Legal News
Warning over dangers of using counterfeit dental equipment (12 October 2016)
Date: 12/10/2016
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is joining forces with the British Dental Industry Association (BDIA) to warn of the risks of buying non-compliant and counterfeit dental devices.
In the last year, MHRA has seized more than 1,900 counterfeit and non-compliant dental devices, including dental hand pieces, dental surgery equipment and drill bits.
Counterfeit dental equipment may cause injury to patients and dentists and the MHRA and BDIA have joined forces to raise awareness of the dangers that they present to patients and dentists.
The cheap devices are being sold via the Internet and can break and shatter while in the mouth, potentially causing horrific damage to the teeth and gums, says the MHRA.
MHRA’s Head of Enforcement, Alastair Jeffery, said:
“Dental patients expect quality care, including the standard of the instruments and devices used by dental professionals.
“It is vital dentists and dental staff purchase equipment from bona fide suppliers and avoid non-compliant or counterfeit devices.
“If they fail when being used and damage your patient, seemingly cheap devices may end up costing you more in the long run.”
BDIA Policy and Public Affairs Director, Edmund Proffitt, added:
“Together we can make a real difference educating dentists to the dangers of counterfeit devices, ensuring that they can buy with confidence and eradicating these dangerous and fake products from dentistry.”
Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Dental Negligence Claims
Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise NHS and private dental patients who have suffered injury as a result negligent dental care on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation, including claims involving:
• Anaesthetic errors
• Bridgework
• Cancer misdiagnosis
• Caries and decay
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Crowns
• Failing to take X-rays
• Failure to diagnose/refer/treat
• Fillings
• Implants
• Mouth injuries
• Orthodontics
• Root canal procedures.
Dental negligence claims have to be made within three years of injury or diagnosis of injury – children can make personal injury claims up to the age of 21.
For expert legal advice on no win no fee Dental Negligence Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.