6 domestic helpers held for ‘running dirty, illegal dental clinic’ in Hong Kong
Suspects allegedly performed services such as scaling, orthodontic treatment and denture production for as low as HK$150 after watching online videos
Hong Kong immigration authorities have arrested six foreign domestic helpers on suspicion of operating an unlicensed dental clinic in a hidden tenement flat in Sham Shui Po, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal labour activities.
The Immigration Department said on Monday that the suspects, aged between 34 and 60, were all from the Philippines. Two worked as unlicensed dentists, while the rest were assistants, providing services such as scaling, orthodontic treatment and denture production.
The department said the suspects not only worked as dentists without a licence but also breached conditions of stay.
Thirteen customers were discovered during the arrests on Sunday.
“The state of hygiene was pretty dire [at the clinic]. The alleged operating room had a sofa, distilled water, tissues, towels, fragrance, a sink and simple tools used for procedures. The so-called dentists were dressed in normal clothing when we arrested them,” Chief Immigration Officer Dhubal Tai Koon-ho said.
“There was no evidence indicating that these clothing, medical items and tools had been sterilised in any way. Clinical waste was not properly disposed of, posing a significant risk of viral infection.”