Ayutthaya: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in cooperation with the Dental Council and the Department of Health Service Support, has arrested an unlicensed dentist operating a clinic from her home in Ayutthaya. The individual admitted to learning dentistry from YouTube and TikTok after completing only high school.
According to Thai News Agency, police officers from Division 4, Consumer Protection Police Division, along with officials from the Dental Council and the Department of Health Service Support, inspected a residence in Nong Nam Som Subdistrict, Uthai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. They discovered Ms. Chotika, 31, preparing dental impressions for clients to make colored retainers without possessing a license to practice dentistry. Her clinic also lacked a business license and a license to operate a medical facility.
Ms. Chotika advertised her services through a Facebook page titled "Retainer Ayutthaya: Beautiful, Complete, All Here," offering retainers and dentures starting at 1,800 baht. Despite only completing high school, she transitioned from offering nail services to orthodontics due to insufficient income. She learned the trade online and served at least 40 clients monthly for about a year.
Police officers arrested Ms. Chotika and seized evidence, handing her over to investigators at Division 4, Consumer Protection Police Division. She faces prosecution under the Dental Profession Act B.E. 2537 (1994) for practicing dentistry without registration and a license, facing imprisonment up to 2 years or a fine up to 30,000 baht, or both. She also faces charges under the Medical Establishments Act B.E. 2541 (1998) for operating a medical establishment without a license, punishable by imprisonment up to 5 years or a fine up to 100,000 baht, or both.
Dr. Arkhom Praditsuwann, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health Service Support, emphasized the importance of receiving dental procedures from legally registered facilities and professionals to prevent health risks. He warned against the dangers of unlicensed clinics, which may include hygiene concerns, substandard materials, and unsafe practices potentially leading to serious health issues.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak Chaowanasai, Commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), highlighted the arrest as a warning against impersonating medical personnel for profit. He stressed the high risks of infection, malpractice, or disability from receiving treatments from unlicensed practitioners. The public is urged to report suspicious activities to the CPPD hotline or Facebook page.