A 22-year-old fake dentist and his two relatives were officially charged in Czechoslovakia after running an illegal dental clinic where they treated dozens of unsuspecting patients based on what they learned online.
According to the BBC, the three operated their underground practice in Havlíčkův Brod for two years, pulling teeth, doing root canals, and even administering anesthesia—all without a shred of medical training. And get this: they reportedly made over four million Czech koruna ($185,000) in the process.
No Dental Degree, No Problem—Until Now
The fake dentist—whose name hasn’t been disclosed—ran the scheme with the assistance of a 50-year-old woman, who posed as a nurse, and a 44-year-old male relative, who allegedly created prosthetic dental devices for patients. Authorities said patients didn’t initially complain about their procedures, which included complex dental work. That is, until the police stepped in earlier this month and arrested the trio.
While some may call it bold, the Czech authorities are labeling it a crime. All three suspects pleaded guilty and were hit with a long list of serious charges, including:
– Operating an illegal business– Attempted assault– Drug dealing (due to unauthorized anesthesia use)– Money laundering– Theft
If convicted, they face up to eight years in prison.
A Clinic Built on Google and Grit
Investigators believe the young man learned how to perform the procedures from online tutorials, most likely including YouTube and other non-professional platforms. Officials found dental chairs, tools, and medical supplies inside their clinic, none of which were sanctioned or supervised by any regulatory body.
Authorities didn’t detail if any patients suffered long-term harm, but the use of unauthorized anesthesia could have led to potentially life-threatening risks.