Rhos-on-Sea man ordered to pay £775 after failing to renew dentist subscription

Published date: 18 June 2014 | 

Published by: Staff reporter
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FAILURE to renew a £120 annual subscription to the General Dental Council led to a 55 year old Rhos-on-Sea man paying a total of £775 in  fines and costs yesterday (Tuesday).

Paul Cattell of Elwy Road pleaded guilty at Llandudno court to three charges brought by the GDC

They were two of "holding himself out as being prepared to practise dentistry"  when unregistered and one of unlawfully using the title "dental technician" in an advert at a Rhos newsagent's.

Barrister Katie Spears prosecuting for the Council said Cattell was offering  a new set of dentures and impressions for £200 and £40 or £45 for realignment or other work, operating from a laboratory at his home.

She said he'd paid his annual retention fee but then ceased in 2012.

Graham Parry, defending, explained "he can repair dentures without being registered but can't do anything else." It had not been necessary to be registered until 2008 but he had allowed it to lapse. When an undercover investigator visited him and inquired about work Cattell first recommended two local dentists but then agreed to do it in order to be helpful.

When the fines were announced Cattell was told magistrates had taken into consideration his good character and the fact that there had been no complaints of any harm.