Debated in Parliament on 11 Feb 2019.
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.
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 practise dentistry in Singapore. The practice must be conducted in premises 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 ongoing.
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 premises 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 they can check the list of licensed healthcare institutions and registered healthcare professionals on the Ministry of Health's and the relevant professional board's websites. The Ministry will step up our efforts on consumer education regarding unlawful dental services.
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