Shenzhen Dentists Push Urgent Extractions Near Nerve Lines; HK Professional Body Warns of Risks
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
A Hong Kong journalist's undercover visit to three Shenzhen dental chains in August found all dentists pushing for immediate extraction of horizontally-impacted wisdom teeth positioned near nerve lines, raising safety concerns. The Hong Kong Dental Association criticized the aggressive sales tactics and rushed procedures, warning that each local dentist now handles four patients monthly needing follow-up care after mainland dental treatments. Some Shenzhen clinics were found operating illegal consultation offices in Hong Kong, resulting in one arrest and subsequent re-opening of certain locations with free cleaning vouchers.
Key Points
- The journalist, who has four wisdom teeth with the lower two horizontally impacted near nerve lines, visited Maiya Dental, Glenfil Dental, and Shenzhen Boai Shuguang Hospital's dental department in August
- All three Shenzhen dentists recommended on-the-spot extraction, claiming the procedures carried "no risk" and "no difficulty" despite the nerve-line proximity
- Cost comparison: Hong Kong quoted HK$22,000 for extracting all four wisdom teeth; Shenzhen clinics charged approximately HK$6,000 to HK$9,600 for comparable procedures
- Hong Kong Dental Association former president Chan Kin-keung stated that wisdom tooth extraction requires proper preparation time, questioning whether rushed procedures could achieve 100% safety standards
- The association revealed in July 2026 that each member dentist receives four patients monthly seeking corrective treatment after receiving dental care in mainland China
- A case cited involved an elderly woman who received six dental implants at a mainland clinic, resulting in permanent nerve damage leaving her unable to chew properly and giving up her hobby of singing
- Police arrested a 72-year-old man for "illegally practicing dentistry" after the association exposed mainland dental chains operating Hong Kong consultation offices staffed by gown-wearing personnel providing diagnoses
Why It Matters
The stark difference in clinical protocols between Shenzhen and Hong Kong dental services highlights potential safety gaps when Hong Kong residents seek cheaper mainland dental care, with the surge in corrective treatment cases straining local dental resources . As mainland dental chains continue targeting Hong Kong patients through aggressive marketing and newly reopened consultation offices, regulators face mounting pressure to protect consumers from both health risks and potentially illegal medical practices across the border .
The stark difference in clinical protocols between Shenzhen and Hong Kong dental services highlights potential safety gaps when Hong Kong residents seek cheaper mainland dental care, with the surge in corrective treatment cases straining local dental resources . As mainland dental chains continue targeting Hong Kong patients through aggressive marketing and newly reopened consultation offices, regulators face mounting pressure to protect consumers from both health risks and potentially illegal medical practices across the border .