The Malaysian Dental Association (MDA), together with its stakeholders, have been following closely the events and news in relation to “quack dentists,” practising “fake dentistry” on our own Malaysian citizens.

The dental profession as a whole is saddened at the apparent lack of awareness from the general public on the seriousness of this matter, with some still resorting to dental care from these unregistered practitioners.

MDA would like to take this opportunity to inform the general public that the practice of dentistry is regulated under the Dental Act 1971 for the safety of the patients in this country.

The general public needs to carefully look for a practitioner who is legally registered with the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC). Any form of dental procedures must be carried out by a registered practitioner in public healthcare facilities or under a clinical environment in a premise that is registered under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act (PHFSA) 1998.

The general public has a constitutional right to seek safe dental treatment in this country, and the MDA looks upon the matter with utmost seriousness.

We are obliged to continuously enlighten the general public, which is in line with the objective of the association to promote the art and science of dentistry for the benefit of the public.

It shall be deemed a violation of the Dental Act – an offence punishable under the law – if unregistered individuals, including “beauticians,” perform the acts as spelled out in the Act.

On the same note, the Malaysian Orthodontic Practitioners Association (Mopa), is also extremely concerned with the general public seeking treatment of their malaligned teeth from these fake dentists.

Mopa advises the public not to subject themselves to unnecessary risk by getting fake braces fitted and receiving improper treatment. Proper orthodontic treatment is provided by all registered dental practitioners in Malaysia.

Among the many negative impacts of seeking services from unregistered practitioners include complications that are not only unmanageable by these unregistered practitioners, but could render the disease even more complicated to treat.

Ultimately, they may even incur a higher cost from their actions. Infection control is often compromised and the risk of contracting dangerous infections such HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and airborne diseases such as tuberculosis happens not only to the patients but to the “dentists” themselves.

The lack of medical knowledge among these unregistered practitioners also subjects their patients to increased risk of complications and undesirable side effects following the treatment, or even mortality in medically compromised individuals.

Affected individuals who are duped by these irresponsible practitioners not only pay a substantial amount for their treatments, they also suffer greatly from procedures which may leave irreparable damage.

MDA, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, are in the process of heightening public awareness through direct public engagement to educate the public on the dangers of unregistered practitioners.

Plans are in progress for a social responsibility project on this subject, and a public talk is scheduled to be held in conjunction with the MDA Scientific Convention and Trade Exhibition in January next year.

Signed by: Council of the Malaysian Dental Association Malaysian, Dr Firdaus Hanapiah, Dr V Nedunchelian, Dr Sarat Datta, Dr Dennis Lee Chin Sze, Dr Balkis Ghazali, Dr Sharifah Tahirah Syed Aljunid, Dr Afzan Adilah, Dr Sa’adah Atan and Dr P Kathiravan.