Number of Cases against Home-based Salons Providing Dental Services in Past Three Years
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the number of cases involving home-based salons providing dental services like veneers and teeth whitening, as raised by Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong reported five cases in the last three years and noted that investigations are ongoing. He emphasized that practicing dentistry without registration or in unlicensed premises is illegal, with offenders facing significant fines or imprisonment. Specifically, unregistered practitioners face fines up to $50,000 for repeat offenses, while unlicensed premise operators risk two years’ jail. The Ministry plans to enhance consumer education and advises the public to verify healthcare providers through official Ministry of Health websites.
Transcript
10 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Health (a) in the past three years, what is the number of cases of home-based salons providing dental services such as dental veneers and teeth whitening; (b) what actions have been taken against these offenders; and (c) whether there are any plans to educate the public against going to such home-based salons for dental services.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The provision of dental services, such as veneers and teeth whitening services is a practice of dentistry. Under the Dental Registration Act, only a registered dentist is allowed to practice dentistry in Singapore. The practice must be conducted in a premise licensed under the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act.
In the past three years, there were five reported cases on home-based dental services. Investigations into these cases are on-going.
The Ministry takes a serious view of the practice of dentistry being performed by non-dentists in unlicensed premises and will not hesitate to take tough enforcement action against any person who contravenes the law. It is unlawful for any person not registered with the Singapore Dental Council to provide dental services. If found guilty, the person shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $25,000. Repeat offenders can be fined up to $50,000 or to an imprisonment for up to six months or to both. Additionally, any person found operating an unlicensed premise shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $20,000 or to a jail term not more than two years or to both.
The Ministry advises the public to be cautious about using healthcare services from unfamiliar sources. When in doubt, they should seek advice from their regular doctor or dentist or can check the list of licensed healthcare institutions and registered healthcare professionals on MOH's and relevant professional board's websites. The Ministry will step up our efforts on consumer education regarding unlawful dental services.