TNAG-1363-FCO40-1809-Hong-Kong-Hansard-reports-and-minutes-of-the-meetings-of-the-1985 — Page 187

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.