Fake dental clinic used online video tutorials to perform root canals and tooth extractions
A small family-run dental clinic has been making headlines after law enforcement found that its employees had no formal training and just watched tutorial videos online.
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A small family-run dental clinic has been making headlines after law enforcement found that its employees had no formal training and just watched tutorial videos online.
In a small town, a 22-year-old Czech man and his parents ran a family-owned dental practice that had previously treated dozens of patients.
The dental clinic operated for two years before people learned that the family had no real training or qualifications.
Instead, they learned dentistry through online video tutorials and instructions they found online.
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The family opened an unlicensed clinic in a small town in Czechia and happily treated their patients, despite having no professional knowledge.
At the clinic, the 22-year-old aspiring dentist performed tooth extractions, root canals, and even applied anaesthesia, drawing on online tutorials and information he found over the web.
The other family members dealt with different aspects of the illegitimate dental business.
The 50-year-old woman worked as a nurse, and a 44-year-old man created prosthetics for patients, the BBC reported.
This illegal dental clinic served dozens of patients and generated $185,500 in revenue, local police said.
The mom and pop business was later busted, and all three were arrested and charged with operating an illegal business, money laundering, attempted assault, drug dealing, and theft, for which they have all pleaded guilty.
If convicted, they’re looking at up to eight years in prison.
Why you shouldn’t trust online tutorial videos to perform surgeries. If it isn’t already obvious
While online video tutorials can be useful for learning how to perform less invasive procedures like applying makeup or braiding hair, it’s a given that people shouldn’t learn how to perform surgeries using YouTube tutorials.
The reason for this is simple. You never know where that person has obtained their information. These videos could be full of misinformation, and aren’t typically sanctioned by legitimate institutions.
Furthermore, YouTube and other platforms that allow people to upload tutorial content may be focused more on engagement and monetization than on providing legitimate and trusted information.
If it’s not already obvious, don’t take all information on YouTube and other social media platforms at face value. And don’t use this information to start your own medical clinic.