A New York woman was arrested for allegedly performing unlicensed dental surgery at her Suffolk County home despite lack of professional dental training.
Yolanie Meziah Karanza, 55, was charged with three counts of unfair occupational practices, according to Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Katalina.
“The investigation began when detectives in the third precinct received hints that Karanza had injured several patients, causing serious nerve damage in one case, leading to partial facial paralysis,” Katarina said at a press conference Friday. “I think there are probably more potential claimants, and we will strongly encourage them to move forward.”
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A mugshot of Yolanie Meziah Karanza arrested by Suffolk County police who allegedly provided illegal dental care. (Suffolk County Police)
Katarina said police believe Karanza has targeted the Hispanic community, particularly illegal immigrants without health insurance.
Dentist's chair suspected of dental care in an illegal home in Yolanie Meziah Karanza. (Suffolk County Police)
ABC7 reported Despite the serious level of treatment she had completed, Karanza used only local anesthesia and police discovered antibiotics in a home dental space obtained from abroad.
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A makeshift dentist office where Yolanie Meziah Karanza allegedly performed illegal dental practices. (Suffolk County Police)
Police also believe they practiced another illegal home dentistry elsewhere for eight years.
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“[Prosecutors] Carranza's lawyer, Aaron Warrenstein, told Fox News Digital.
“You know these [allegations] That she was actually doing dental activities – and I think she was in the last 10 or 15 years, I think you know, I think you know, I think you know, I think you know, three complaints in 10 or 15 years for any dentist are not a bad percentage for what she claims she did. ”
Karanza was arrested and released on March 14th. She returned to court on April 1st.
