TNAG-1363-FCO40-1809-Hong-Kong-Hansard-reports-and-minutes-of-the-meetings-of-the-1985 — Page 186

Supplementary To Question No. 2 in the

Legislative Council on 7 August 1985

Dr. IP:- Sir, although the Medical and Health Department have no records of

the number of persons practising dentistry illegally, the Director had shared

with me some information he had on the estimated number of such. I wonder

whether he would be prepared to share the similar information with this

Council?

Director of Medical and Health Services:- Sir, I cannot vouch for the accuracy

of the statistics and I do not feel I can quote the figures in this Council.

Dr. IP:- Sir, in that case perhaps the Director of Medical and Health Services

could inform us how many illegal dentists that he was aware of were

prosecuted last year and are the existing fine and sentences enough to deter

illegal dentists from reopening their practice at a different address?

Director of Medical and Health Services:- Sir, in 1984 there were thirty-

seven complaints referred to the police. I take it to understand that about

80 per cent of those complaints were acted upon. As regards the penalties

for illegal practice we recognise that it is inadequate - being a fine of

$1,000 and six months' imprisonment and arrangements are in hand to amend

the laws.

I

Dr. IP:- What have the Medical and Health Department done in the education of

the public not to seek dental treatment from illegal dentists who may do harm

to their dental health?