Duo face charges for illegal dental clinic

dubai — Two men are facing charges of practising dentistry without a licence and illegal possession of medical equipment.

The Dubai Public Prosecution, which referred the two Asian suspects to the Court of Misdemeanors, also recommended the strictest penalties on them as per the Federal Penal Code.

Mitra Ibrahim Madani, a Bur Dubai prosecutor, said that one of the two men worked as a dentist without acquiring the proper permit required in the UAE, while his accomplice has been charged with aiding and abetting the ‘dentist’ to receive patients and arrange for appointments.

“In cooperation with the Economic Crime Department, there was reliable information about a dentist clinic operating in a residential building whereas the dentist had no permit from the Dubai Health Authority,” according to Madani.

“With a prosecution warrant, the police officers raided the apartment run as a clinic and arrested the dentist as he was ‘treating’ a client of the same nationality. His assistant, who was receiving patients and organising appointments, was also held. All medical equipment and medicine found in the apartment were seized.”

Both defendants admitted to the charges during investigation.

The prosecutor added: “The first accused said he had been an investor since 2008. He worked as a dentist’s assistant between 2009 and 2015. He then rented the flat, which he turned into a dental clinic, and worked as a dentist. He would travel every two months to his home country to bring the necessary tools, equipment and medicine needed to

There was reliable information about a dentist clinic operating in a residential building whereas the dentist had no permit from the Dubai Health Authority.”

Mitra Ibrahim Madani, Prosecutor, Bur Dubai Prosecution

treat his patients. He confessed he would sometimes use anesthetic injections, if needed, and that no appointment would cost less than Dh50.”

The other accused said he used to be a housekeeper assistant at a trading firm. “He had an agreement with the ‘dentist’ to work for him as an assistant for three months, even though he knew he was not an authorised doctor.

“He would get Dh100 a week for his assistance. He would not open the door before checking first. He claimed the main accused would only work on Fridays and would receive a minimum of five patients a day,” Madani said.

She warned the public against illegal and unlicensed practices, urging residents not to seek out low- cost medical services rendered by t unauthorised doctors. Madani advised people to go through the proper channels for treatment rather than put their health or life at risk.