GDC issues warning over counterfeit dental equipment

The General Dental Council (GDC) has become the latest organisation to warn dentists of the danger posed by counterfeit equipment.

A reminder has been issued to all registrants by the regulator of the need to ensure they follow the appropriate procedures when purchasing dental equipment, to ensure the products they are buying or commissioning are legitimate.

It was noted that counterfeit equipment can look genuine and even carry CE approval markings, but can be potentially dangerous to patients and dental staff using them. Professionals are encouraged to consult the GDC's guidance on the matter for further advice.

This follows a recent campaign by the British Dental Industry Association and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) highlighted the growing trade in counterfeit dental equipment, with 12,000 iterms having been seized after being imported from overseas in the last six months.

The organisation said: "Their campaign is a timely reminder to all GDC registrants that counterfeiting is illegal, and can have serious health and safety consequences due to poor quality workmanship and standards."

According to the MHRA, the risk of purchasing fake equipment is even higher when using online auctions sites such as eBay.