BDA issues new advice on counterfeit dental equipment

The British Dental Association (BDA) has produced new advice for its members warning of the risks of purchasing counterfeit dental equipment.

A surge in illegal dental equipment being seized by police towards the end of last year has prompted the organisation to provide new guidance on what to look out for when purchasing equipment.

Available online, the advice also covers how to spot a fake and the actions that should be taken if dentists discover that an item they have purchased is fake.

This initiative has been launched in support of the British Dental Industry Association's ongoing campaign to encourage the reporting of sellers of substandard and illegal products, in order to promote responsible purchasing throughout the dental supply chain.

BDA chair Mick Armstrong said: "The BDA encourages all dentists to source equipment from legitimate, reputable manufacturers and suppliers who can demonstrate that the necessary legal requirements are being met."

Purchasing equipment from legitimate sellers only can help ensure that patients and staff are kept safe, and that the practice does not fall foul of regulations.