Manhunt on vs illegal dentists

THE Philippine Dental Association (PDA)-Davao City Chapter said it is hunting down those involved in illegal practice of dentistry as there is a growing number of unlicensed individuals performing dental operations in the city.

The apprehension of unauthorized dentists is part of the PDA-Davao City Chapter's 'Bang Bang for Oral Health Care' project that already started last year.

PDA-Davao City Chapter president Dr. Pinky Ancog said the association was able to apprehend more than 50 illegal practitioners since last year with its recent apprehension of a couple who peformed illegal dental services last August 10 in partnership with National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Ancog said PDA-Davao City Chapter prioritizes the arrest of these illegal dentists as it has affected the reputation of the association and other legal dental practitioners in the country.

"We are also concerned on the health of the citizens who patronize the unlawful practice of these fake dentists. We cannot blame the people if they would want to go to fake dentists as they offer cheaper rates," she said.

PDA-Davao City Chapter former president Dr. Marilyn Cabiles said apprehended illegal dentists may face imprisonment with a fine worth P500,000 under the Republic Act 9484 or the Philippine Dental Act of 2007.

Cabiles also urged citizens to be wary of going to a dentist especially if it's a first time for them to visit one or if the clinic of the `dentist' is newly opened.

"Legal dentists will hang their certificates of legal dentistry and other legal documents on the wall of their clinics so we should all look at those. If possible, we should ask the dentist to show to us his or her registered dentist's identification card and assess if it is really him or her in the picture," she said.

Aside from fake dentists, Cabiles said they are also on guard for fake brace sellers and resellers in social media accounts. She added that the City's Anti-Scam Unit (Casu) has already started its investigation and is currently tracking down the owners of these illegal online sellers.

Ancog said the association, along with NBI and Casu, are working together to stop the illegal practice of dentistry in the city soon.

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