Prominent Dentist Admits to Fake Prescriptions

UK: Renowned dentist Jeremy Isaac has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining diazepam by writing dozens of bogus prescriptions, using the names of his patients, staff members, and even his own partner. 

The shocking revelation came to light during a routine review of NHS controlled drug prescriptions, where it was discovered that Isaac, who earns around £180,000 annually, had prescribed a staggering 60% of all the oral diazepam dispensed across the entire health board over an eight-year period.

During the court proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, the judge condemned Isaac’s actions as a “gross breach of trust.” This conviction, a considerable fall from grace, will likely irreparably damage his reputation. 

The court learned that Isaac operated two dental practices under his name in Port Talbot, one serving private patients and the other offering services to NHS-contracted patients. Additionally, he owned the Welsh Skin Clinic in Taibach, specializing in cosmetic treatments.

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Alarming Prescription Discrepancies

The investigation began in March 2022 when the Swansea Bay University Health Board conducted a review of NHS-controlled drug prescriptions among dentists in the area. Isaac stood out as an “outlier” due to the exceptionally high volume of oral diazepam prescriptions attributed to him. 

Subsequent scrutiny of Isaac’s practice records revealed that he was responsible for approximately 60% of all oral diazepam prescriptions issued by dentists in the Neath Port Talbot area from 2014 to 2022.

A counter-fraud specialist was brought in to examine the situation, and he uncovered that between 2016 and 2022, Isaac had composed a total of 35 fraudulent prescriptions in the names of 13 individuals. 

While five of these names corresponded to real patients, the others were staff members, colleagues, and even Isaac’s partner. None of the individuals in whose names the prescriptions were written were aware of the deception. These counterfeit prescriptions were taken to local pharmacies for diazepam issuance, after which Isaac would reclaim the drugs for his personal use. In total, he illicitly acquired 579 diazepam tablets valued at £103.

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Ongoing Dental Practice with Restrictions

Despite the criminal proceedings, it was revealed that Isaac is still practicing dentistry, albeit with restrictions imposed by the General Dental Council (GDC), the regulatory body overseeing dental professionals. The GDC will make a final determination regarding Isaac’s case following the outcome of his sentencing hearing.

In his defence, Isaac’s legal counsel, Phillipa Ellis, disclosed that the defendant had been struggling with anxiety for an extended period, which exacerbated his irritable bowel syndrome. However, he had refrained from seeking help from his general practitioner due to embarrassment, a decision he now deeply regrets. 

Ellis explained that the anxiety stemmed from various sources, including a tumultuous relationship breakup and the challenges of maintaining his businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isaac is now addressing these issues through cognitive behavioural therapy, and a custodial sentence would significantly impact his businesses and the 30 staff members employed there.

Jeremy David Isaac, 64, residing in West Road, Nottage, Porthcawl, had no previous convictions before pleading guilty to fraud by false representation. The court awaits the sentencing hearing to determine the consequences of his actions.

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