The President of the Trinidad and Tobago Dental Board, Dr. Shevone Marchand, issued a stern warning to citizens on Tuesday, cautioning them against falling prey to fraudulent individuals posing as dentists in the country.
Rising concerns amidst migrant influx
Speaking on a local radio program, Dr. Marchand highlighted that while the presence of fraudulent dental practitioners is not a new phenomenon in Trinidad and Tobago, recent times have witnessed a surge in reported cases, particularly involving migrants from Venezuela and Jamaica.
Explosive increase in incidents
Dr. Marchand expressed concern over the exponential growth of the issue, attributing it to the influx of professionals from Venezuela who have established dental practices.
Additionally, she noted instances of unregistered practitioners from Jamaica operating in Trinidad and Tobago, emphasizing the lack of recourse for individuals seeking to address grievances against such practitioners due to their absence from any regulatory body’s records.
Lack of legislative remit
Acknowledging ongoing efforts to amend legislation, Dr. Marchand lamented the current absence of jurisdiction by the Dental Council over these unregistered practitioners.
She underscored the detrimental impact on the population, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory measures to safeguard citizens against potential harm.
Precautionary measures for citizens
Dr. Marchand offered practical advice to radio listeners, urging them to exercise caution when seeking dental care.
She emphasized the importance of verifying a practitioner’s registration with the Dental Council and ensuring the presence of valid registration and annual practicing certificates.
Identifying red flags
Highlighting indicators of potential fraud, Dr. Marchand cautioned against practitioners who exhibit reluctance to sign insurance forms or prescribe necessary medication, such as antibiotics for infections.
Such behaviors, she emphasized, should raise red flags signaling the involvement of unregistered and unlicensed practitioners.
Broader concerns across medical profession
The issue of fraudulent medical practitioners extends beyond dentistry, with various professional bodies, including the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago, the Diabetes Association, and the Cancer Society, voicing concerns.
Instances of individuals falsely claiming medical expertise and promoting purported cures for diseases, including cancer, have raised alarm within the community.
Clarification from the ministry of health
Addressing misconceptions, the Ministry of Health clarified its stance on regulatory actions against unqualified medical specialists.
Emphasizing the authority of the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago in regulating doctors, the Ministry highlighted ongoing legislative amendments aimed at strengthening registration requirements for medical specialists.
Continued review and reform efforts
The Ministry reassured the public of its commitment to addressing regulatory gaps and enhancing the accountability of medical practitioners through ongoing review and reform efforts.
The proposed package of legislative amendments, informed by recommendations from the Medical Board of Trinidad and Tobago, remains under review as part of broader initiatives to uphold standards of medical practice and protect public health.
