The importance of seeking out a properly qualified, accredited professional to carry out cosmetic dentistry has been highlighted by a case in the US which has resulted in thee men ending up in jail.
Michael Wai Jing Kwong from Ohio had been writing out fictitious prescriptions from his practice and had also been using the information of existing patients to obtain drugs without their knowledge.
He would then distribute oxycodone and hydrocone to his accomplices Jakob Kelly and Jason Thompson, who would sell them before the three shared the cash.
The scam went on between 2008 and 2010, with the trio most recently working at the Hudec Dental Associates in Brooklyn.
Dr Kwong has now been sentenced to three years in prison.
In September 2010, Vinisha Sharma, 37, was prosecuted for fraud in Birmingham after working as a dentist for nine years despite having no qualifications.
She was employed by the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust at one stage, where she carried out operations among other procedures.
