Unregistered dental practitioners at Amtali put patients at risk 

AMTALI, BARGUNA, Nov 10: The growing presence of unregistered dental practitioners in Amtali Upazila of Barguna has reached an alarming level, raising concerns over patient safety.

Operating clinics with flashy signboards and banners, these practitioners are allegedly misleading unsuspecting patients by presenting themselves as experienced dental doctors. Many patients are suffering physical and financial losses after receiving treatment from them, while their lives are being put at risk.

A visit to Gazipur Bazar in the upazila found that Howlader Dental Care, run by Md Fazlur Rahman, advertises services including root canal treatment, filling, crowns and bridges, scaling and polishing. Its signboard and banners describe Rahman as an experienced doctor in dental and oral healthcare.

Such claims, however, can create misconceptions among patients about the qualifications of dental practitioners, raising concerns about the quality and safety of treatment.

A local investigation found that around eight to 10 people allegedly practising without registration from the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) have opened chambers in the Amtali town and different markets across the upazila.

They reportedly use the names of specialist doctors on visiting cards, billboards and signboards to attract patients.

Their chambers also display treatment rate charts listing the costs of various procedures, including dental scaling, filling, light-cure GI, auto GI, temporary filling, complete dentures, root canal treatment and dental crowns.

To establish credibility, some unregistered practitioners use professional titles and institutional affiliations on their signboards, including BSc Dental (CU) and DDT, Dhaka, as well as the names of medical college hospitals.

They have reportedly obtained diplomas and BSc-level technician qualifications through training at different institutions.

Kabir Mia, a patient suffering from dental problems, said he had sought treatment at Gazipur Bazar for tooth sensitivity but found no improvement.

Fazlur Rahman of Howlader Dental Care said he had a diploma certificate and provided treatment on the basis of that qualification.

Dr Himel Pal, Acting Administrator of Amtali Upazila Health Complex, said he had received verbal complaints about unregistered dental practitioners.

"Legal action will be taken through mobile courts in coordination with the upazila administration," he said.

Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Hasan Md Hafizur Rahman also said the administration would take legal action in coordination with the Upazila Health Department.

Locals have demanded immediate intervention by the authorities to stop unqualified practitioners from providing dental treatment and protect patients from malpractice.