A DENTIST who practises in Worcestershire has been suspended after leaving a patient with fangs like "Dracula" and plundering NHS coffers.

Jaspal Singh Bachada charged for unnecessary work or billed for treatment he never carried out on six patients at two Birmingham practices in 2000, a General Dental Council tribunal concluded.

He was found guilty of serious professional misconduct but escaped being struck off after the hearing was told he is now a "chastened man".

Now the NHS Counter Fraud Service has confirmed it is investigating further claims from patients he treated at his Droitwich Spa Dental Practice, in Blackfriars Avenue, Droitwich.

"Although it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage, we will take the toughest possible action against those who abuse the NHS," said a CFS spokesman.

It is believed the claims involve Bachada claiming money from South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust - for treatment that was carried out at his own privately-run practice.

A Droitwich woman, who wished to remain anonymous, is considering civil action against Bachada and has made a formal statement to the CFS.

"I was not happy with my treatment and I know a significant number of patients have moved from the practice over the last few years," she said.

She added she was "delighted" by the news the dentist had been suspended for six months by officials at the London hearing on Tuesday.

Bachada, aged 31, of Christchurch Close, Edgbaston, was reported by a 16-year-old patient's mother.

The teenager wanted to "look like his friends" and was given two gold crowns to his front teeth, but the boy's mother said she "hated" Bachada's work.

"The two top teeth were triangular, they were horrible," she said. "They were like Dracula."

The dentist did not give evidence at the tribunal but his legal team claimed he was unaware of NHS regulations when he made incorrect charges.

Tribunal Chairman Colin Smith said it was no excuse, adding: "You sought deliberately to obtain financial payments to which you were not entitled. This was dishonest."

Yesterday, staff at his practice said the dentist still owned it but no longer worked there. They declined to comment further.

A South Worcestershire PCT spokesman said he was aware of the situation but would not comment on any fresh allegations.