NBI busts unlicensed dental clinic in Hinigaran

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – Authorities arrested a woman for unlicensed dentistry practice in Barangay Tagda, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental on Monday.

Atty. Renoir Baldovino, head of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Bacolod, stated the arrest followed a complaint from the Philippine Dental Association (PDA)-Negros Occidental Chapter regarding the clinic.

The PDA initially received the report and forwarded it to their provincial chapter, which coordinated with the NBI for evidence collection and verification.

The NBI closed the Happy Smile Dental Clinic for operating without the required Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) License and Certificate of Registration (COR).

During the operation, authorities confiscated dental materials and equipment from the illicit practice.

Baldovino issued a warning that violators could face two to five years in prison and fines ranging from P200,000 to P500,000.

He also encouraged the public to seek dental services only from licensed professionals and registered clinics.