Dental Protection had secured the GDC’s admission of unlawfully obtaining evidence through a sealed High Court declaration. Dental Protection was taking action to recover costs from the GDC as well as damages for their member.
The British Dental Association said on its news website that the GDC “Must stop using registrant money on under-cover investigations.”
As reported by GDPUK last week between 2013 and 2019, the GDC spent £59,258.85 on investigators.
The BDA has characterised the GDC’s behaviour during the 2019 investigation as ‘entrapment.’ The BDA “Expressed disbelief that registrant’s fees have been used to cover both the costs of related activity and resulting legal costs.”
The website went on “Following the initial revelations, the regulator attempted to justify its approach, stating there were ‘misconceptions’ about its work in this area. The Association feels such methods must be focused squarely on illegal operators and the growing risk presented by direct-to-patient orthodontics.”
The BDA says it will contribute to ensure that dental regulation in dentistry becomes more proportionate, pointing out that “A significant review of healthcare regulation is currently underway.”
BDA Chair Eddie Crouch told the website “The use of Cloak and dagger tactics against innocent registrants underlines the need for fundamental change at the GDC.
“A devil may care attitude has left registrants footing the bill for unlawful activity, and the resulting legal costs.
"The GDC has tried justifying its approach. Clearly the courts have taken a different view and we now expect our regulator clarifies its future policy in this area publicly as matter of urgency.
“The big task ahead for ministers is to turn the page and deliver proportionate, cost-effective healthcare regulation. We will ensure the voice of our members is heard.”
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