A DENTIST who used a fake price list to overcharge patients has been allowed to continue working.

Singh Photay, pretended his fees were based on NHS guidelines at his practices in Valley Drive, Gravesend, and West Hill, Dartford, in 2001 and 2002.

At a hearing on October 5, the General Dental Council (GDC) heard how Photay, of Ampleforth Road, Abbey Wood, made a string of false claims for non-existent treatments.

His hearing was adjourned in June after Photay was rushed to hospital with chest pains.

The GDC had already found he had acted dishonestly and his conduct was misleading and inappropriate.

Photay had denied 31 charges alleging his conduct was inappropriate, misleading or dishonest.

These included invoicing the NHS for treatment given to nine patients when the work was never carried out.

Although the dentist only treated two patients himself, the GDC heard he had the overall responsibility of checking claims made by his staff.

He also cheated by routinely claiming money from the NHS for two fillings when one had been done.

Photay said he had made changes to his practice computers so "there is no way I can overcharge a patient".

He blamed the fraud on an assistant who had worked at the practice for four months.

The panel found Photay guilty of serious professional misconduct but he can continue to work as a dentist.