Kota Kinabalu: Two cases of illegal dental practices were recorded in Sabah last year.
The cases involved fake braces and veneers reported in Semporna and Sandakan, according to Sabah Health Director Datuk Dr Rose Nani Mudin in a statement.
To raise awareness, the State Health Department last Sunday hosted a State-level World Orthodontic Health Day themed “Be Wise, Be Smart, Choose Safe Braces” at Imago, here.
“This is initiated by the Sabah Health Department’s Dental Health Division in an effort to promote and increase awareness among the community to obtain safe and professional orthodontic dental services from licensed and certified dental practitioners,” she said.
She said it was to address the issue of fake braces, which are still in high demand, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
“The public should be aware that the use of fake braces without a comprehensive dental examination and treatment plan can result in drastic tooth movement.
“As a result, the tooth becomes loose and easy to fall out.
“Apart from that, the safety and cleanliness of the materials and equipment used are unknown,” she added.
She said the society also needs to be smart in recognising illegal dental practitioners.
“Their modus operandi involves offering cheap prices and non-fixed locations such as homes, hotels, homestays, boarding houses and beauty centres.
“Illegal dental practitioners are also difficult to contact or track in the event of any complications,” she said.
In 2022, the number of complaints related to illegal dental practitioners is 97 cases throughout Malaysia.
A total of 64 per cent (62 cases) were related to fake braces, 22 per cent (23 cases) dental veneers and 13 per cent were other dental service cases.
On that note, the State Health Department advised the public that orthodontic examinations and treatment should be obtained from licensed and certified dental practitioners at facilities registered with the Malaysian Ministry of Health.
Checking the status of dental practitioners’ qualifications can be done through the Dental Practitioners’ Information Management System website (http://
dpims.moh.gov.my/).
Meanwhile, to check the status of a registered dental clinic the public can contact the State Health Department’s Dental Enforcement Unit.
To report suspicious dental practice activities, please contact the Sabah Health Department’s Dental Enforcement Unit via 088-512 555 (extension 654) or email jknsbhpergigian@moh.gov.my or make an official complaint at the Public Complaints Management System (SisPAA) ), Ministry of Health at https://
moh.spab.gov.my/eApps/system/index.do.
