A probe has been launched into the conduct of a dentist previously convicted of NHS fraud a decade ago.
Ronald Tod Findlay, of South Kingennie Steadings, near Broughty Ferry, had £5,033.59 recovered from him in March 2010 when he was caught “misclaiming” items for patient treatments.
As a result, the General Dental Council decided to form an inquiry into 10 of his patient records and 10 “concerns” were raised. The GDC’s investigating committee will consider 10 allegations against him in February but watchdogs have imposed an order that he be closely supervised at work in the meantime.
Issues investigated included allegations of causing damage to the dentition of patients, failing to diagnose the decay and crumbling of teeth, submitting inappropriate claims for treatment and prescribing medication or invasive treatment without taking an adequate or any medical history.
When approached, Mr Findlay declined to comment.
To protect the public, the GDC’s interim orders committee has decided to impose conditions on him for 18 months as of December 16. Included in the 10 conditions is the fact he now must not carry out any clinical practice unless “closely supervised”.
The report revealed there were “extensive allegations” against Mr Findlay and an order was “necessary to protect the public”. It stated: “The committee has determined it is necessary for the protection of the public to impose an interim order on your registration.
“The allegations are wide ranging, relate to fundamental aspects of dentistry and involve a number of patients.
“The information covers a long period of time and, in some cases, clinical errors were said to have been repeated several times.
“There is also evidence patients may have been harmed.
“Whilst the committee took into account the concerns were raised 18 months ago, it was not satisfied you have taken sufficient steps to address the issues highlighted.
“The committee decided there would be a risk to patients if some form of restriction was not placed on your registration. An order is, therefore, necessary to protect the public.”
In 2004, Findlay was convicted of defrauding the NHS in a landmark prosecution and was later suspended from the profession for three months.
He created Scottish legal history after he admitted supplying 22 patients with non-precious materials for fillings while charging them for gold.