<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<sec>
<h3>Background</h3>
<p>Illegal orthodontics is on the rise, with ‘fake’ braces being reported mainly in South-East Asia. Health concerns have been raised despite ongoing efforts to increase public awareness.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<h3>Objectives</h3>
<p>To explore the perceptions of Dental Enforcement Officers from The Oral Health Legislation and Enforcement Section, Ministry of Health Malaysia regarding the challenges in managing complaints against ‘fake’ braces providers in Malaysia.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<h3>Methods</h3>
<p>Three focus group discussions were conducted involving twelve Dental Enforcement Officers (DEOs) who have managed complaints regarding illegal orthodontic practices over the past two years. Participants were asked about their actions in response to complaints and their perceptions of the challenges faced during the incidents. Information collection was concluded once data saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed using NVIVO software.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<h3>Results</h3>
<p>The data identified six predominant themes which were: (1) A lack of resources; (2) Emotional strain on DEOs; (3) External support for illegal providers; (4) Difficulty in gathering information; (5) Complex planning and execution of raids; and (6) A lack of online regulation.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The management of ‘fake’ braces activities is complicated and requires DEOs to work closely with various authorities for a successful outcome. This study may offer some insight into ways of overcoming these challenges.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>

Background
Illegal orthodontics is on the rise, with ‘fake’ braces being reported mainly in South-East Asia. Health concerns have been raised despite ongoing efforts to increase public awareness.


Objectives
To explore the perceptions of Dental Enforcement Officers from The Oral Health Legislation and Enforcement Section, Ministry of Health Malaysia regarding the challenges in managing complaints against ‘fake’ braces providers in Malaysia.


Methods
Three focus group discussions were conducted involving twelve Dental Enforcement Officers (DEOs) who have managed complaints regarding illegal orthodontic practices over the past two years. Participants were asked about their actions in response to complaints and their perceptions of the challenges faced during the incidents. Information collection was concluded once data saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed using NVIVO software.


Results
The data identified six predominant themes which were: (1) A lack of resources; (2) Emotional strain on DEOs; (3) External support for illegal providers; (4) Difficulty in gathering information; (5) Complex planning and execution of raids; and (6) A lack of online regulation.


Conclusion
The management of ‘fake’ braces activities is complicated and requires DEOs to work closely with various authorities for a successful outcome. This study may offer some insight into ways of overcoming these challenges.

Challenges in curbing illegal orthodontics: A qualitative study on dental enforcement officers in Malaysia

Australasian Orthodontic Journal

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Background
Illegal orthodontics is on the rise, with ‘fake’ braces being reported mainly in South-East Asia. Health concerns have been raised despite ongoing...

Question	Prompts
What do you know about fake braces?	Have you heard about fake braces?
How do you feel about fake braces?	Are you concerned about this trend?
What experience do you have with fake braces?	Have you come across any cases?
What experience do you have with fake braces?	What did you do?
Why do you think the public seek such treatment?	Do you think the patients are aware that it is illegal?
In your opinion, what are the short term and long term effects of fake braces on our community?	Will this trend have a positive or negative impact on orthodontics and the community?
What difficulties did you encounter when managing these cases?	Were patients receptive to your advice?
	Did you know how to manage these cases?
	How did you manage these cases?
What is your view about fake braces providers?	Are they usually male or female ? Age group?
	Do they know what is legal or what is not?
	What are their common responses/excuses for providing this illegal service?
Do you have any suggestions to manage this alarming trend?	What would make it easier for you to manage these cases?

FGD	Participant	Gender	Age	Enforcement experience (years)	Enforcement unit (By State)
FGD 1	1	Female	41	4	Kuala Lumpur and Putraiaya
	2	Female	50	13	Perak
	3	Male	38	10	Pulau Pinang
	4	Male	43	9	Selangor
FGD 2	1	Male	34	4	Sarawak
	2	Male	37	5	Kuala Lumpur and Putraiaya
	3	Male	35	6	Perak
	4	Female	33	5	Pulau Pinang
FGD 3	1	Female	56	9	Negeri Sembilan
	2	Female	48	11	Kuala Lumpur and Putraiaya
	3	Female	36	9	Selangor
	4	Female	40	11	Terengganu

Challenges in curbing illegal orthodontics: A qualitative study on dental enforcement officers in Malaysia

Published Online: Feb 05, 2024

Page range: 145 - 154

Received: Feb 01, 2023

Accepted: Nov 01, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/aoj-2023-0037

© 2023 Nor Azlida Mohd Nor et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Figure 1.

Interview guide

Participant demographics