Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – CAMANAVA arrested a woman pretending to be a licensed dentist during an operation at her clinic in A. Mabini, Caloocan City.
According to CIDG – CAMANAVA chief Police Lt. Col. Nicanor Sudario Ledesma III, the operation was conducted after Philippine Dental Association (PDA) officials received a tip against the suspect.
“May nagreklamo, nagkaroon ng problema nang magpagawa sa kanya. Marami na siyang naging pasyente, hindi nila alam na hindi ito tunay na dentista. Considering na kung makikita niyo yung clinic niya, maayos. Ginagamit niya ang social media para mas maka-attract ng clients,” said Ledesma.
It is said that the suspect studied dentistry but did not pass the board exam. But the construction of the dental clinic and reception of patients continued.
Dental equipment, receipt booklets, and patient charts were confiscated from the clinic. CIDG operatives also seized dental certificates that the suspect allegedly gave to patients despite not having a license.
“Unang una hindi siya licensed para mag-practice. if ever magkaroon ng problema doon sa ginawa niya, paano na lang yung mga client niya. Iiinbitahan ko yung mga nakakakilala sa tao na ito na nabiktima niya, welcome sila na magsampa ng reklamo against her,” said Ledesma.
Fake dentist arrested in Caloocan
It is said that the suspect charges less than what is offered in the service in order to attract more patients.
“Mababa ang presyo, nagpo-promo, balita ko po sa batang ito, talagang madami siyang followers sa Facebook at saka sa social media which we don’t really encourage po dahil ang dentistry is a very conservative profession,” said Dr. Jen Yalung, PDA Vice President for Luzon North.
It is also very dangerous for patients to undergo various dental procedures at the hands of pretending to be licensed dentists.
PDA advised making sure there is a certificate of registration from the Professional Registration Commission posted at the clinic. It is also possible to check if the witness is legitimate by entering their name on the PRC website www.PRC.gov.ph.
The suspect refused to give a statement as he would face a charge of violation of Republic Act 9484 Philippine Dental Act of 2007.
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