Dentist struck off for false claims

A dentist has been struck off by the General Dental Council (GDC) following a public hearing into allegations he made false claims to the NHS.

The allegations heard by the GDC’s Professional Conduct Committee were in connection with incidents that happened between 2000 and 2008 when Thomas Shanks (Registration No.54323) was working at T Alan Shanks and Associates, Shettleston Road, Glasgow and at Main Street, Bailleston.

Amongst the charges found proved against Mr Shanks were claims for products that hadn’t been provided and for visits that hadn’t taken place.

In considering this case, the Committee noted: 'Between 2000 and 2008 Mr Shanks made inappropriate claims for the provision of tissue conditioner, special trays, identification markers, and domiciliary visits. He made these claims for significant financial benefit and he did so dishonestly.

'These were not one-off claims. The dishonesty was repeated on a regular basis over a lengthy period of time.'

In the circumstances, the Committee determined that the only appropriate and proportionate sanction, to maintain the standards of the dental profession and public confidence in it, was that of erasure.

Unless Mr Shanks exercises his right of appeal, his name will be erased from the register in 28 days’ time. He has been suspended with immediate effect.

More details can be found on the GDC’s website www.gdc-uk.org.

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