SANTIAGO, Agusan del Norte — A 36-year-old woman was arrested during an entrapment operation in Santiago, Agusan del Norte, for allegedly practicing dentistry without the necessary professional authority, prompting renewed warnings from authorities against seeking dental services from unlicensed practitioners.
The suspect, identified only by her alias “Lang-Lang,” was apprehended at her residence in Purok 3, Barangay San Isidro, at around 4 p.m. on Friday, November 6, in a joint operation led by the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13).
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Regional Intelligence Division 13 in coordination with the Santiago Municipal Police Station, with the assistance of representatives from the Philippine Dental Association (PDA)–Agusan del Norte Chapter and its regional coordinator for Mindanao.
According to PRO 13, an undercover operative posed as a dental patient to establish the alleged illegal activity, leading to the suspect’s arrest during the entrapment operation.
Authorities seized several pieces of dental equipment and supplies from the suspect, including two dental laboratory motors, 14 lower dental impression trays, 272 artificial teeth, and other assorted dental instruments.
The arrest was made for an alleged violation of Section 33, Article V of Republic Act No. 9484, or the Philippine Dental Act of 2007, which penalizes the unauthorized practice of dentistry.
Police Regional Office 13 Director PBGen Rolindo M. Suguilon emphasized that authorities would continue working with partner agencies and professional organizations to identify and hold accountable individuals allegedly providing dental services without the required qualifications and authorization.
“We will continue to strengthen our coordination with partner agencies and professional organizations to ensure that individuals engaged in illegal activities are held accountable. Public safety is our priority, and we urge everyone to seek dental services only from licensed and qualified practitioners,” Suguilon said.
The police operation highlights the public health concerns associated with unauthorized dental services, particularly the risks posed by procedures performed by individuals without verified professional qualifications, proper training, or regulatory oversight.
Dental procedures require specialized knowledge, appropriate equipment, and compliance with professional standards to protect patients from complications and other preventable health risks.
Authorities are reminding the public to verify the credentials of dental practitioners before undergoing any procedure and to seek treatment only from licensed professionals.
The suspect is now facing legal action under the Philippine Dental Act of 2007 as police continue their efforts to prevent the unauthorized practice of regulated professions and safeguard public health.