Four fake dentists extracted

PETALING JAYA: Four fake dentists were arrested during operations to curb illegal and unlicensed dentistry nationwide in the second half of last year, says the Health Ministry.

A spokesman said the four raids were carried out between June and December last year and four suspects were hauled to court.

Three were charged under Section 62(1) of Dental Act 2018 (Act 804) which prohibits persons who are not registered under Act 804 from practising dentistry.

The fourth individual was charged under Section 68 of the same Act for employing an unlicenced dentist.

Both violations 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 failure to pay the fine.

The last fake dentist has, however, fled and is 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.

Health Ministry Oral Health Legislation and Enforcement deputy director Dr Haznita Zainal said the government will 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 problem.

“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 continue to cooperate with the ministry by reporting any suspicions of or known activities of illegal or unlicensed dentistry,” she told The Star.

She added that the ministry would also continue its efforts in conveying information about the dangers of getting treatment from fake dentists to the public through awareness programmes.

The Dental Act 2018 came into effect in January last year and replaced the previous outdated Dental Act 1971.

A further 19 raids were conducted by Health Ministry enforcement officers last year but the cases and suspects arrested are still being investigated.