A 22-year-old man and his two family members have been arrested in the Czech Republic for operating an unauthorized dental clinic, performing procedures such as root canals, extractions, and administering anesthesia solely based on online tutorials. The illegal practice, which generated significant income, has raised concerns about patient safety and the prevalence of unlicensed dental services in the country.
Czech Family Charged for Operating Illegal Dental Clinic Using Online Guides
Czech Family Charged for Operating Illegal Dental Clinic Using Online Guides
A 22-year-old posing as a dentist and his family face serious charges for treating patients without any proper training.
Czech police have charged a 22-year-old man and his family for running an unlicensed dental clinic out of their home in Havlickuv Brod. Despite lacking any formal training, the young man managed complex dental procedures, including root canals, guided solely by information gleaned from the internet. His 50-year-old mother, a nurse, assisted by providing anesthesia and other dental materials, while a 44-year-old uncle helped in producing prosthetic devices.
The clinic reportedly treated dozens of patients, generating around four million Czech koruna (approximately £137,827 or $185,500) in revenue. Authorities noted that all three individuals have pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including operating an illegal business, money laundering, and attempted assault. They face maximum sentences of up to eight years in prison.
Roman Šmucler, the president of the Czech dental chamber, voiced concerns over the frequency of similar cases in the country, noting an average of 10 reports of fake dentists each year. Recent legislative changes have aimed at improving the employment of licensed dentists from outside the EU to help address the issue.
As police continue their investigation, questions remain about the extent of harm caused to patients by these unlicensed practitioners.
The clinic reportedly treated dozens of patients, generating around four million Czech koruna (approximately £137,827 or $185,500) in revenue. Authorities noted that all three individuals have pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including operating an illegal business, money laundering, and attempted assault. They face maximum sentences of up to eight years in prison.
Roman Šmucler, the president of the Czech dental chamber, voiced concerns over the frequency of similar cases in the country, noting an average of 10 reports of fake dentists each year. Recent legislative changes have aimed at improving the employment of licensed dentists from outside the EU to help address the issue.
As police continue their investigation, questions remain about the extent of harm caused to patients by these unlicensed practitioners.
