In Hyderabad, the consequences of seeking dental care from unqualified practitioners are becoming alarmingly evident. Dr. Prajit Nair, an oral surgeon in the city, shared a troubling case where a patient suffered significant dental damage due to a botched procedure performed by an unregistered dentist.
Mahesh Kumar, a 45-year-old shopkeeper, visited Dr. Nair’s clinic in distress after a visit to an unlicensed clinic for a simple tooth replacement. “His dental bridge was improperly fitted, placing too much pressure on his natural teeth. By the time he reached me, his gums were severely inflamed, and two adjacent teeth were on the verge of falling out,” Dr. Nair recalled. Despite efforts to save the teeth, the damage was too extensive due to bone loss caused by the faulty procedure. These teeth had to be extracted, leading to a costly and painful corrective treatment that could have been avoided with proper care.
“This is a textbook example of how unqualified practitioners can ruin lives. Had Mahesh consulted a certified dentist initially, he could have avoided not only the loss of his original teeth but also the burden of additional treatments,” Dr. Nair remarked.
This case highlights the growing issue of “quack” dentistry, where untrained individuals carry out procedures, often at significantly lower costs, but with dire consequences for patients’ health. Dr. Nair and others in the dental community warn that such procedures often lead to long-term complications such as infections, nerve damage, and even permanent tooth loss.
Dr. Ruchi Mehta, a Hyderabad-based dentist, explained the risks further, stating, “Dental procedures like root canals, extractions, and implants require meticulous attention to detail and the use of sterilized equipment. Any deviation from the proper process can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening, consequences.”
The Rise of Unlicensed Dentistry and Its Dangers
Many patients, attracted by the lure of low-cost treatments, unknowingly fall victim to unqualified practitioners who operate from small, unregistered clinics or even private homes. These so-called “dental quacks” often perform procedures using non-sterile instruments, which increases the risk of infections like hepatitis and HIV. Furthermore, their lack of training means that the procedures may be poorly executed, leading to chronic pain, misalignments, and irreversible damage.
“Unlicensed practitioners often cut corners, using outdated techniques and unsafe chemicals,” Dr. Siddhartha Reddy, another Hyderabad-based dentist, noted. “We see many patients who come to us after suffering infections or nerve damage from procedures done by these quacks.”
Raising Awareness with Anti-Quackery Awareness Week
In response to this growing issue, the All-India Dental Students and Surgeons Association (AIDSA) launched the Anti-Quackery Awareness Week from March 3 to 9. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the risks associated with unauthorized dental practices and push for stronger enforcement of regulations in the dental field.
Dr. MD Manzur, the national president of AIDSA, emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating, “Quack dentistry isn’t just an ethical violation—it’s a significant public health risk. These unqualified individuals put patients at risk by using non-sterile instruments, leading to infections that can be life-threatening.”
The campaign is designed to do more than just inform the public; it calls for immediate action against those who engage in illegal dental practices. Dr. Manzur urged authorities to implement stricter measures to curb the growing menace of quack dentistry and protect public health.
How to Identify Dental Quacks
Dental quacks often operate in small, unregistered clinics or in informal settings, such as at home or in roadside setups. They attract patients by offering significantly lower prices and quick fixes. Here are some common illegal procedures performed by these practitioners:
- Unsterilized tooth extractions, which can lead to serious infections.
- Improperly fitted dentures and bridges, resulting in misalignment and chronic pain.
- Fake root canals, performed without proper X-rays or anesthesia, which can cause long-term complications.
- Unsafe teeth whitening and cosmetic procedures using harmful chemicals that damage tooth enamel.
To avoid falling victim to these dangers, it’s crucial for patients to seek dental care only from registered and qualified practitioners. Always verify a dentist’s credentials and avoid procedures that seem too good to be true, especially if they are offered at a significantly lower cost.
The growing awareness surrounding the risks of unqualified dentists in Hyderabad is an urgent reminder to prioritize safety over savings when it comes to oral health. Only qualified professionals can ensure the right treatments are provided, using sterile equipment and proper techniques to safeguard long-term dental health.
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