Dental association raises alarm over fraudulent dentists
Over the past five years, many foreign dentists have been found to have committed a number of offences that point to fraud, De Standaard writes. According to the Flemish Dental Association, this is largely due to private schools in Romania where dental diplomas are for sale.
Almost half of the new dentists starting work in Flanders have a foreign diploma, mainly from Romania. This not only causes problems in terms of language skills, but according to the Flemish Dental Association, dentists with these diplomas often have little knowledge of dentistry.
"When they appear before the Recognition Commission, they cannot answer the simplest questions," says Frank Herrebout, president of the Dental Association. However, the Recognition Commission cannot reject their application because Romania is part of the European Union and the diplomas are automatically recognised, allowing the holders to practise.
"When they appear before the Recognition Commission, they cannot answer the simplest questions"
Herrebout also points to the large number of people from North Africa with Romanian dental diplomas. "We know of private schools in Romania where you can get a diploma for a fee," he said. Research by health insurance body Riziv has shown that at least 27 cases of "deliberate fraud" have been uncovered in the last five years.
Flemish Health minister Hilde Crevits called the reports a "worrying signal" and plans to consult with the Recognition Commission, which approves qualifications achieved outside Belgium.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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