TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Illegal dental devices are jeopardizing public health in Taiwan, according to experts who held a press conference on Friday (March 14). The head of the Taiwan Association of Dental Technician (牙技師全聯會) revealed that half of the dentures and orthodontic braces circulating in Taiwan are illicit, highlighting regulatory loopholes in medical equipment oversight.
Chairman Lin Qing-mao (林慶茂) expressed concern over the imbalance between 7,305 certified dental clinics and only 1,063 legitimate dental labs, attributing the market's survival to illegal operations. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislator Lin Yueh-chin (林月琴) emphasized the growing threat of illegal dental products, citing past incidents like the 2012 radiation-tainted dentures case.
Lin noted that 4,000 radioactive dentures entered the market, posing long-term radiation risks to users. She also pointed out a rise in victims from 200 to 400 in a case involving Chinese-made invisible braces, which bypassed regulations by being labeled as "customized medical equipment."
Dentist Chang Chi-chen (張綺真) urged the government to tighten control over legal medical materials and crack down on illegal dental practices. Attorney Tu Kuo-ching (凃國慶) highlighted the need for better oversight, suggesting the Food and Drug Administration should collaborate with dental technicians to ensure safety.
