Teenagers with braces ‘abandoned’ by orthodontist in Cornwall

Withington, along with former associate orthodontist Jamie Deans, are now volunteering to help some of his former patients who had paid for treatment.

Deans says he just wants to keep his previous patients safe at a difficult time.

He says unsupervised wearing of braces can “risk damage” to the mouth, with appointments not only needed to adjust the appliance and progress treatment but also to “monitor for some of the unwanted rare side effects of braces”.

The Dental Complaints Service says it will refer fitness to practise concerns about registered dental professionals to the GDC for investigation, where appropriate.

It adds: “We recognise this is a distressing situation for those affected and the Dental Complaints Service will continue to support patients as much as possible.”

The BBC has put detailed allegations to Counihan and Ahmed, including questions about patient care, outstanding debts, supplier payments and concerns raised by former staff.

They were contacted by email, letter and telephone but the BBC has received no response.

For Niamh and the other patients left in limbo, an apology would be welcome.

“That’s the least they should do,” she says.

“This is their problem, they’ve left people with no options, they’ve disappeared.”

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