Self-taught ‘dentists’ busted: Six domestic helpers arrested in Sham Shui Po

Six Filipino foreign domestic helpers were arrested for unlicensed medical practice after they allegedly run an unlicensed dental clinic with self-taught dental knowledge.

The Immigration Department (ImmD) made the arrests in Sham Shui Po on Sunday after discovering the unlicensed practice, which catered primarily to fellow migrant workers.

The six were aged between 34 to 60, including two unlicensed dentists and four assistants. They allegedly provided dental service without a license, including teeth cleaning, orthodontics and denture fabrication services, in a Sham Shui Po flat, but they were all self-taught from videos online.

Officers found 13 non-Chinese individuals awaiting treatment during the raid and confiscated equipment used for teeth cleaning, orthodontics, and denture fabrication.

"No formal training, dire hygiene risks"

"None of the arrestees possess professional dental qualifications or formal training—either in Hong Kong or abroad," said Chief Immigration Officer Tai Koon-ho of the Foreign Domestic Helpers Special Investigation Team on Monday.

Investigations revealed the group operated covertly every Sunday and do not take walk-in customers – all clients must be referred, while services range from HK$150 to HK$500.

Some members claimed to have learned dentistry through online videos, while one allegedly worked as a dental assistant in the Philippines.

Authorities described the makeshift clinic as alarmingly unhygienic. The "treatment area" consisted of a sofa, distilled water, towels, and basic surgical tools—none of which appeared sterilized, according to officials. Medical waste was reportedly discarded improperly, raising concerns about infection risks.
 

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Employers unaware

Preliminary findings suggest the helpers’ employers were unaware of their illegal activities. The ImmD is continuing its investigation and may make additional arrests.

Tai warned the public against seeking cheap, unregulated dental care, emphasizing that foreign domestic helpers are legally permitted to work only for their designated employers. Violators face fines up to HK$50,000 and two years’ imprisonment.

(Judy Cui)