Going to the dentist is something many of us dread, isn’t it? The idea of sharp tools poking around our gums while being reminded to floss more can make anyone feel anxious.
Imagine trying to navigate all of that when the person you’re dealing with claims to be a dentist but is actually an unlicensed individual. This exact scenario unfolded in New York, where a Suffolk County woman was apprehended for running a fraudulent dental practice out of her own residence.
New York Woman Arrested for Pretending to Be a Dentist
Last week, authorities arrested Yolanda Mejia Carranza following tips from several individuals who claimed to be her patients, as reported by WABC.
When investigators obtained a search warrant, they found out that the 55-year-old woman had established a fully operational dental office in her home and was practicing dentistry without the necessary credentials. Despite her lack of licenses or official training records, she was treating patients as if she were a licensed dentist.
She faces three counts of unauthorized practice of a profession. Authorities are urging more patients of hers to step forward as they strengthen the case.
The patients who had already informed the police noticed something was wrong when they went to visit her. They claim she did not use anesthesia during procedures and administered antibiotics imported from overseas. As a result, some patients have experienced nerve damage and even facial paralysis following treatment by her.
The most disturbing aspect of this situation is that it wasn’t just a brief scheme that was uncovered. She had been engaging in this behavior for a whopping EIGHT YEARS! According to WABC, authorities suspect that she specifically preyed on underprivileged patients who lacked dental insurance or the financial means to afford standard dental care.
When I first heard about someone coming to a person’s house for a dental appointment, I couldn’t help but wonder who would feel comfortable entrusting their teeth to a dentist they’ve never met in a traditional clinic setting.
