Over 20 doctors & dentists in S'pore caught practising without valid credentials from 2023 to 2025

The Ministry of Health (MOH) investigated more than 20 doctors and dentists in Singapore for practising without valid certificates, or with expired certificates, between 2023 and 2025.

The cases were split rather evenly between doctors and dentists, who were practising at healthcare service providers, MOH said in response to Mothership's queries.

They were formally trained practitioners, The Straits Times cited MOH clarifying.

They did not have the necessary or valid credentials, mainly due to issues that were "administrative in nature and not related to professional competency", while some unintentionally continued practising after their certificates had expired.

No patient harm was reported in the cases investigated.

Warnings issued

MOH uncovered most of these cases through periodic checks by the Singapore Medical Council and Singapore Dental Council, according to ST.

Following the investigations, warnings were issued to 19 errant practitioners.

The remaining cases are still being investigated.

Licensees reminded to verify credentials

These cases prompted MOH to issue a circular on Feb. 6 to remind all licensees under the Healthcare Services Act (HCSA) to verify credentials carefully before employing healthcare professionals.

Medical practitioners and dentists need to be registered with the Singapore Medical Council and Singapore Dental Council, respectively.

According to the circular, some licensees may not be conducting adequate due diligence to check that the practitioners hold valid registration and practising certificates prior to employing or engaging them physically or remotely.

There is particular concern for licensees who engage locum doctors or dentists, who temporarily substitute for the regular professionals, MOH said.

The ministry emphasised that credential verification is mandatory, and failure to do so properly may be an offence, which may result in enforcement actions.

According to the Singapore Medical Council, doctors found practising without a valid medical registration and/or practicing certificate may be fined up to S$100,000, imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both.

Dentists who practise without a valid practising certificate may be fined up to S$25,000 if convicted, for first-time offenders.

Members of the public can check the registration status of healthcare professionals in Singapore via the Health Professionals Portal.

Those who have concerns about a registered healthcare professional's credentials can contact MOH with the relevant supporting information.

Top images from Canva and Tommy Shih/Google Maps