Many people are scared of going to the dentist. But imagine something scarier – going to someone pretending to be a dentist.
Recently, a Malaysian woman faced a hefty fine of nearly RM8,814 in Singapore for illegally performing dental procedures.
Reportedly, she learned how to perform dental procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic by watching videos on YouTube.
M’sian fined for illegal dental work
According to CNA, the district court in Singapore fined the 37-year-old Siti Shahrima Abd Rahim S$2,500, approximately RM8,814 yesterday (Apr 8), following her guilty plea under the Dental Registration Act.
Her illegal work came to light after a customer reported difficulty in flossing her teeth following the application of veneers by Siti.
Learned the skills from YouTube
Working as a part-time waitress at a hotel in Johor Bahru, she learned to perform dental procedures on herself by watching YouTube. This happened during COVID-19 when she couldn’t go to her regular dentist appointments for her braces, so she took the risk by herself.
Taking advantage of her newfound skills, Siti advertised various dental services on her Carousell account, including veneer application and braces maintenance, quoting prices ranging from S$650 to S$700, equivalent to around RM2,291 to RM2,467.
She would then enter Singapore on short-term visit passes to perform these illegal procedures at hotels affiliated with the Hilton brand.
Presenting herself as a Malaysian dentist, she reached out to potential clients through Carousell and WhatsApp, providing them with hotel locations a few days prior to the scheduled appointments.
Reports reveal that Siti provided composite veneers to approximately 20 customers, conducted braces maintenance for around 10 clients, and even fitted cosmetic braces for at least one individual.
Throughout these activities, she operated without proper registration or a valid practicing certificate under Singapore’s Dental Registration Act.
Judge imposes full fine despite plea for leniency
During the court proceedings, the MOH prosecutor emphasised the seriousness of Siti’s offense and the risks it posed to public health.
In her defense, Siti expressed a desire to return to Malaysia for Hari Raya celebrations and requested the possibility of paying her fine in instalments.
Ultimately, the judge underscored the harm caused to the victim and the prolonged duration of Siti’s illegal activities spanning one-and-a-half years.
Despite Siti’s plea for leniency, the judge emphasised the gravity of misrepresenting oneself as a dental practitioner and imposed the full fine. Siti paid the entire fine.
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