Manila: Police arrested 89 unlicensed dentists last year for illegally offering dental services online. The arrests stemmed from 82 operations conducted by the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).
According to Philippines News Agency, at a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, PNP-ACG director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta stated that 28 of those arrested have already been convicted of violating Republic Act (RA) 9484, or the Philippine Dental Act of 2007, in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. For this year, four fake dentists have already been arrested in four police operations from Jan. 1 to 23, the latest being in Batangas.
Asuata reminded the public that dental procedures should only be performed by a licensed and registered dentist, noting that obtaining services from unqualified or unauthorized practitioners are often risky. "Huwag tangkilikin ang mga indibidwal na walang lisensiya na nag-aalok ng serbisyo sa ngipin, kabilang ang pag-install ng tinatawag na 'DIY braces,' na karaniwang ina-advertise sa mga social media platforms (Do not patronize unlicensed individuals offering dental services, including the installation of so-called 'DIY braces,' which are commonly advertised on social media platforms)," he said.
He urged the public to verify the credentials of dentists with the Philippine Dental Association or any concerned government agency. Fake dentists, Asuata added, should be immediately reported to authorities.
