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Dentist faces ban for poor work and fraud

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A dentist faces being barred from the profession for giving poor-quality treatment and being involved in an insurance fraud.

Dr Amit Kotecha appeared before the General Dental Council accused of providing £26,000 worth of complex restorative dental treatment "beyond the limits of his clinical competence" between March 2008 and November 2009.

The dentist, from Kirby Muxloe, was also accused of being involved in a fraudulent claim to a health insurer for £3,150.

After hearing evidence against Dr Kotecha, the council concluded that "for the protection of the public" it was necessary to suspend his registration immediately.

If he does not appeal within 28 days, Dr Kotecha, who has previously hit the headlines for twice attempting to reach the top of Everest for charity, will have his name "erased from the dentists' register".

The council's professional conduct committee was told the patient to whom the allegations related had more than 50 appointments with Dr Kotecha at Care Dental, in Leicester Forest East.

During that time, the dentist did not act "in the best interests of the patient", whom he should have referred to a specialist.

Failings included the poor fitting of teeth implants, the fitting of an unsatisfactory bridge and poor patient record-keeping.

The committee also heard Dr Kotecha was then involved in a claim to the insurer, Simplyhealth, for £3,150 to cover the cost of the patient's replacement bridge – for which the patient was not charged.

In Dr Kotecha's defence, the panel was told the dishonesty over the claim was "out of character" and "lacked premeditation or sophistication".

The committee said it was clear from testimonials that Dr Kotecha's colleagues held him in high regard and that he was well liked by his patients.

But in their report, members told Mr Kotecha: "You showed no remorse for your actions and were evasive in your evidence.

"You did not use any of the opportunities during questioning to show you have reflected on the gravity of your dishonesty.

"The committee determined your fitness to practice is currently impaired."

The committee said an aggravating feature was that "you involved a dental nurse in a false insurance claim from which you would benefit".

The nurse, Alexandra Armston, has been suspended for a year for her part in helping to make the false claim.

The committee said it considered her "dishonesty is unlikely to be repeated" and that it had taken account of her relative inexperience and the likelihood she was subject to Dr Kotecha's "influence" in submitting the claim.

When contacted by the Mercury, Dr Kotecha said: "I would like to thank my patients, family and friends for their support and loyalty throughout this process.

"As the matter is not yet fully concluded it would be inappropriate to comment further."

Asked if he was planning to appeal the council's decision, Dr Kotecha said: "I am considering my options."

Dentist faces ban for poor work and fraud


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