Fake New Cross Hospital dentist admits fraud

A dentist who worked at New Cross Hospital used a bogus qualification to secure jobs and earn nearly £230,000 over nine years admitted forgery this afternoon.

Vinisha Sharma, from Willenhall, was warned she faces jail after forging a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from India.

The fake qualification secured her a job at The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust in 2000.

The former Wolverhampton Girls High School student worked as a senior house officer in the oral and maxillofacial departments of six hospital trusts in total.

The city's crown court heard it was essential for anyone in the role, which involves carrying out minor surgery and examinations, to have a BDS degree or equivalent.

Sharma, who drove a Mercedes with a BDS numberplate, said she obtained the degree from an institute in Amritsar, India. But the 37-year-old, of Honeybourne Way, actually had no qualifications after dropping out of a five-year dentistry course in London after four years.

In 2008 a consultant raised concerns about her qualifications and NHS counter-fraud officers were contacted.

Mr Andrew Evans, prosecuting, said: "The institute has no record of the defendant. Had hospitals known, they would never have employed her."

Sharma, who pleaded guilty this afternoon to seven charges of fraud and forgery, submitted a forged BDS certificate to register with the General Dental Council.

Judge Amjad Nawaz said there was a "high probability" she would be jailed when sentenced next month.