Man charged with running illegal dentist's office out of Massachusetts convenience store
MILFORD - Two people in Milford were arrested after police said they were running a dentist's office without a license.
Police said the illegal dental practice was taking place in the back of a convenience store along Main Street, just a couple hundred feet away from the local police station.
The Alternativa Convenience Store sells snacks, supplies and clothing to neighbors in Milford but investigators said in a rented room in the back, the store was something else entirely.
"I was surprised because, obviously, that's just crazy," said Jeremy, a Milford neighbor.
According to police, Juan Hermida Munoz was operating an illegal dental practice inside the store, renting the space from the shop's owner, Magdalena Guaman-Castro
Police are calling the investigation extensive, discovering Munoz was performing tooth extractions, cleanings and even using anesthesia on patients without any certification to practice medicine in the United States.
"We don't know where they got their license from or if they even know how to use the tools," said Jeremy.
The convenience store is still open for business but employees were not answering questions about the investigation. Neighbors aren't convinced police have the whole story.
"I get the necessity," said Jeremy. He's lived in Milford for years and works directly across the street. "Health care is so expensive nowadays. It's so expensive, like a crown is $1,000. If they want to help the community they're going to in some way. So I don't blame them."
Munoz was arrested and charged with unauthorized practice of medicine and dentistry. The store's owner was charged with conspiracy.