Hong Kong warns of enforcement against suspected illegal mainland dental chains

Hong Kong authorities have warned of possible enforcement action after mainland Chinese dental chains were suspected of operating illegally in the city, as local industry leaders called for tighter supervision.

The Hong Kong Dental Association also said on Wednesday a poll of local practitioners found that each dentist needed to follow up on an average of four cases a month relating to treatment received across the border.

The Health Bureau and the Department of Health said in a joint statement they had contacted the association to follow up on its reports of mainland clinics running promotional booths in the city.

“We will not rule out taking enforcement action later,” authorities said.

The association said the chains had set up consultation booths in busy districts in recent months, offering free teeth cleaning and cross-border shuttle-bus services to attract customers.

Posing as customers, association representatives visited the booths this month and found employees dressed in white coats using endoscopes to recommend treatments, which raised concerns over violations of ordinances.