HCMC dentist arrested for attacking patient over braces complaint

Nguyen Thi Tuyet Chinh, 40, who runs a clinic in Hanh Thong Ward, was taken in on Thursday for "disturbing public order" with the police investigating other possible criminal offenses she committed.

Chinh used a metal rod to attack the victim, a woman identified as Thao, 31, on Sept. 3, seized her phone and damaged it and her sunglasses.

Despite attempts by her husband and a security guard to restrain her, Chinh continued to act aggressively.

Nguyen Thi Tuyet Chinh (C) listens as a police officer reads a statement to put her under arrest, Sept. 11, 2025. Photo by police

Thao visited the clinic with a friend to report severe tooth pain and suspected bone damage after receiving orthodontic treatment there, and a dispute broke out with Chinh.

A video recorded by her friend shows Thao sitting in a chair when Chinh, holding a metal rod, rushes in to assault her, choking and verbally abusing her.

Chinh then grabs Thao's phone and eyeglasses, valued at around VND20 million (US$800), and smashes them on the floor.

Thao said she had paid the clinic VND22 million for braces she got fitted in 2021.

In August this year, after having them removed, she began experiencing pain and was diagnosed at another clinic with bone damage.

 

 

HCMC dentist arrested for attacking patient over braces complaint

Người phụ nữ bị nha sĩ hành hung trong phòng khám ở TP HCM

She returned to Chinh's place last week to demand a resolution when the assault took place.

She complained to the police.

When questioned, Chinh admitted to the assault, telling authorities that the patient had been undergoing orthodontic treatment since 2021 but was dissatisfied with the results and had posted about it on social media before coming to the clinic to demand a refund.

The police also found three clinic employees lacking professional practice certificates.

The Department of Health has suspended the clinic's operations pending further investigation and punitive action.