Man, 72, arrested at North Point office of mainland dental chain over suspected illegal practice
Police and the Department of Health searched a Hong Kong "consultation office" run by a mainland dental chain on King's Road, North Point, and arrested a 72-year-old local man on suspicion of practising dentistry illegally. He is reportedly not a registered dentist and is suspected of examining people's mouths with dental tools. A suspected intraoral scanner, a dental chair, instruments and a price list in RMB were seized. Under the Dentists Registration Ordinance, unlicensed practice carries up to five years in prison, or seven if a patient is injured; employers of unlicensed staff face up to three years. The case is under investigation and no one has been convicted.
What it means for you
A "free check-up" or "mouth scan" in Hong Kong is not necessarily done by a registered dentist. Any dental examination in Hong Kong should be carried out by a dentist registered here.
Key points
- Ask for the person's name and check it on the Dental Council register
- Be extra careful when a free scan leads to a sales pitch for treatment across the border
- Report anything suspicious to the Department of Health or police
Source: HK01
This is a news summary written by our editors, not medical advice. Please refer to the original source and seek professional advice for your own situation.