In Pakistan, the field of dentistry has witnessed substantial progress in recent decades, gaining recognition as a highly esteemed profession. However, this positive trajectory is overshadowed by the persistent menace of quackery, undermining the profession's integrity.
Dentistry faces multifaceted challenges hindering its ability to deliver quality care, with quackery being a foremost concern. These unqualified practitioners, primarily motivated by personal gain, conduct procedures that are not only unnecessary but also hazardous due to their lack of proper education and training.
The consequences of patronizing quacks extend beyond needless complications; they contribute to the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C, amplifying the burden on an already beleaguered economy.
The 2020 Economic Survey by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics underscores the transformative changes in the dental landscape. In 1970, a mere 384 dentists were registered with the Pakistan Medical Dental Council (PMDC), resulting in an alarming dentist-to-population ratio of 1:156,000. Acknowledging the dire situation, the government turned a blind eye to quacks, particularly in rural and underprivileged urban areas. Today, with approximately 30,000 registered graduate dentists, the dentist-population ratio has significantly improved to around 1:7800, aligning more closely with WHO recommendations.
The increased number of qualified dental professionals calls for urgent action against quackery, especially considering that 3000 young dentists graduate annually with the intent of serving the nation. However, they encounter significant hurdles.
Young dentists face challenges due to insufficient support from federal, provincial, and local governments, coupled with a severe shortage of employment opportunities. Despite a 135pc increase in the number of dentists over the past twelve years, job opportunities haven't grown proportionately.
Those unable to secure suitable employment often resort to private practices. However, the proliferation of quacks in both small and large cities poses a significant challenge and diminishes the aspirations of young qualified dentists.
Patients often struggle to differentiate between qualified dentists and quacks, resulting in a general mistrust in the profession. The unqualified practitioners negatively impact the overall reputation of dentistry, making it harder for licensed dentists to establish reputable practices.
To address these challenges effectively, a coordinated effort involving dental associations, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies is imperative.
First of all dental associations must actively engage with regulatory bodies and government agencies to advocate for stronger regulations, stricter licensing requirements, and penalties for unauthorized practices.
Secondly, regulatory bodies should implement regular inspections and audits of dental clinics, ensure compliance with established standards, and establish a centralized database of licensed dental practitioners accessible to the public.
Thirdly, law enforcement agencies must enforce strict penalties for individuals practicing dentistry without proper qualifications and streamline the legal process for indicting dental quacks, ensuring swift and effective legal actions.
Licensed practitioners must differentiate themselves through excellent patient care, ethical practices, and active community engagement to rebuild trust and establish successful private practices amidst the challenges posed by quackery in dentistry.
By Prof. Dr Asaad Javaid
Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Baqai Medical University
