‘FAKE DENTISTS CAN KILL’

They can cause irreparable damage, says Malaysian Dental Association

THE Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) has warned that dental treatment carried out by “fake dentists” could increase the risk of morbidity or even death in a patient.

The issue came to light recently when an individual, who reportedly learnt how to perform orthodontic treatment from YouTube, was arrested after failing to pay a fine for operating an unregistered dental clinic.

She was released after a crowdfunding exercise helped her raise money for the fine.

MDA said treatment by uncertified dentists could lead to irreparable damage.

“Among the many negative impacts of seeking services from fake dentists include complications that are not only unmanageable by the fake dentists, but rendering the disease even more complicated to treat, and may incur higher cost.

“Infection control is often compromised and the risks of contracting a dangerous infection, such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C or tuberculosis, not only pose a threat to the patients, but also to the fake dentists themselves,” MDA said in a statement.

The association said the dental profession was saddened by the lack of awareness among the public on the seriousness of this matter, with some still resorting to seeking dental care from unregistered practitioners.

“The public needs to carefully look for a practitioner who is registered with the Malaysian Dental Council. Any form of dental procedures should be carried out by a registered practitioner in public healthcare facilities or under a clinical environment in premises registered under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.”

On Thursday, Nur Farahanis Ezatty Adli, 20, was released from prison after serving only six days out of her six-month sentence for failing to pay a court fine of RM70,000. She was fined by the Sessions Court in Melaka on Sept 29 for running an unregistered private dental clinic.

It was reported that the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) and Malaysia Islamic Economic Activist Organisation, having learnt of Nur Farahanis’ case through the media, decided to raise funds to help her settle the fine.

The campaign has since come under fire for seemingly backing the bogus dentist, who herself has drawn the ire of Netizens.

PPIM yesterday denied playing a role in the fundraising campaign.

Its lead activist, Datuk Nadzim Johan, said the non-governmental organisation merely acted as a legal adviser for the family.

He said the association did not condone Nur Farahanis’ act of operating an unregistered private clinic.