Jailed dentist struck off

The allegations against Joyce Elaine Trail were heard by the GDC’s Professional Conduct Committee.

The charges she faced were that:

1. On 31 July 2012, at Birmingham Crown Court, she was convicted of an offence of Conspiracy to Defraud and, on 5 October 2012, she was sentenced to six and a half years’ imprisonment for that offence.

2. On 29 August 2012, at Birmingham Crown Court, she was convicted of an offence of perverting the Course of Justice and, on 5 October 2012, she was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for that offence to run consecutively to the sentence imposed at 1 above.

In the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2009, Ms Trail submitted 7,141 fraudulent claims to the NHS in relation to:

– pain treatment for patients she had not in fact treated
– the provision and fitting of dentures for persons who were not entitled to have their  treatment paid for by the NHS
– the provision and fitting of dentures for people who did not need or require them
– the claimed provision of dentures to people who were deceased.

The Committee was informed that the fraud amounted to £1,376,423 being paid to Ms Trail by the NHS.

In making its decision the Committee noted that: 'The gravity of Ms Trail’s convictions offended fundamental standards of behaviour expected of a member of the dental profession. Her convictions go to her character and her actions are incapable of remedy. She has brought the profession into disrepute and remains subject to the lengthy custodial sentences imposed upon her by the Court.'

Unless Ms Trail, who was immediately suspended, exercises her right of appeal, her name will be struck off the register in approximately 33 days’ time.

More details can be found on the GDC’s website www.gdc-uk.org  
 

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