Long Island woman arrested, accused of working as fake dentist
BAY SHORE, Long Island (WABC) -- Suffolk County police have arrested a woman for allegedly running a fake dental practice out of her home.
Investigators were tipped off to 55-year-old Yolany Mejia Carranza by three patients. One of the patients told police they are suffering from nerve damage and facial paralysis.
"I think everyone knows it's not really fun to go to the dentist you can only imagine what this experience was like for her patients," said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina.
Carranza was arrested on Thursday around 3:15 p.m. at her home on Heckscher Avenue in Bay Shore.
A search of the home revealed a fully functioning dentist's office, where she was allegedly doing dental work without the training or license to do it.
"She did not use anesthesia, but she used a local anesthesia, but no one was getting the anesthesia for the complex dental procedures she was doing," Catalina said. "She was a full-service dentist."
In addition to the Bay Shore location, detectives believe Carranza was previously operating an illegal dental business at 135 Broadway in Huntington Station.
Police say she practiced, illegally, for eight years, and likely catered to financially-strapped patients.
"We think she was targeting the Hispanic community, mostly people who did not have health insurance and many of whom may have been in the country illegally," Catalina said.
Police say they found antibiotics which were ordered from oversees.
Neighbor Alfredo Valle watched police raid Carranza's office.
"Pretty shocking. Out of nowhere. After a long day of work, saw 15 cars of police officers in my neighborhood," he said.
Valle said he feels for anyone who was injured.
"I hope people who used her services, I hope they're OK," he said.
Carranza has been charged with three counts of unauthorized practice of a profession.
Police are encouraging more patients to come forward.
Anyone with information or who believes they are a victim is asked to contact the Third Squad at 631-854-8352 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
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