445. Eight dentists false sentenced to prison

Eight false dentists were sentenced to prison terms and fines in the last two years, for illegal practice and usurpation of functions, according to data from the Dental Association (OMD). The president, Orlando Monteiro da Silva, told DN that the majority of cases resulted in suspended sentences of two years and payments of fines, which were 800 to 12 thousand euros. The doctor who moved in 2008, 2009 and the first months of 2010 were 47 complaints received and accounted for 38 criminal complaints, eight of which ended in convictions. Until now, we never lose an action, he says.
Although we are faced with dozens of cases of probable malpractice, illegal practice or breach of conditions of hygiene, Orlando Monteiro da Silva ensures that this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many cases that are not punished and others are not able to prove because of anonymous leave regrets. Although there are plenty of criminal complaints related to situations involving risk of hygiene and sanitation, about 80% are due to cases of usurpation of functions and the unlawful exercise stresses.
In the first case we are talking about situations where those involved do not have the qualifications to practice and still call themselves dentists, in the latter do not have the necessary training, such as dental or prosthetic.

The doctor points to the existence of networks of migration, with doctors who are illegally in the country and are not registered in the Order. Sometimes there are colleagues who are registered and that cover the situation. These doctors come to jump in clinical practitioner of a particular group or to work only three or four months. In any case, there are situations of Portuguese and foreign professionals who are trained but not registered in the OMD or not equivalence asked about the course of another country.

The OMD have campaigned with the authorities in connection with the verification of the units and professionals. The doctor also requests that users, when in doubt, ask the physician's professional identification card and verify the identification of the clinic. The future aim is that people can see a site where doctors are enrolled in the institute.

The complaints and denunciations related to hygienic and sanitary conditions imply a joint work with public health authorities, which may determine the closure of units, even if temporarily. This year alone, ten were closed clinics and offices, but we estimate that there are 30 to 40 closures per year, added the president.

There are many situations that are not used in medical devices allowed. Example is the use of dental implants counterfeit, without certification. They are often low-cost materials that can jeopardize the health of the patient. The complaints stem both from clients and doctors and more health professionals, among others.

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The exercise of dentist as well as all professional activities as they relate to oral health is vital to human health, a simple mistake or negligence can come to constrain the ongoing life of a patient, which can assume disastrous repercussions and negatively affect a person's life. Now imagine if such errors or neglect or are committed on young children and the effects that might ensue for the rest of their lives, both physically and psychologically.

It requires a vigilant and permanent authority over all places wherever they make dental care, the ongoing surveillance is the golden rule and safeguard public health.

All dental professionals should have all his professional activity covered by insurance, vocational training should be mandatory and required annually for the professional oral health can continue to carry on its business.

The state shall never allow the pursuit of activities related to oral health if they do not comply with the rules listed above.