A man has been arrested in Malaysia for working as a dentist for 29 years with no medical training or qualifications.

He treated patients at his home in Kuala Lumpur, using a cast-off army dentist's chair dating from the 1940s, the New Straits Times newspaper said.

Police and health officials raided the man's apartment, acting on a tip, and found painkillers and syringes.

He said he had assisted an army dentist in the 1960s and 1970s by carrying his bag and had learned how to pull teeth.

"I watched the doctor diagnose and treat problems with teeth," the New Straits Times quoted the man as saying when he was arrested.

"I also saw how he would extract teeth and make models and measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth."

He said he had tried to find work as a dental assistant but when he was rejected as too old he set up his own practice, telling neighbours he was a retired army dentist.

He has been arrested for illegally practising dentistry and faces charges under Malaysia's law regulating private healthcare facilities and services.

He could be fined up to $86,000 (£43,200) or up to six years in prison, or both, if convicted.

[Via - BBC News]

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