This Family Ran a Fake Dental Clinic for Two Years Using Online Tutorial Videos
The family reportedly learned procedures by watching online tutorial videos and studying material they found on the internet.
According to investigators, the clinic performed everything from fillings and extractions to more complicated dental procedures. One family member presented himself as the dentist, while the others assisted with patients, equipment and dental work.
The operation finally came apart after concerns about one patient's treatment brought the clinic to the attention of authorities.
When investigators entered the building, they reportedly discovered that the family's impressive-looking operation had been built around a simple fact: none of them were legally qualified to practice dentistry.
Authorities also discovered records showing that the family had treated numerous Havenfall residents during the two-year period.
Rather than simply sending the family away after their convictions, however, the Havenfall court announced an unusual punishment.
Two years serving the city
The family has been ordered to work for the City of Havenfall for their first two years without pay.
The sentence does not allow them to practice dentistry independently.
Instead, they will work under qualified medical and dental professionals as part of a city-supervised rehabilitation program.
Officials say the unusual arrangement is intended to force the family to understand the difference between watching a procedure online and actually being trained to perform it.
"They believed watching someone do something was the same as being qualified to do it," one city official said. "It isn't."
The family will reportedly spend their first year assisting with non-clinical work, sanitation and patient administration before being allowed to participate in supervised training programs.
They will not be permitted to perform dental procedures on their own.
From criminals to city workers
The decision has divided Havenfall.
Some residents believe the family should have received prison sentences, arguing that people trusted them with their health and had no idea they were being treated by unqualified practitioners.
Others believe the city's unusual punishment gives the family an opportunity to repay the community while finally learning the profession they attempted to imitate.
By the end of their two-year sentence, officials say the family will be required to complete legitimate training and licensing requirements if they want to continue working in dentistry.
Until then, their previous clinic has been permanently shut down.
The sign outside the building has already been removed.
For the residents who once entered expecting professional dental care, the discovery has left behind one uncomfortable question:
How many people were sitting in that chair without ever realizing who was holding the instruments?
— Havenfall Chronicle
