Police: New Cassel Man Ran Fake Dental Practice Out Of His Home
NEW CASSEL, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island man with a sixth-grade education has been accused of practicing dentistry from his home without having any formal medical or dental training, police said Thursday.
Detectives went to Manuel Carranza's New Cassel home on Wednesday afternoon after receiving a call that the 46-year-old was allegedly operating an unlicensed dental practice out of his residence.
1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports
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Carranza allegedly bought his dental equipment and tools on the Internet and did not keep anything sterilized, 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported.
"Our concern is that there are people that are not in good health as a result of his services," Det. Lt. Ray Cote said.
WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports
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Carranza allegedly cleaned his tools with dish-washing soap and melted down gold jewelry to be used as dental fillings, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.
Reputable dentists told CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan it's imperative people check out potential dentists.
"Call the local dental society. Even if they have some sort of fake representation on the wall, they have to be licensed through the New York State Dental Society," said Dr. Anthony Randi of Garden City.
It's not just unethical and criminal treating without sterilized equipment, it's also extremely dangerous, McLogan reported.
"There could be some serious infections, with oral surgery, extractions, root canals," Dr. Ruth Randi said.
Police believe Carranza treated more than 100 people over a year and half. His attorney insisted Carranza had dental tools but did not practice. Or, as McLogan learned from his attorney, Carranza may be some kind of a collector.
"That's not a crime," Samuel Reiff said.
Dental equipment and various prescription medications were found at the home, police said.
Carranza, originally from Honduras, only has a sixth-grade education but was making big money pretending to be a dentist, Cote said.
"He has a price chart of $20 to $30 for fillings, $50 for root canal and if that doesn't work then he'll extract your tooth for free," Cote said.
"He was making the big money from the dentures -- upwards of $150 to $300," Cote told CBS 2's McLogan.
Carranza apparently kept stun guns in his office in case anyone tried to steal the money from his cash-only operation, Cote said.
Carranza pleaded not guilty to charges of unauthorized practice of a crime, possession of a forged instrument, possession of a dangerous weapon, and criminal diversion of a prescription.
He is being held on $2,500 cash or bond.
Carranza is due back in court on April 30.
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