Be wary of quack dentists
THE Malaysian Dental Association’s prime objective is to promote the art and science of dentistry for the benefit of the public. In order to protect the public from unsafe, risky and often painful results of quack dentistry, the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) supports fully the action of the courts in meting out heavy fines and even imprisonment upon illegal quack dentists and hope that it will act as a strong deterrent.
The following guidelines to identify legitimate licensed dental clinics from illegal ones may be helpful:
All licensed dental clinics have fixed addresses and each one will possess a licence from the Ministry of Health. Illegal dentistry is usually performed without a fixed address in temporary places like hotel rooms, homes, coffee shops and even on the streets.
Any quoted prices that seems too low and seems like a bargain not to be missed should be immediately suspect and checked thoroughly. The public can always call a local dental clinic, walk into one and make inquiries concerning prices.
When in doubt, don’t commit yourselves to uncertainties, get more information first. We do understand our mouths are very sensitive and personal and often would like to keep it private, but when the stakes are so high it is wiser to consult with family and friends who care for and love you.
We also note that comments not only spoke against unregistered, unqualified quack dentists that are well justified but an opportunity was also taken to attack qualified dentists who are practising within their professional training and rights. Quacks and qualified dentists should not be painted with the same brush.
The qualified dentist by international consensus and also by Malaysian laws are free to practise any kind of dental practice including orthodontics responsibly while quacks have no basis at all and no party should irresponsibly equate one with the other. The Malaysian Dental Association wants to assure the public that there are sufficient regulations to ensure that only dentists who are duly qualified and registered by the authorities are free to practise any kind of dental practice including orthodontics and that in line with our membership of the International Federation of Dentists, will continue to work towards encouraging continuing professional education in the latest skills and knowledge and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Public statements on dentistry by dentists should be made responsibly without being self-promoting and being careful not to afflict upon the public undue fears and negative perceptions of the profession. Any leader of the profession must be especially careful because what they say may be misunderstood or misquoted.
Dr Chow Kai Foo President, Malaysian Dental Association