FDI warns illegal dental practice remains a global patient safety threat

GENEVA: Illegal dental practice continues to endanger millions of patients worldwide despite the existence of laws regulating dentistry in most countries, according to new findings released by the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI), which is urging governments, regulators and dental associations to strengthen enforcement before more patients suffer avoidable harm. To help policymakers act more quickly, FDI has published a concise two-page summary of its global report on illegal dental practice, distilling key evidence and recommendations from one of the most comprehensive international assessments of the issue. The resource is intended for National Dental Associations (NDAs), health regulators and policymakers seeking practical guidance to improve patient safety and strengthen oversight of dental services. The findings are based on responses from 49 National Dental Associations across different regions of the world and paint a concerning picture. While 95% of participating countries reported having legislation regulating dental practice, fewer than half of respondents believed those legal frameworks are working effectively in practice. Nearly half said current laws fail to adequately prevent illegal dental practice because of weak enforcement, insufficient resources, bureaucratic delays or other regulatory barriers. Perhaps most worrying is the impact on patients. According to the survey, 58% of responding dental associations reported confirmed cases of patient harm linked to illegal dental practice, including severe infections, permanent oral damage and, in some instances, life-threatening complications. At the same time, 62% said their countries lack reliable data on how widespread illegal dental practice actually is, making it difficult for authorities to fully understand the scale of the problem or evaluate whether enforcement strategies are working. FDI defines illegal dental practice as the provision of dental care by individuals or organisations that are not appropriately trained, licensed, registered or regulated under national legislation. This may include unqualified individuals performing tooth extractions or implant procedures in homes or informal clinics, beauticians placing orthodontic braces in salons, practitioners working with expired licences, or individuals operating beyond their legally permitted scope of practice. The report suggests that illegal dental practice exists in both high-income and low-income countries, although the underlying drivers often differ. In many settings, patients turn to unlicensed providers because qualified dental care is difficult to access or unaffordable. Economic hardship, shortages of trained professionals, growing demand for cosmetic dental procedures, commercialisation of aesthetic services and limited public awareness also contribute to the persistence of illegal practice. Beyond immediate patient harm, FDI warns that illegal dentistry undermines public confidence in the dental profession. Because unlicensed providers operate outside regulatory systems, patients who experience complications may have limited access to legal remedies, professional disciplinary processes or compensation mechanisms that normally exist when treatment is provided by licensed practitioners. To address the problem, FDI is calling for a coordinated response that goes beyond legislation alone. The organisation recommends strengthening enforcement of existing laws, improving surveillance and data collection, increasing public awareness so patients can verify a dentist’s credentials before treatment, and encouraging closer collaboration between governments, dental regulators, law enforcement agencies and professional associations. It also emphasises that improving access to safe, affordable dental care is essential if illegal providers are to lose their appeal. The federation also stresses that regulatory frameworks should remain responsive to changing models of oral healthcare while continuing to protect patients. According to the report, successful strategies require balancing effective regulation with equitable access to qualified dental professionals, ensuring that efforts to eliminate illegal practice do not inadvertently reduce access to legitimate care in underserved communities. For patients, the report reinforces a simple but important message: dental treatment should only be obtained from appropriately qualified, licensed and regulated professionals. As demand for dental and cosmetic procedures continues to grow worldwide, FDI says stronger regulation, better public awareness and greater international cooperation will be critical to protecting patients and maintaining trust in the dental profession. Stay informed, stay alert! pk/06-Jul-2026/fdi-illegal-dental-practice-global-patient-safety-report” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”>Read full story on Dental News