Greeks turning to ‘fake’ dentists to save money amid economic distress

Dentists association warns of health risks involved

The economic crisis has lead Greeks to turn to dubious dentist ‘professionals’ to save some money, according to the Dental Association of Attica. On occasion of the World Day for Mouth hygiene on March 20, the association noted that an increasing number of Greeks have been forced to choose quasi-professional ‘dentists’ who do not have licenses because of their cheap rates. As the head of the association, Athanasio Yfantis points out there has been a rise in advertising for tooth whitening outside of proper dental clinics and dentist practices. He warned that tooth whitening without the proper environment poses health dangers to the patients, as tools are often not sterilised properly. ‘There are even dangers of contracting AIDS or Hepatitis’. he added. He called on citizens to be particularly careful of where they went to have their teeth taken care of.