A Korean national who was practicing dental medicine in the country without a license from the Professional Regulation Board was arrested in an entrapment operation headed by the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday.
Kang Sangkoo, who allegedly owns and operates the Jkim Smile Dental Clinic in barangay Cabangcalan, Mandaue City, was subjected to an entrapment operation after the NBI received information several days ago of the alleged illegal activities of Kang, who is known to his clients as Dr. Jun Kang.
NBI regional director Medardo de Lemos said they immediately verified the information and coordinated with the PRC, which issued a certification that Kang is not a licensed dentist in the Philippines.
Dr. Sheila Nacua, Cebu Dental Association president, said Kang is not a member of their organization and Philippine Dental Association regional coordinator Dr. Jerra Marie Oporto likewise said that Kang is not a member of any chapter of their organization in Central Visayas.
An NBI agent acted as customer who wanted his teeth cleaned during the entrapment operation. Kang immediately performed the cleaning without knowing that it would be his last customer.
Upon receiving the P400 marked money, Kang was immediately arrested. Kang’s clinic staff, Jade Longo and Charmaine Pagobo, executed affidavits confirming that they accept patients for dental services. According to them, the clinic started operation in November last year and offered free tooth extraction. They said it only started its full operation for profit this month.
Although, his clinic was legally registered with the Department of Trade and Industry under the name of Kang’s wife, Mylene, De Lemos said this does not give him the authority to practice dental medicine.
Nacua said even if Kang is a licensed dentist in Korea, he still has to take and pass the PRC licensure examination for him to be able to practice in the Philippines. Kang claims to be a graduate of dentistry at the Unciano College in the Republic of Korea. – Fred P. Languido/QSB