The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group on Monday warned the public against availing of unusually cheap dental services online, saying low-cost offers for braces are often a red flag for unlicensed or “quack” dentists.

PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group Director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta issued the warning during a press briefing at Camp Crame, citing the recent arrest of an unlicensed individual operating as a dentist in Batangas.

At a press briefing in Camp Crame, Asueta said the last suspect apprehended was operating out of an apartment that served as a makeshift clinic.

"Noong inoperate namin kakatapos nga lang ng isang pasyente niya. So we are conducting monitoring kung saan din siya kumukuha ng mga dental appliances kung saan niya binibili," Asueta said.

The suspect was traced through cyber patrolling and tips from concerned groups, including the Philippine Dental Association.

"Magkano? P1,800 ganun lang kamura ang kanyang pekeng serbisyo," Asueta said, referring to the braces offered by the suspect who was arrested on January 22.

He said the suspect had no professional background in dentistry and learned procedures by watching online videos.

"May dental background? Ah itong case wala itong background. So natuto lang siya sa panonood sa social media platforms, DIY. Well nag-aads siya sa online platform kaya natuklasan natin kasi masipag naman ang ating cyber patrollers and the concerned group na reporting to us," Asueta explained.

Asueta reminded the public that licensed dentists are required by law to display their certificate of registration and professional identification, as well as proof of membership in the Philippine Dental Association.

"Alam niyo na may requirements sa batas na kailangan kung magpa-pratice ka, mag-display ka ng certificate of registration and of course to include yung professional identifications. So may mga membership din yan sa Philippine Dental Association, naka display dapat yan," he added.

The suspect is facing charges for violating Section 33 of Republic Act No. 9484, or the Philippine Dental Act of 2007.

Asueta said the case is among 82 arrests made against alleged quack dentists last year, including four apprehensions this month, mostly in Regions 5, 6 and 4A.

"With 28 convictions," he added.

Asueta noted that the appeal of unlicensed dentists often lies in their lower prices, particularly among patients who cannot afford services at legitimate dental clinics.

"Well dahil ito ay mura. Siguro yung mga can’t afford na pumunta sa ating mga dental clinics, because of murang offer nila kaya sila pumupunta doon but we hope na pa-decrease na ito ngayon kasi we observed ay kumonti yung cases for the month of January and I hope tuloy tuloy ito because of very active social media reporting na rin sa aming kapulisan and finofocus natin ito ngayon sa ating cyber patrolling," he said.

He warned that availing of services from unlicensed practitioners poses serious health risks due to the lack of proper hygiene and safety standards.

"Ang problema dito, no proper hygene and safety measures. Babala of course huwag kayo mag-avail ng mga serbisyo ng hindi totoong dentist. So ito ay nakakabahala at delikado ang ating kalusugan lalo na at wala silang proper hygiene na ginagamit dito. so ito ay nakakatakot," Asueta said.