THREE Vietnamese nationals, including two alleged dentists, were arrested after authorities raided a dental clinic in Mandaue City, in Cebu province.
The clinic was allegedly operating without the required permits and professional authorization.
The three were taken into custody during an entrapment operation at the International Dental Clinic on the second floor of City Time Square in Barangay Tipolo, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Authorities said that two of the three claimed to be dentists.
The operation followed a complaint filed by Dr. Dirk Farlo Yuson, president of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA)-Mandaue Chapter, concerning the alleged unauthorized practice of dentistry by the foreign nationals.
CIDG-Mandaue personnel first conducted validation of the complaint before launching the operation. An undercover operative then entered the clinic posing as a patient seeking tooth extraction.
When dental instruments were prepared and the procedure was about to begin, authorities moved in and arrested the three suspects.
Various dental instruments and materials were seized during the operation and placed under police custody as evidence. A separate report said the items included instruments used for tooth extraction, dental syringes, anesthetic materials, gloves and other supplies.
Authorities said the clinic had allegedly been providing a range of dental services, including tooth extraction, dental implants, braces and cleaning procedures. Investigators said the suspects had reportedly been carrying out such procedures for some time.
The suspects face a complaint under Section 33(a) of Republic Act No. 9484, or the Philippine Dental Act of 2007. The provision prohibits the practice of dentistry in the Philippines without the appropriate certificate of registration and professional identification card, or a special permit when applicable.
Under the law, violations may carry a fine ranging from P200,000 to P500,000, imprisonment of two years and one day to five years, or both, depending on the court’s decision.
The arrests underscore the regulatory requirements governing the practice of dentistry in the Philippines, where professional services involving diagnosis, treatment and invasive procedures are restricted to properly authorized practitioners.
The Philippine Dental Association, which filed the complaint, was listed as the complainant in the case. Police said charges had been filed against the three Vietnamese nationals before the appropriate authorities.
The suspects remain entitled to due process, and the allegations against them will ultimately be determined by the courts.
The case also highlights concerns over unauthorized health services, particularly dental procedures that involve anesthesia, tooth extraction and other invasive treatments. Authorities have urged the public to verify the credentials and professional licenses of dental practitioners before undergoing treatment.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
