LETTER | The Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) together with the Malaysian Orthodontic Practitioners Association (Mopa) and the Oral Health Division, of the Health Ministry has continuously striven to heighten public awareness on the risks of seeking services from fake dentists.

Radio and video interviews and a series of infographics as quick reference for the public on this issue of fake dentistry are available on MDA's Facebook page.

These efforts are in line with the main objective of the association which is to promote the art and science of dentistry for the benefit of the public.

Though the name fake braces seems to have been given more publicity, MDA wishs to reiterate that fake dentistry, in its essence also encompasses services such as roadside dental extractions and fillings at market places (or back lanes).

Others are instant dental makeovers using white plastic coverings on the dentition and even instant stick-on plastic dentures provided by irresponsible individuals who have no formal dental training and no knowledge on the science of dentistry.

Photo 1 (below): An individual with cavities on the upper central incisors.

Photo 2 (below): “Instant treatment” with placement of white plastic covering. Apart from an unacceptable aesthetic, there was no consideration on the surrounding oral structures. The consequences are inevitable and leads to loss of the affected tooth.

Leading on to this issue of fake dentistry, MDA will be organising a public forum at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur on Jan 27 at 12:30 pm.

MDA cordially invites the general public to attend this free admission forum to understand more and also to meet up with our dental professionals for advice.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.