CCTV footage has just been released of a dentist wailing on a former patient who returned to the clinic demanding a refund for an alleged botched dental procedure.

The Ho Chi Minh City based dentist, identified as 40-year-old Nguyen Thi Tuyet Chinh, is seen in the footage screaming, throwing objects, and striking her patient, 31-year-old Tien Thao, with a metal weightlifting bar.

Thao told police she paid 22 million Vietnamese Dong—roughly $833—for braces in 2021. In August, she said, the braces were removed, but she was left with extreme pain and later diagnosed with bone damage at another dental facility.

The recording shows Chinh dragging Thao from a couch, snatching her phone, and smashing it on the ground. She allegedly struck and choked Thao repeatedly while shouting insults, and also destroyed her glasses. The combined value of the phone and glasses was estimated at about 20 million Dong, or nearly $1,000.

Health officials later confirmed that Chinh’s clinic was licensed, but a raid on September 3 uncovered numerous violations. Authorities found the clinic lacked proper facilities, had misled patients with advertising, and offered services beyond what its license allowed. Investigators also noted that patient records were not properly maintained. Three employees were unable to produce valid professional licenses.

In response, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health ordered the clinic shut down. Department director Tang Chi Thuong issued a statement condemning Chinh’s actions and called for strict enforcement of health regulations to prevent similar incidents. Officials also reached out to Thao, who is undergoing treatment for neck injuries sustained in the assault.

The case has struck a nerve in Vietnam, where dental tourism and private clinics have grown rapidly in recent years. Local police confirmed they are continuing to collect evidence and interview witnesses. The investigation remains ongoing.