Director of Medical and Health Services:- Sir, the dental health education
does not aim specifically at advising members of the public not to visit
illegal dentists. However extensive dental health education campaigns are
being carried out all year long to arouse public awareness to seek dental
treatment.
Mrs. Selina CHOW:. May I ask the Director of Medical and Health Services in
case where there is no complaint of illegal dental practices but where
unregistered dentists openly advertise their services, does the government
take any action?
Director of Medical and Health Services:- Sir, Government acts mainly on
complaints. However if during the course of their duties our Dental Inspectors
any
come across blatant practices of illegal dental practitioners these will be
brought to the attention of the police.
Mrs. Selina CHOW:- In other words, Sir, is the Director telling us that we
are not aware how serious the situation of unregistered dentistry is being
carried out in Hong Kong because if you base it purely on the complaints it
could be just the tip of the iceberg?
Director of Medical and Health Services:- As I have mentioned, Sir, the
number of complaints that we have received has declined from 80 to 37 so it
does not appear from a public point of view to be a serious situation.