www.mddus.com


with my manager and decide whether a report to the Procurator Fiscal is appropriate. It is a decision that requires some consideration, as the consequences for a dentist convicted of fraud against the NHS are many – a prison sentence, fine, suspension or they may be struck off the GDC register. If the decision is not to refer, or if the Fiscal


decides not to take criminal proceedings, a report is sent to the relevant health board recommending further action. This may include reporting the matter to their Reference Committee to decide whether the matter should be referred to the GDC. CFS may also recommend that the health board recovers any overpaid claims from the suspect.


Advice points Good record keeping is extremely important in avoiding allegations of dental fraud. Comprehensive notes will help avoid mistakes when claiming for dental treatments or services and provide evidence to support your claims. I would also suggest that you become


familiar with the NHS claiming process in your practice to make sure that the treatment you prescribe is the treatment being claimed in your name. Fee scales can be complex so always check the number of items and allowances and the conditions that apply to them. Don’t rely on the advice of a colleague. If in doubt, contact the appropriate paying authority. You should never claim more than your


entitlement because you think the system is unfair or doesn’t offer sufficient remuneration for the amount of work you have put in. Some procedures may not yield large rewards for the complex work involved, but these small deceptions are not worth the risk of a fraud investigation and potential professional trouble with the GDC. Never make false claims or invent patients


in a bid to relieve short-term financial troubles. You may think the deception has gone unnoticed but the system will most likely catch up with you further down the line. Contact your professional association for advice if you find yourself in difficulty. If you provide a service to NHS Scotland, you


have a moral obligation to help prevent fraud. Only a very small number of healthcare professionals seek to defraud the NHS, but our aim is to identify those areas of misuse of resources, ensuring that money intended for the provision of frontline healthcare is spent where it is intended. For further information go to www.cfs.scot.nhs.uk


The author works as an investigator for NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services


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