Warning on dodgy dentists

UNREGISTERED dentists could be infecting patients with HIV or hepatitis, according to Hong Kong Dental Association honorary secretary Dr Chan Sai-kwing.

But tracking down illegal dental operations was difficult and time-consuming, and it should not be his association's job, he said.

'It's not our concern to crack down on their business and it requires a big project to crack down on one fraud,' Dr Chan said.

'A sting operation means a police officer has to act as a patient and a dentist has to be present to verify they are having dental surgery.

'After the arrest, the police have to take the dentist's chair and all their tools as evidence before charges are laid.

'The procedure is complicated. We proposed simplifying it a few years ago but the Government did not respond.' Dr Chan said the problem areas for unregistered dental clinics were Shamshuipo and Yuen Long.