The National Order of Dental Surgeons of Senegal (ONCDS) has raised urgent concerns over the escalating illegal practice of dentistry in the country. At a recent press conference, Dr. Myriam Thérèse Arlette Dia Ntab, president of the ONCDS, warned that misleading advertising, unregulated procedures, and misinformation in mainstream media are putting the oral health of Senegalese citizens at serious risk.
According to Dr. Dia Ntab, the illegal practice of dentistry has surged to unprecedented levels. Once largely confined to social media, these illicit practices are now appearing on traditional media platforms. “Unqualified individuals, without legal authorization, are offering dental care and promoting it through aggressive and misleading advertising campaigns,” she stated.
The ONCDS expressed particular concern over a recent prime-time report on RTS1 about teeth whitening. The program, deemed “biased,” misrepresented the medical nature of the procedure and downplayed its risks. The Order noted that presenters, commentators, and even artists may inadvertently promote these illegal practices to the public.
Senegalese law is clear on this issue. Law 05-2023, enacted on June 13, 2023, prohibits anyone from practicing as a dental surgeon without a recognized diploma and registration with the ONCDS. Ethical regulations also strictly forbid all forms of commercial advertising by dental professionals.
“It is shocking and frustrating to see untrained individuals operating with impunity,” Dr. Dia Ntab said. She cited a previous legal victory by the Order over teeth whitening practices as a precedent reinforcing these regulations. Illegal procedures expose patients to severe complications, including tooth sensitivity, gum damage, and irreversible harm.
Teeth Whitening: A Medical Procedure, Not Cosmetic
Professor Khaly Bane of UCAD’s Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odonto-Stomatology emphasized that teeth whitening is a complex medical procedure, not a mere cosmetic treatment. “Tooth color depends on enamel, dentin, and pulp structures, all of which can be affected by chemical or biological factors,” he explained.
Professor Bane warned that products such as hydrogen peroxide carry serious risks if misused, including oral lesions, accidental ingestion, and exposure to potentially carcinogenic substances like high concentrations of sodium perborate. According to the ONCDS, fitting a mouthguard or gingival barrier without proper credentials constitutes illegal medical practice.
In response to the growing threat, the ONCDS is urging health and judicial authorities to strengthen oversight and impose stricter sanctions. The Order also calls on media outlets to exercise responsibility when disseminating medical information.
For the public, the message is clear: all oral health care must be sought from a dentist registered with the ONCDS. “This is the only guarantee of safety and adherence to scientific standards,” Dr. Dia Ntab emphasized. “Oral health is not an aesthetic luxury, but a fundamental pillar of public health.”
