Unlicensed Dentist Treated 500 Patients, Sentenced to Community Detention

A man practicing as an unlicensed dentist treated approximately 500 patients at his clinic in Henderson, New Zealand, raising serious health concerns. Narayan Prasad, the individual in question, was recently sentenced for operating without the necessary qualifications and registration, which included performing unauthorized dental procedures and issuing false prescriptions. His actions not only jeopardized the health of his patients but also violated trust within the community.

Many patients reported experiencing severe issues following their treatments. One patient described his sessions with Prasad as “bizarre and unusual,” particularly noting his discomfort when asked to hold a dental vacuum during the procedure. This discomfort was compounded when the patient’s fillings subsequently fell out. According to court documents, he was one of five individuals who provided victim impact statements highlighting the significant risks posed by Prasad’s unlicensed practices.

Prasad was the sole director of the now-closed Hill Park dental clinic. The Ministry of Health charged him with multiple violations, including using an X-ray machine without a license on at least 19 occasions. During the sentencing at the Waitākere District Court, Judge Terence Singh emphasized the sustained nature of Prasad’s misconduct and the considerable risk it posed to public health.

Judge Singh remarked that Prasad’s actions constituted a “gross breach of trust” against his patients, many of whom believed they were receiving care from a licensed professional. The court noted that over a three-year period, ending in September 2022, Prasad misrepresented himself as a qualified dentist, performed dental procedures, and issued prescriptions under false pretenses.

In addition to admitting to multiple charges under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act, Prasad also confessed to forgery and failing to provide medical treatment with the requisite skill and care. His attempts to seek a discharge without conviction were opposed by the prosecution, and Judge Singh ultimately denied this request, stating that the severity of Prasad’s offenses warranted a conviction.

Prasad received a sentence of three months’ community detention, alongside a reparation order to pay $15,950 to 28 victims. Although he demonstrated remorse and received some credit for his otherwise positive character and community contributions, the judge underscored the gravity of his offenses. Judge Singh noted that Prasad’s actions were motivated by financial gain rather than the well-being of his patients.

The Ministry of Health highlighted that Prasad initially appeared credible, using GrabOne vouchers to attract clients who believed they were receiving legitimate dental care. The ministry characterized the offending as moderately serious due to Prasad’s impersonation of a doctor in prescribing medications, thereby putting patients at risk.

As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying professional credentials before seeking medical care. Prasad’s case has raised significant concerns about patient safety and trust in healthcare providers, emphasizing the need for stringent oversight in the medical field.