Fake dentist arrested in Pangasinan town

By Liezle Basa Inigo

BINALONAN, Pangasinan – A 25-year-old woman was arrested by the police in Barangay San Felipe Sur here June 1, for being a fake dentist.
    Police identified the suspect as Jazzel Garcia, single, self-employed.
    Police received a complaint from the Philippine Dental Association (PDA)-Pangasinan chapter that the suspect is engaged in the illegal practice of dentistry.
    An entrapment operation was planned. A police asset pretended to be a patient and her illegal activity was discovered around 4:40 p.m. on June 1. Garcia was arrested after she was paid P1,500 for her services.
    “Ang suspek ay nagpapraktis ng dentistry at gumagawa ng orthodontic,” police said.
    Recovered from the suspect were orthodontic materials and the P1,500 payment.
    Garcia had been engaged in the illegal practice of dentistry by making cheap orthodontic braces since last February to date and had no license to operate.
    “Kumalat na rin sa bayan ang paggawa ng braces sa murang halaga kaya naman naenganyo ang iba,” police said.
    Garcia will be charged for violating Republic Act (RA) No. 9484, An Act to Regulate the Practice of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, and Dental Technology in the Philippines.