A fake dentist and his accomplices in the Czech Republic treated patients for two years without a license or proper training, leading to criminal charges for a range of offenses.
Czech Authorities Crack Down on Fake Dentist and His Two Assistants Operating Illegal Clinic
Czech Authorities Crack Down on Fake Dentist and His Two Assistants Operating Illegal Clinic
A 22-year-old man posing as a dentist is charged for performing dental surgeries with little more than online tutorials.
In a bizarre case reminiscent of a medical drama, Czech police have charged a 22-year-old man and his two family members for operating an illegal dental clinic in Havlickuv Brod, where they treated dozens of patients using instructions gleaned from the internet. Over a two-year period, the trio performed complex dental procedures, including extractions and root canals, with no formal dental training and operated a clinic out of their home.
The man, who posed as a dentist, extracted teeth and conducted root canals while the other two family members assisted in various roles—one as a nurse and the other producing prosthetic devices. The clinic reportedly earned up to four million Czech koruna (about $185,500) during its operation.
Authorities revealed that the woman, who had experience in the health sector, supplied anaesthetics and other dental materials, such as fillings and cleaning agents. Police spokesperson Michaela Lebrova stated that all three had pleaded guilty to multiple charges including operating without a license, money laundering, and attempted assault. Although there have been no reported complaints regarding the treatment provided, the case highlights significant concerns about patient safety.
Roman Šmucler, the president of the Czech dental chamber, noted that the country faces about ten cases of fraudulent dentists each year, indicating a persistent issue in the sector. He emphasized a recent uptick in reports, with three new cases surfacing just today. The Czech parliament recently passed legislation to facilitate the employment of foreign dentists, hoping to address the gaps in qualified personnel within the healthcare system.
