It is quite probable that the initial enactment of the Dental Registration Bill 1996 was the most significant event in the history of local dentistry. When it was operationalised, the Act positively impacted the social character of the profession. In fact, not only has the dental profession been placed on a higher level, but the community would be safeguarded from most of the adverse attributes its practice hitherto exuded.

The Dental Registration Bill 1996 has ensured, as much as it was possible at the time, that the main objectives of the Act— which are to legalise, organise and regularise the practice of all dental professionals and to establish a specialised corporate body, namely the Guyana Dental Council, with powers to control and regulate dentistry in Guyana— were fulfilled.

The major aspect of the Bill is the establishment of a Dental Council. This is a statutory body that registers dentists, dentexes (formerly known as dental nurses), and dental technicians. The Council also advises the Minister on pertinent matters where necessary and manages the training of the dentexes and dental technicians.

The Dental Council is comprised of five dentists, including the Principal Dental Officer. The body is responsible for compiling a register with the names of all the dentists, dentexes and dental technicians whom the Council has authorised to practise for the current year. The list of names must be published in the Official Gazette. Any person whose name is not published in the Gazette and who practises is liable for imprisonment as well as a substantial fine.

A person’s name may be struck off the Dental Register if he or she is convicted of an indictable offence or is found guilty of professional misconduct. Of course, the Legislation provides for the opportunity of defence and depending on the severity of the crime, the professional may be censured or suspended.

The dentexes, according to Section 21 of the Law, can only work in a government clinic on patients below the age of 18 years and under the supervision of a government dentist. Dental technicians are not permitted to perform any work in the mouth of any person. They can fabricate dentures, etc.

This is what the Law says about “dental quacks.” Part IV Section 33 (2) unequivocally states that “a person not being a registered dental practitioner who holds himself or herself out, assumes or uses any name, title or description implying that he or she is entitled to be recognised as a person authorised or qualified to practise dentistry or practises dentistry, is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $75,000 and to imprisonment for 12 months.”

If a person is registered as a dental technician and performs any work in a person’s mouth, on summary conviction, he or she is liable to a fine of $25,000 plus imprisonment for six months.

The Law makes it relatively easy for a “quack” to be convicted. Section 34(2) says that the mere possession of dental materials or dental instruments without being registered to practise or authorised to sell (by the Council) is prima facie evidence of guilt.

While the Dental Registration Bill 1996 may appear facetious to some, it represents a profound advocate for the rights of the patients and a modern thrust for the local dental community.