Illegal Practice: Hua Zheng Huang
Dental regulator pursues legal action against Hua Zheng Huang for illegal practice of dentistry
Vancouver, B.C.
December 18, 2013
The College of Dental Surgeons of BC has taken legal action against Hua
Zheng Huang for providing dentistry services illegally. Mr. Huang has
never been registered as a dentist
in B.C.
Mr. Huang came to our attention in the wake of the Tung Sheng Wu
investigation after a member of the public contacted us to complain
about treatment received.
The College’s investigators conducted surveillance at Mr. Huang’s
residence at 2508 Adanac Street in Vancouver. Our investigators gathered
evidence indicating that dentistry was being performed. We asked for –
and were granted – permission from BC Supreme Court to conduct a search
and seizure at Mr. Huang’s residence. The court also issued an interim
injunction that prohibited Mr. Huang from practising dentistry.
Our investigators carried out the search and seizure with the assistance
of local police at Mr. Huang’s residence on October 17, 2013. We seized
extensive dental material and equipment from the residence. There were
no patient files found.
On December 17, Mr. Huang consented to the imposition of a permanent
injunction prohibiting him from practising dentistry or holding himself
out as a dentist. The BC Supreme Court also granted the College’s
request to publish Mr. Huang’s name, photograph, and address to alert
the public about the unauthorized practice of dentistry.
As the College has committed through the media earlier this year, we
will be following up with Mr. Huang to confirm that the injunction is
honoured.
The College has retained the dental supplies and equipment seized from
Mr. Huang’s residence. The College will donate any seized dental
supplies or equipment that are safe for use to a non-profit dental
clinic.
Although Mr. Huang’s practice did not meet infection control standards
required of BC dentists, it was clear that there were some efforts at
infection control. After consulting with health authorities, we believe a
public health alert is not warranted. However, anyone who sees an
illegal practitioner puts themselves and their family at risk for
bacterial and viral infections. There is no assurance that the
practitioner is competent or qualified to provide treatment, or that the
materials and equipment they use are safe.
We recommend that any person who is treated by an illegal practitioner
consult with their physician and that they visit a competent and
accountable dentist (registered with the College) to review the work
done and the materials used.
To check the registration status of a dentist in B.C., you can look them up on the College’s Registrant Lookup.
Jerome Marburg, Registrar & CEO
College of Dental Surgeons of BC
