WHILE there are over forty registered dentists in Guyana, the estimated number of illegal dental practitioners, commonly called “quacks”, exceeds two hundred.

It is a well-known fact that members of the dental profession denounce the practice of these ubiquitous imposters. Though without significant success, official action has sometimes been taken by the Guyana Dental Council to mitigate the problem. There is even an Enactment which provides for restricted service, under special conditions, for “quacks” to operate.
I recently interviewed one of the more famous “quacks”, to who I will refer as Andy.
BRS: Would you agree that illegal dental practitioners like yourself may be posing a problem for the Government and the people you treat?
Andy: Not really. You, as a senior dentist, must know that there are not enough dentists to serve the whole population; and as far as I am concerned, we are doing the public a service.
BRS: But what is the quality of service that you provide to the public?
Andy: What do you mean by quality of service?
BRS: I mean standard hygienic conditions, professional techniques, guarantee of work done, etc.
Andy: Speaking for myself, people would not continue to come to me if they were not satisfied.
BRS: What procedures do you perform?
Andy: Actually, I do extractions, fillings, root canal, dentures, etc.
BRS: Do you have an x-ray machine?
Andy: No! Why?
BRS: You need that when you are doing a root canal or after some complicated extractions, so you can verify if a piece of root still remains.
Andy: I didn’t know that.
BRS: Because you are not licensed to treat people, don’t you think a patient can be arrested as an accomplice if they should attempt to lodge a complaint with the police against you for any damage you might do to their mouth?
Andy: I suppose it makes sense, but I never thought about it that way. In any case, it’s never happened.
BRS:  If you had the authority in the Government, what would you do about “quacks”?
Andy: If they have a minimum of a secondary education and were doing the work for a few years, they should be given a test. On passing that test, they should be given their licence to practise.
BRS: You mean, just like a dentist!
Andy: Yes!
BRS: But, do you know that the Government passed a Law that says only a dentist can work on a patient? And that the dentexes and other professionals trained by the very Government must either work only on children or under the direct supervision of a dentist?
Andy: What! That’s news to me!
BRS: It’s true! You can check it out in the Dental Act, which is part of the Laws of Guyana, and read it for yourself! Anything else you would like to say before we close?
Andy: Yes. When people are suffering, the humanitarian aspect must be considered first. To eliminate “quacks” would entail a great deal of resources, which the country can scarcely afford. In any case, it is not a priority in my view. Another thing, with less people serving the dental needs of the population, the cost will go sky high. The poor man will not be able to afford it. Thanks, Doc.