Woman arrested for illegal dentistry after ortho braces entrapment

Police arrested a 26-year-old woman in Cotabato City for practicing dentistry without a license after she agreed to install orthodontic braces on an undercover police officer.

The suspect, identified only as 'Jaja', was apprehended during an entrapment operation at her residence last Wednesday, March 12.

RACU-BAR operatives discovered Jaja's Facebook post offering dental services, including braces installation for P1,000, which led to the arrest and recovery of various dental equipment and materials lacking proper sterilization methods.

Health officials noted a shortage of dentists in the country, with only 2.6 dentists per 10,000 people, highlighting the risks associated with unlicensed practitioners.

The public was reminded by Lt. Wallen Mae Arancillo of PNP-ACG to be cautious of offers that seem 'too good to be true' and warned about potential health risks involved in cheap dental services.

Suspect Jaja will face charges under Republic Act 9484, or the Philippine Dental Act of 2007, in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 or Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.