“like a horror-movie villain”: Furious dentist attacks patient with barbell after braces refund demand goes horribly wrong

A shocking incident at a dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has left a patient hospitalized after her dentist allegedly attacked her with a weightlifting barbell. The violent altercation occurred on September 3, 2025, when 31-year-old Tien Thao returned to Tuyet Chinh Dental Clinic demanding answers about complications from her braces treatment.

The confrontation escalated when Dr. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Chinh allegedly grabbed a metal barbell and attacked Thao, who had come to the clinic seeking a refund for what she described as a botched orthodontic procedure. The incident was captured on video by a friend who accompanied Thao to the appointment.

According to witnesses, the dentist charged out of her clinic “like a horror-movie villain,” brandishing the gym equipment at Thao’s face. During the violent encounter, Dr. Chinh also yanked Thao off the sofa, threw her iPhone on the floor, and hurled a mug at her face while screams echoed throughout the clinic, according to TMZ. The attack left the patient with neck injuries and scratches on her arms and shoulders, requiring hospital treatment at Hoan My Hospital.

Department of Health shuts down clinic amid multiple violations

Following the incident, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health conducted a surprise inspection of the clinic and discovered numerous violations. The facility was found to be providing medical services beyond its licensed scope and failing to maintain proper medical records. Three medical staff members were practicing without valid certificates, and the clinic was advertising treatments not covered by its operating license.

The inspection team also revealed that Thao had been a patient at the clinic since 2021, paying $880 for braces that were removed in August 2025. After experiencing severe pain following the removal, she was diagnosed with bone damage at another medical facility. This prompted her return to Dr. Chinh’s clinic, where she encountered the shocking situation that some healthcare professionals can create.

The authorities have temporarily suspended the clinic’s operations while police investigate the assault charges. The Ministry of Health has requested a full report from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health by September 15, emphasizing the need for strict punishment if professional ethics violations are confirmed. The case highlights growing concerns about medical professional conduct that continue to surface across various healthcare settings.