Health Ministry nabs four in crackdown on unlicensed dentists

PETALING JAYA: The operations of four fake dentists have been busted as the government steps up efforts in combating the practice of illegal and unlicensed dentistry across the country, says the Health Ministry.

In raids from June to December last year, four were caught by Health Ministry officers and brought to court, Health Ministry Dental director special officer Dr Mustapha told The Star.

Three of them were charged under Section 62(1) of Dental Act 2018 (Act 804) for the illegal practice of dentistry without a licence while one was charged under Section 68 of the same Act for the employment of a fake dentist.

Both violations of Section 62(1) and Section 68 carry the same maximum punishment of up to RM300,000 fine or six years in prison.

The sentences were handed down by the court with one of the illegal dentists fined RM30,000 while another was fined RM25,000 and three years’ imprisonment upon failing to pay the fine.

The last fake dentist has, however, fled and was currently on the run after being given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal in the initial court hearing.

The illegal dentist employer convicted under Section 68 was meanwhile fined RM50,000 by court.

Health Ministry Oral Health Legislation and Enforcement deputy director Dr Haznita Zainal said that the government would continue to actively crack down on illegal and unlicensed dentistry across the country.

"The higher punishment provided under the Dental Act 2018 clearly shows the government's concern in dealing with the fake dentist.

"The sentences that were handed down by the court are beyond the jurisdiction of the ministry.

"However, the ministry will continue to strive to ensure that the people will receive safe and quality treatment.

"We ask that the community continues to cooperate with the ministry by reporting any suspicions of or known activities of illegal or unlicensed dentistry," she told The Star.

The Dental Act 2018 came into effect in January last year and replaced the previous outdated Dental Act 1971.

Apart from the four raids, a total of 24 raids were conducted by Health Ministry enforcement officers in 2022 with the remaining 20 raids still undergoing investigation.