‘Fake’ dentist nabbed in Compostela, Cebu

Arcadio Galicia, 58, (wearing a white shirt), was apprehended during an entrapment operation in Sitio Lingganay, Brgy. Buluang, Compostela Cebu last March 4 for violating RA 9484 or The Philippine Dental Act of 2007. | Photo from CIDG Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Agents from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cebu Province on Thursday, March 4, 2021, arrested a 58-year-old man who posed as a dentist in Sitio Lingganay, Barangay. Buluang, Compostela Cebu.

Police said the ‘fake’ dentist who was arrested during an entrapment operation, was identified as Arcadio Galicia.

The suspect who was operating as a dentist for 40 years already was caught actively engaging in an illegal practice of dentistry inside his home in the said town. Authorities said Galicia failed to produce a certificate of registration, professional identification card, and a special permit to prove his professional legitimacy.

Police Lieutenant Ariel Huesca, chief of CIDG Cebu province said that since Dental Act is part of their mandate, they coordinated with the Philippine Dental Association Cebu chapter to check on possible illegal dental activities in the province.

As part of their investigation, the police said they explored social media, specifically Facebook to search for the cheapest dental services. That was when Galicia’s profile appeared in the search options.

Huesca said Galicia conducted his dental services in an informal set-up and even offered home service as well. Huesca said they conducted three-week surveillance to verify the suspect’s illegal activities.

They then conducted an entrapment operation which resulted in the suspect’s arrest.

Huesca disclosed that Galicia previously worked as a dental technician and they believed that this is where he got his skills. For how many years the suspect has been involved in the illegal trade, Huesca could not tell.

“Dati syang dental technician, from those activities nakuha na nya nga skill.”

(He was a dental technician back then. From those activities, he learned this skill.)

Huesca added that the suspect was also conducting procedures that only licensed dentists are permitted to do. He also mentioned that Galicia has lots of customers due to his affordable dental service rates which he claimed are up to 70% to 80%  cheaper than those offered by licensed dentists.

The suspect is currently detained at the Compostela Municipal Police Station awaiting the filing of appropriate charges for violating Republic Act 9484 or The Philippine Dental Act of 2007. /rcg