A dentist accused of defrauding NHS coffers put hi
A dentist accused of defrauding NHS coffers put his career on the line for less than pnds stlng 1,000, a disciplinary tribunal was told today (THURS).
Peter Coffey, 35, is said to have made improper claims over the treatment of four Manchester patients in October 1997.
And Coffey – described as a ‘belting dentist’ – faces being struck off if he is found guilty of serious professional misconduct.
The professional conduct committee of the General Dental Council was told the case involves claims for just pnds stlng 933.
80.
At the time Coffey worked as an associate dentist in a practice at (301) Fairfield Road, Droylsden, Manchester.
He has since returned to Ireland and now practices in Dublin.
John Snell, for the GDC, said claims were submitted to the Dental Practice Board for payment and the practitioner’s claims were investigated ‘because of the high number of priority treatments’.
He said the records of 41 patients were looked at and four were examined at Manchester Dental Hospital by a board appointed dentist.
‘As a result of the examinations it appears Coffey breached his terms of service because he claimed and received payment for treatment not undertaken and for treatment that was not necessary,’ said Mr Snell.
Coffey’s NHS employer at the time, the West Pennines Health Authority, were informed of the situation.
The committee heard that in April 2000 the dentist resigned and returned to Eire.
Mr Snell said because of this the health authority mistakenly halted disciplinary proceedings resulting in a delay of 15 months before the matter was reported to the council.
A long distance lorry driver, referred to as Patient 2, was adamant he could remember the treatment he received over three visits to Coffey’s surgery despite it being over five years ago.
‘I am 99 percent certain,’ he said.
‘I am petrified of dentists.
If I have a problem with my teeth I go to the dentist.
‘If he cannot do it there and then, I find another one.
‘
He said he first went to Coffey because of a gum infection.
The dentist made an examination, cleaned his teeth and took x-rays.
On a second visit, he received two fillings and a third on his final appointment
Patient 2 said it was not possible he received more extensive restoration work, fluoride treatment and a prescription for antibiotics.
But he did pay tribute to Coffey.
‘I went home and told the wife he is a belting dentist.
‘
He agreed he was examined in March 1998 by the official dentist.
‘When I got the letter, I though ”Oh God, they have found something else”.
‘
The hearing continues.
ends
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