Man arrested for posing as dentist, operating home clinic in Basra

BASRA — Basra health authorities announced the arrest of a man accused of posing as a dentist and operating a clinic illegally inside his home in Abu Al-Khaseeb district, Basra.

In a statement, Basra Health Directorate said the suspect had converted a room in his house into a dental clinic.

A video published by the directorate showed the room equipped with tools used for tooth extractions and fillings.

The case adds to a series of incidents involving unlicensed medical practice in Iraq. In early February, Iraqi security forces arrested a man who was posing as a medical doctor and operating an illegal clinic in Baghdad. Earlier that month, Baghdad police arrested a Syrian national in the Husseiniyat al-Maamel area on charges of impersonating a dentist and operating an unlicensed dental clinic, police said.

In January, Baghdad Rusafa Police Command arrested a woman accused of impersonating a gynecologist and practicing medicine for six years using forged documents.

In July 2025, police in Maysan arrested a woman accused of posing as a doctor at Al-Hakim Teaching Hospital in Amarah after hospital officials confirmed “she had no connection to the institution,” according to police.