By Mike Crismundo
Published Aug 13, 2026 10:16 am
BUTUAN CITY – The Butuan City police shut down a dental clinic and arrested a 63-year-old woman who was caught illegally practicing dentistry in Barangay Mahogany here on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) Director Police Col. Richie M. Yatar, identified the arrested suspect as a certain “East.”.
The suspect was taken into custody during a joint police operation led by M/Sgt. William T. Estañol, under the direct supervision of Police Maj. Namra P. Arimao Jr., station commander of BCPO Station 1, in coordination with the City Intelligence Unit (CIU).
Initial reports indicated that operatives served a search warrant at the suspect's clinic at about 4:03 p.m. on Tuesday, for violation of Republic Act 9484, also known as the “Philippine Dental Act of 2007.”
Operatives confiscated dental equipment and medical supplies, suggesting a large-scale illegal dental practice.
Among the items confiscated were 350 pieces of local anesthesia carpules, dental needles, syringes, and various antibiotics and painkillers (Amoxicillin, Mefenamic Acid), Plaster of Paris, alginate impression materials, resins, and several sets of artificial teeth and removable dentures, two portable dental trimming machines, dental forceps, and five pieces of extracted human teeth.
Col. Yatar said "the health and safety of the public are non-negotiable, and practicing dentistry without a license is not only a violation of the law but a grave danger to the community."
“We urge our citizens to only visit accredited and licensed dental clinics to avoid serious health complications. Your BCPO remains vigilant in our mission to protect Butuanons from those who exploit the public's trust," Col. Tayar added.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jennifer S. Ometer, chief of Regional Public Information Office of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13-RPIO) said the arrested suspect is now currently being held at BCPS-1.
“Appropriate charges are being prepared for filing before the court, and all seized items have been properly inventoried and secured as evidence,” Ometer added.
PRO 13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado lV commended the Butuan police.
