As a teacher on the Cape Flats, I am saddened to see young children under the age of 18 take the decision to remove their front teeth without fully understanding how it can affect their future socially and economically. Dentists in our local communities should not be extracting healthy unproblematic front teeth of minors for popular culture. 

Coming together as a community to recognize this trend as an unethical dentistry practice will help direct the future of our youth in a positive way. 

We must hold unregistered and unethical dentists accountable for their actions and contribution to this cultural trend that young people unaware of it's repercussions on their future. If we do not act now, the future of our youth will continue to be left in the hands of those who do not care for them.