A Suffolk County woman, Yolanda Mejia Carranza, 55, was arrested last week for allegedly running an illegal dental practice from her home. Authorities launched an investigation after multiple patients came forward with complaints about her services.
When officers executed a search warrant, they discovered a fully operational dental setup in Carranza’s home, despite her having no valid license or professional training. According to WABC, she had been practicing dentistry illegally for eight years, targeting low-income patients who lacked dental insurance.
Investigators found that Carranza never used anesthesia, relied on antibiotics from overseas, and left several patients suffering from nerve damage and facial paralysis.
She has been charged with three counts of unauthorized practice of a profession, and officials are urging more victims to come forward.
Authorities warn the public to verify a dentist’s credentials before receiving treatment to avoid such dangerous scams.
