Hiring unlicensed staff for dental work is also a crime, authorities say; 13 joint operations, 7 prosecuted
The Department of Health and the Health Bureau said unlicensed dental practice is a criminal offence and that employers who hire unlicensed people for dental work also commit an offence. Since early last year, the department and police have carried out 13 joint operations and prosecuted seven people; from 2021 to 2025, 20 cases were prosecuted under the Dentists Registration Ordinance, with 19 convictions. Dental services outside Hong Kong are not regulated by local law, but adverts published in Hong Kong must follow the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance.
What it means for you
The figures show unlicensed dentistry is not a one-off. If something goes wrong outside Hong Kong, local authorities cannot act, so complaints must go through the other side.
Key points
- Only registered dentists may practise dentistry in Hong Kong
- Problems after treatment outside Hong Kong must be pursued there
- Be wary of exaggerated adverts
Source: RTHK (Department of Health / Health Bureau)
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.