Dental technician in Isabela arrested for posing as dentist

RAMON, Isabela—A 21-year-old dental technician here was arrested in an entrapment operation on Tuesday (March 9) after she posed as a dentist to lure clients with low-priced dentures and retainers, authorities said.

The suspect, Jolly Mae Soriano, 21, was caught in the act of receiving marked money from an undercover agent who asked for teeth retainers.

According to Timoteo Rejano, chief of the National Bureau of Investigation in Isabela, Soriano admitted that she did not have a license to practice dentistry.

“I erred and I just hope that they will give me a second chance. My two daughters are still young and no one will take care of them,” Soriano told the Inquirer.

According to NBI agent Federico Salamero, law enforcers carried out the entrapment operation after members of the Philippine Dental Association Isabela-Kalinga Chapter complained about the illegal practice of Soriano.

The NBI agents seized the dental equipment and other items being used by Soriano as evidence.

Salamero said Soriano faces two years in prison and P200,000 in fine if convicted.

Edited by TSB