Texas stepping up its game to recover stolen funds from Medicaid fraudsters

On Dental Claims, State’s Bark Worse Than Its Bite

by Becca Aaronson

October 15, 2013

Texans discovered nearly two years ago that the state was spending more on orthodontic claims in its Medicaid program than the other 49 states combined, but recovery of millions in purportedly misspent Medicaid money has moved slowly.

After a couple judicial setbacks, the Health and Human Services Commission’s Office of Inspector General has stepped up its game by bringing in the big guns at the attorney general's office and private counsel. The OIG also hired a chief dental director, Dr. Linda Altenhoff, and is making sure that multiple dental experts review cases before they’re brought to a judge. The outcome of those efforts will be apparent when an administrative judge rules on a case testing the state's evidence for withholding payments to Antoine Dental Center in Houston, which was argued in May.

Meanwhile, the accused Medicaid providers have made it clear they aren’t returning any money — or allowing the state to sully their reputations — without a fight. They’ve formed a coalition, Texas Dentists for Medicaid Reform, and filed a lawsuit against the state challenging the OIG’s hardball tactics of withholding Medicaid payments for months on end during fraud investigations with limited evidence that fraud occurred.

[We can’t forget about Texas Dentists for Medicaid Fraud.  See links at end of this blog post.]

After WFAA-TV in Dallas reported in December 2011 that Texas spent more on braces and Medicaid orthodontic claims between 2008 and 2010 than the other 49 states combined, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released a report that found the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership, the company contracted by the state to process Medicaid claims, had only one dentist on staff and essentially rubber-stamped dental and orthodontia claims without reviewing whether those services were medically necessary.

Dentist, Gary Anusavice sentenced to 8 years in prison for Medicaid Fraud

 

Prison time for a Connecticut dentist who swindled millions from the federal Medicaid program.

Gary Anusavice, 60, used recruiters, to seek poor patients who used Medicaid. Then he would perform unnecessary dental procedures and file fraudulent Medicaid claims that added up to $20 million, $3.3 million he collected for himself from 2008 through 2012.

Anusavice is now sentenced to eight years in prison and has been ordered to pay $10 million in fines, give up his luxurious Rhode Island home, a boat, his Mercedes, and about $90,000 in cash found at his home.

He operated a network of clinics where the fraud went on in the central, southern and western parts of Connecticut.

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Dentist In Massive Medicaid Fraud Case Sentenced To 8 Years

By EDMUND H. MAHONY, emahony@courant.com The Hartford Courant
9:32 p.m. EDT, October 9, 2013

HARTFORD — A dentist barred from practicing elsewhere in New England was sentenced Wednesday to eight years in prison for operating assembly line-style clinics in Connecticut that targeted poor patients, performed unnecessary dental procedures and collected on more than $20 million in fraudulent claims from Medicaid.

Gary Anusavice, 60, operated networks of clinics in the south, central and western parts of the state from 2008 to 2012 and personally collected more than $3.3 million from the fraud.

Under a variety of settlements with the state and federal governments, Anusavice will pay more than $10 million in fines and restitution, in addition to giving the government his 8,000-square-foot home in Rhode Island, his boat, his Mercedes-Benz and about $90,000 in cash that investigators found in the home.

Anusavice opened clinics in areas where high concentrations of low-income people relied on the federal government's Medicaid program for medical treatment. Medicaid, which is administered in Connecticut by the state Department of Social Services, reimburses physicians for costs they incur while treating patients who are unable to pay.

Link to 29 reports on FORBA’s Small Smiles Dental Centers

Fortress Insurance Company v. Ocean Dental PC, Dr. Chad Hoecker and Dr. Robin Lockwood

Case Number:
5:2013cv00322

Filed:
May 2013

Fortress Ins. v. Ocean Dental, Chad Hoecker, Robin Lockwood Amended Complaint  Filed August 23, 2013

Fortress alleges neither Dr.Lockwood, Dr.Hoecker, nor Ocean Dental complied w/ requests for patient records, as their MP insurance carrier, against terms of their contract. They allegedly never alerted Fortress of pending claims, as required under the insurance contract. IMHO- Fortress makes a good point for Declaratory Judgment. That would leave Dr.Lockwood & Ocean Dental "naked", w/out Malpractice coverage.  Yikes!

Dr Lockwood is currently serving time at Federal Medical Center Carswell, in Fort Worth, TX. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Medical_Center,_Carswell

One big issue is the policy time period for Dr.Lockwood & Dr. Hoecker. Some acts were allegedly made outside the time period of insurance coverage. If so, Dr. Lockwood & Dr. Hoecker were operating "bare" (w/out coverage). Depending on terms of employment w/ Ocean Dental, Dr. Lockwood has a potential counterclaim against Ocean Dental, if they neglected to provide MP insurance coverage to her, as defined under her employment contract.

Dr. Hoecker denies knowledge of the terms in the Dr.Lockwood policy. If Ocean Dental purchased this policy, that would be absurd. BTW- a "claims made" policy will not cover for acts filed AFTER the term period of the policy expires. Thus, a "tail" policy would need to be purchased. Obviously, there was no tail coverage purchased.

Seem just serving time for ones sins is just the beginning of a long life of misery for Dr. Lockwood, while ole Chad Hoecker is singing “Free Bird”. 

I hope all these dentists are paying close attention!

Here is a link to all the documents found on the case-

http://www.scribd.com/collections/4366323/Ocean-Dental-Stilwater-Oklaho

Become a whistleblower today. Read why.

Goodwin Orthodontics whistleblowers awarded shares of money

By Jim McBride
jim.mcbride@amarillo.com

September 19, 2013 - 4:57pm 

A Travis County judge has awarded more than $22,000 in legal fees to an Amarillo law firm that helped expose more than $1 million in Medicaid fraud at a local orthodontics clinic.

Amarillo attorney Phil Russ, who represented three former employees of Goodwin Orthodontics, credited Kristen De Los Santos, Sandy De Los Santos and Lissa Eason with exposing health care fraud at the clinic that led to the federal conviction of Amarillo orthodontist David Goodwin.

“The money needs to go to those women,” Russ said Thursday. “This is an example of how responsible citizens can help save our taxpayer dollars from being drained away from government programs by fraud. It takes a whistleblower who sees it happening to sound the alarm, because fraud is a game of stealth and concealment.”

On Wednesday, a Travis County judge awarded the state of Texas and the three Amarillo women more than $4.2 million in damages against Goodwin and the clinic in a whistleblower lawsuit.

Russ said Thursday the women could receive some money from the case if the state and federal authorities collect enough restitution from Goodwin and the clinic. If state and federal authorities collect $4 million from the clinic, the women could theoretically split $630,000 to $840,000, he said.

Dr. Thomas Floyd–More than a decade of complaints

Dentist accused of physically, verbally abusing children he treated

• 

Thomas Floyd. (PBSO, Handout )

September 22, 2013|By Jon Burstein, Sun Sentinel

 

He developed a reputation over three decades as a champion of dental care for poor children.

But behind the walls of Thomas Floyd's dental practice, some former employees said they heard children screaming in pain and terror.

While his September 2012 arrest for child neglect shocked many in the community, hundreds of pages of records obtained by the Sun Sentinel detail a trail of disturbing allegations that the West Palm Beach children's dentist physically and verbally abused patients dating back as far as 2001.

One father said he took his 5-year-old daughter to Floyd in 2011 and the dentist mistakenly pulled three good teeth. State authorities accused Floyd of confusing the girl with another patient.

"It's horrifying that your daughter goes in for a dental cleaning and comes out missing teeth," said the father, Benjamin Rodriguez. "[Floyd] just didn't care."

Floyd and his attorney have argued he's the the target of false accusations leveled by disgruntled employees and difficult parents.

Among the allegations in state records and police reports:

Dr. Edward Dove going to be “in and out” of the country, he pays 50% of production.

Opportunity Available 3-18-13

Office Name: Edward E Dove DDS PC
Contact Person: Eddie Dove
Practice Location: Bakersfield and Chatsworth
Address: 3130 Union Ave Bakersfield, CA 93305
Date Needed: Varies
Days Needed: Varies
Telephone:  818 644-7124
Fax: 661 872-9257
Email: pediatricdentist18@gmail.com
Requirements: oral sedation certificate
Information: I am presently looking for part time or on call to cover for me.  I am presently going to be out of the country at various times.  I do have one associate, but she cannot cover all offices.  It is mainly my bakersfield and chatsworth office.  I pay 50% of production and have excellent staff.  For more info please contact me.Thank you.

 

http://www.cspd.org/news/message.asp?news_id=265

More parents coming forth with complaints about perilous Florida dentists–Dr. Michael Addair Tarver

More critics of suspended dentist come forward

By Austin L. Miller

Staff writer

Published: Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 9:03 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 9:03 p.m.

 

Days after state authorities suspended the license of a local dentist who allegedly mistreated a young patient, critics of Dr. Michael Addair Tarver continue to go public with their own stories.

One of those people is Kristina Pate, a dental assistant who worked at Tarver's Polliwog Dental for two months before she was terminated, she said, for speaking out about Tarver's methods.

Pate said every child who came into the practice received nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. She estimates roughly 75 percent of the children seen by Tarver also were given Demerol ???.

Some of the children, she said, were strapped onto boards to keep them still. If Tarver felt they were misbehaving in any way, they were threatened, she said.

Those on Medicaid were treated much differently from those who paid out of pocket, she said.

Pate said those who paid up front or had insurance were treated quickly and sent on their way. Medicaid patients, she said, had to wait longer. Parents of those on Medicaid had to wait about three hours before their child was finished.

Former employee of Dr. Michael Tarver says his wife, Rebecca, is not any better with children

 

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Polliwog Owner Michael Tarver Still Denies Allegations

Ocala, Florida — The allegations continue to stack up against Michael Tarver,  the owner and operator of Polliwog Dental.

The latest developments in this case do not really surprise parents whose children have attended the pediatric dentistry.

Ivy Castillo, a parent who has taken her five year old to the dentistry said, “I have experienced first-hand the ‘Dr. Jekyll’ side of ‘Doctor’ Mike.” Adding, “My son told me a couple days later that during this routine cleaning, they made him drink the ‘icky Spiderman juice’, which I have come to learn was their sedative to ‘control’ my child.”

Ocala Post has been flooded with horrifying stories of less than mediocre dental care provided by Michael Tarver.

In an E-mail we received from an employee who does not want to be identified, she wrote, “Dr. Mikes wife is not any better.  She was there when her husband man handled those kids.”  She went on to write, “I can understand a wife wanting to stand by her husband, but this is ridiculous.”

 

Rebecca Tarver, DDS, wife of Dr. Michael Tarver.

 

 

One parent, who also does not want to be identified in order to protect her children wrote,

“All 4 of my children went to Polliwog because they took Medicaid. From the get go the staff was rude and unorganized. The biggest issue was my six year old son and nine year old daughter at the time, came home with big cheek bruises and unwarranted work done. My son who has healthy teeth, was told every time I went he needed fillings. It’s funny but my two older girls (12 & 15) never had issues, I think because they were old enough to speak up or tell on them. Every time my kids went for any work, even a cleaning they told me they would need to give them the happy juice. I am so glad someone finally listened to all of us!”

The allegations against Tarver range from, placing his hands over children’s noses and mouths, over dosing children with the “kiddie cocktail“, altering medical records, to actually inflicting physical injuries to young children.

Tarver continuously maintains he is innocent, using Medicaid parents as an escape goat by claiming their children are just misbehaved.

Tarver was questioned by authorities in regards to allegations that he put his hands over a child’s nose and mouth, causing the child to lose consciousness. Tarver’s  response again deflects to the child’s behavior. Tarver stated he remembered the “extremely misbehaved” child, passing blame on to the small child.

Florida Department of Health Administrative Complaints Against Dr. Thomas Floyd

Dr. Thomas Floyd, DDS Case 2012-03003 - Florida Department of Health v Dr. Thomas Floyd - Amended Complaint

 

Dr. Thomas Floyd 2012-04834 - Florida Department of Health v Thomas Floyd - Amended Complaint

Dr. Michael Addair Tarver: Four police complaints filed

 

Suspended dentist subject of four police complaints

By Austin L. Miller
Staff writer

Published: Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 9:52 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 9:52 p.m.

A dentist whose license was suspended Wednesday by the state on allegations of possible child abuse was also the subject of four complaints to Ocala police, but the complaints were determined to be unfounded.

Ocala police detectives investigated the complaints and sent their findings to the State Attorney's Office for review. The criteria for child abuse was not met in any of the complaints, authorities said.

In the four cases, the parents said they took their children — ranging in age from 18 months to 7 years — to Polliwog Dental at 255 SE 17th St., Ocala, for procedures and later said there were signs of abuse, officials stated.

Two of the four cases also were sent to the state Department of Health. That agency ordered the emergency suspension of Dr. Michael Addair Tarver, owner of Polliwog Dental, on Wednesday. Tarver is a board-certified pediatric dentist.

Tarver, in an email to the Star-Banner on Wednesday, vigorously denied the allegations and said he has hired an attorney to fight the accusations.

The DOH concluded that the 33-year-old dentist violated several state statutes and patient trust, and altered patient records. In one instance, the DOH said, a 4-year-old girl stopped breathing during a dental procedure and had to resuscitated, but her parents were never notified about the incident. His actions, the DOH stated, "demonstrates that he cannot reasonably be expected to comply with any sanction short of suspension."

Another troubling pediatric sedation dentist loose in Florida–Dr. Michael Addair Tarver

Polliwog Dental Children's Dentistry, is at 255 SE 17th Street in Ocala, Florida  34771

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State suspends pediatric dentist in Ocala

By Austin L. Miller
Staff writer
Published: Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 7:55 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 7:55 p.m.

OCALA, FLORIDA — An Ocala dentist whose office was visited in late July by authorities who removed files and interviewed employees has had his license suspended, according to the state Department of Health.

A report by the DOH ordered the emergency suspension of Dr. Michael Addair Tarver’s license to practice dentistry.

The order, dated Wednesday, states that Tarver is a board-certified pediatric dentist. He’s the owner and operator of Polliwog Dental, a children’s dentistry office at 255 SE 17th St.

DOH officials said the emergency suspension order is directed at the individual, not the facility. Therefore, while Tarver cannot practice in the state of Florida, his wife, Dr. Rebecca Tarver, also a licensed dentist, can practice, and therefore the facility remains open, DOH said.

Tarver disputes the allegations against him.

“I am profoundly disappointed and shocked that the Board of Dentistry would take such action without even reviewing the facts or giving me a chance to defend myself,” he said in an email to the Star-Banner, adding that his attorney is “fighting this decision” and that he expects to have his license reinstated soon.

Hailing his wife as an excellent dentist, Tarver said the office is open and “will continue to provide quality care.”

The 10-page document outlined the reasons for the suspension:

Colorado Dentists Who Used Dirty Needles Arrested in Nevada–Cocaine Intoxication

 

Dentist Who Reused Needles Faces First Criminal Case

DENVER (CBS4 ) – A dentist who reused needles and put thousands of patients at risk of contracting deadly diseases has been arrested in Nevada.

Stephen Stein was arrested just after 1 a.m. Aug. 12 for cocaine and driving under the influence near Lake Tahoe in Nevada.

Court documents state Stein was speeding, 48 mph in a 35 mph zone, while intoxicated with cocaine.

Officers said they found “a hollowed out ink cartridge” in the Chevy Traverse he was driving.

In Colorado last year, Stein had been investigated by police in Denver for prescription fraud for alleged practices out of his two offices in the Denver metro area. State charges were never filed.

Stein agreed to surrender his dental license last year after the Colorado Department of Health discovered he had been under the influence of painkillers while treating patients.

Examiners said Stein admitted to being a drug addict. The board also found he had been using drugs intended for patients.

Since Oct. 1, 2012 six former patients of Stein have tested positive for either hepatitis or HIV.

It’s not known whether they contracted the diseases from Dr. Stephen Stein’s office. Stein has since surrendered his license as an oral surgeon.

About 8,000 of Stein’s patients were sent letters asking them to get tested. The health department says it’s impossible to definitively tell if the infected patients got sick from Stein.

Stein had offices in Cherry Creek and Highlands Ranch.

Stein is scheduled for court in the Lake Tahoe area on Sept. 17. Court officials said that is when the results of his blood tests will be released.

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Related:

Patients of Dr. Stephen Stein urged to get tested for HIV and hepatitis

Oral Surgeon accused of sexually molesting 3 teens allowed to open his own “private” “clinic”

I’m sure we will see Dr. Turbyfill in the news again.  It’s just a matter of time.  Clearly the state of Florida learned little from the Dr. Thomas Floyd fiasco.

Aug. 27, 2013

FLORIDA - A Pensacola oral surgeon plans to start a new practice after reaching a settlement agreement with the Florida Department of Health over accusations of sexual misconduct with three sedated teenage patients.

Dr. David “Ty” Turbyfill has denied the allegations, calling them unfounded.

The Florida Board of Dentistry has approved the agreement, which allows Turbyfill to continue his practice. The deal calls for him to pay a $10,000 administrative fine and $4,630 in costs associated with the case. It also requires him to be monitored by a licensed health professional when using anesthesia or conscious sedation.

Turbyfill was formerly a partner of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates on North 9th Avenue.

His license has been restricted since April, when the state health department issued an emergency order after the allegations surfaced.

The department filed an administrative complaint later that month stating that staff members had seen Turbyfill acting inappropriately with three female patients on four occasions, twice with the same patient, between Nov. 16 and Feb. 20. Among claims in the complaint, witnesses alleged that Turbyville was seen moving his hips and pelvic region suggestively near patients and seemed to be sexually aroused in the presence of some patients — covering his groin and leaving the room on more than one occasion.

Dentists BEWARE -Kool Smiles Dental Center dentist thrown under the bus by NCDR, LLC

Looks like Dr. Tuan Truong aka Terry Troung is to Kool Smiles Dental what Robin Lockwood is to Ocean Dental. 
I bet ole Dr. Troung thought he was free and clear since leaving Kool Smiles.  If Dr. Troung thought NCRD, LLC was going to protect him, he was very wrong.  They will NOT! 
If you work for any of these type of places, you’ll be looking over your should for the rest of your life.
To Dr. Troung, and all other dentists working for these Medicaid mills, “I told you so.”.

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Published August 27, 2013
An Abilene dentist pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to one count of making a false statement in connection with a health care matter, according to a U.S. Department of Justice spokeswoman.
Dr. Tuan Truong, aka Terry Truong, admitted to falsely billing Medicaid for between $120,000 and $200,000 between June 2008 and July 2009, said Kathy Colvin, spokeswoman for the justice department. Truong practiced pediatric dentistry at Kool Smiles in Abilene.
U.S. District Judge Jorge A. Solis has not yet sentenced Truong, who faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution.
“In summer 2008, Truong began working for Kool Smiles, which paid him a base salary and offered opportunities for bonuses based on additional procedures he performed in excess of daily targets set by Kool Smiles management,” Colvin said.
By falsely billing Medicaid, Truong collected $32,749 in bonuses he otherwise would not have collected.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Texas conducted the investigation.
 
Dr. Tuan (Terry) Truong, DDS TSBDE Action signed April 2011

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Senate Report On Corporate Dentistry in Medicaid (includes Kool Smiles)

Antoine Dental Centers tells Texas HHSC-OIG to “Stick” it

Antoine Dental Center (ADC) and owner Dr. Behzad Nazari, was been placed on an administrative Credible Allegations of Fraud (CAF) 100% payment hold from Medicaid reimbursements/payments in Texas in April 2012.

CAF - Federal law defines a “credible allegation of fraud” as an “allegation, which has been verified by the State, from any source.” 42 CFR § 455.2 states that the source of these allegations may include, but are not limited to, “(1) fraud hotline complaints, (2) claims data mining, (3) patterns identified through provider audits, civil false claims cases, and law enforcement investigations. Allegations are considered credible when they have indicia of reliability and the State Medicaid Agency has reviewed all allegations, facts, and evidence carefully and acts judiciously on a case-by-case basis.

Since Dr. Nazari disagreed with this payment hold he filed a suit against Texas Health and Human Services Commission – Office of Inspector General (HHSC-OIG) —State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) Docket No. 529-13-0997; HHSC-OIG Case number P20111316523848911.

On May 28, 2013 four days of hearings began where evidence from both sides was presented to the judges at the SOAH in Austin.

On August 23, 2013 both sides filed their written Briefs and Closing Arguments.  They can be read by clicking the links at the end. 

One Brief and Closing made perfect sense, with facts and logic along with visual aids.  One sounded like a babbling idiot recounting a fairy tale. Guess which was which.

ADC and Dr. Nazari seem to think that division, and possibly the whole OIG office, is completely unnecessary.

In the ADC Brief and Closing Argument they state:

“How can the OIG support any credible aggregations of impropriety regarding HDL score sheets when the underlying diagnostic material was made available to the State and the State pre-approved the analysis that was reflected on the HDL score sheets? “

Why bother?

This is embarrassing on so many levels!  Why even bother?!  Why bother prosecuting?  Why bother reporting it?

 

The state attorney general's office says there's a criminal and civil settlement with a Rochester dentist who fraudulently billed Medicaid.

The office says Dr. Samir Khalil previously plead guilty to grand larceny charges. According to the felony complaint, he improperly received more than $480,000 from Medicaid over a four year period. In addition, the office says he "upcoded" and billed Medicaid for claims and services which resulted in more than $3,000 in false billings.

Investigators say he collected the money through his company Parkwood Dental Care on Elmwood Avenue.

"As taxpayers, we rely on a good health care system for all of us," says Catherine Wagner of the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Unit. "When a provider defrauds it and takes advantage it's a trickle effect on the integrity of the health care program of Medicaid and other programs."

The office says Khalil completed the last of his payments back to New York State and was sentenced to full restitution and community service on his felony conviction.

Dr. Richard Malouf’s All Smiles Dental has been purchased by another “chain” in Texas–South Texas Dental

Bill Hethcock

Staff Writer- Dallas Business Journal

Email  | Twitter  | Twitter  | Google+

South Texas Dental, which operates family dental centers in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio, has acquired the 12 offices of the All Smiles general dentistry practice in North Texas.

Financial terms of the transaction were not released.

Three of the offices are in Dallas, two are in Fort Worth, two are in Arlington and single offices are in Garland, Grand Prairie, Haltom City, Irving and McKinney.

Each of the acquired offices has been re-branded as South Texas Dental, and staffing levels and hours of operations will remain unchanged. Each office will accept Medicaid, CHIP and most insurance providers.

South Texas Dental representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.

South Texas Dental now operates 38 family dental centers. The centers are owned entirely by their dentist partners, who make all decisions involving patient care.

“This transaction allows us to acquire dental centers with an established base of satisfied patients,” Dr. Chad Park of South Texas Dental said in a press release. “We spent a great deal of time evaluating each center and patient charts before proceeding with the acquisition.”

I don’t know how much real time was spent “evaluating” each of Malouf’s clinics, but I bet they didn’t doing much digging or the bones would have surfaced.

 

 

 

Lawsuit Proceeds Against Dental Chain That Left Child in Pain

By John CaherContactAll Articles

New York Law Journal

August 20, 2013

A chain of dental offices geared toward children covered by Medicaid whose employees claimed it was normal for a 4-year-old patient to be "swollen, in pain, crying, visibly shaken, upset and afraid of the dentist" after drillings, often done without anesthesia, has been denied summary judgment.

Read more: http://www.newyorklawjournal.com/PubArticleNY.jsp?id=1202616144209&Lawsuit_Proceeds_Against_Dental_Chain_That_Left_Child_in_Pain#ixzz2cXaRJYQI

Yeah, it requires premium membership which I don’t have, but at least the Small Smiles cases are in the New York Law Journal

Ever wonder just what caliber of dentists the ADA considers distinguish enough to be a District Trustee?

Here is why their judgment should not be trusted.  

Maybe you remember Dr. Thomas Floyd from his mug shot? No? 

Well, maybe the news reports below about the distinguished gentleman (sarcasm) will jog your memory. Or educate those who are familiar with Dr. Thomas Floyd.

• Dr. Thomas Floyd on Google
• Menace to Society–Dr. Thomas Floyd–finally stripped of dental license
• Other Blog posts related to Dr. Thomas Floyd

Below is an announcement by the ADA stating what a glorious event the “Medicaid Challenges and Strategies Symposium” of 2008 turned out to be, which included the leaders of each of the ADA’s 17 "trustee districts” 

 

August 04, 2008

Medicaid challenges, strategies examined

By Stacie Crozier

Seventeen private practice dentists—one from each ADA district—who logged at least 1,000 Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program patient visits in the last year gathered at the ADA June 23 to identify challenges and successful strategies for improving access for this population group.

[We all know Dr. Thomas Floyd probably logged that many a week! Wonder what the other 16 dentists “logged”].

More non-compliance issues and attorneys plan to blame the children for the abuse suffered by Small Smiles dentists

I have the transcripts from the hearing held in Syracuse on Wednesday (14 Aug 2013) and right out of the gate there seems to be a problem right out of the Nashville office with “compliance”.  I’m sure everyone is shocked, right?

Guess who seems to have a problem with it, compliance, that is?  It would be Ms. Linda Zoeller.  What is the problem you ask?  She is having problems “complying” with a court Order issued several months ago.  (I know, stop laughing.)  Of course she is having trouble.  I know, I know, they don’t understand “comply” “compliance” or any other form of “following the rules”.  Yes, I know, Zoeller is the one who files the thousands of falsified documents for the fake owners and yes, I know she is the “keeper of the rubber stamps” (rubber stamp signatures of “owner dentists”), so of course she is not going to be forthcoming in anything she does.  Non of these folks are, they believe to their core laws, rules, standards and guidelines do not apply to any of them!  And frankly, from what I’ve seen so far, they are right; no one makes them follow any rules.

Well, apparently the folks in Nashville are still trying to hide evidence, and Zoeller is assisting in that endeavor.  (Stop it!  I know you are in tears laughing…  lol).  Zoeller issued an affidavit a few days ago and the attorneys, nor the judge can figure out if she (Zoeller) is saying she is finally in compliance with the court’s Order or not in compliance.  Just from my experience, I’m going with “not”. 

Amazingly Zoeller is having problems producing the performance reviews and and evidence on how they disciplined the dentists who didn’t meet the financial goals of the company.  I can’t imagine why they would want to hide that information!  (sarcasm)  You know they actually sent some files with blank performance review sheets in them!  I take that as a big ole F you!

If I were any of the dentists on trial, I would certainly want them shown to the court.  But I guess before that, those dentists have got to stop with the bullshit singing the corporate song and start worrying about saving their own asses.  Have the dentists not realized yet, these attorneys do NOT have their best interest at heart! 

Zoeller  is one old heifer I’d love to see on the stand and under oath, with a special perjury officer standing beside her.  Or, maybe one of those bark collars that shocks her ass every time she lies.  Oooo…what about a lie detector projected on a screen for the jury to see as she is asked questions.  Gosh, I’d buy a ticket for a performance like that, wouldn’t you?  Yeah, I know we can’t do that, but it sure would be fun.  One this is certain, she would likely blow a lie detector machine in about the first 3 minutes or less. 

Anyway, they have been trying to hide this intel for almost a year,(ok, since the beginning of time)  still no one can  figure out if Zoeller is saying she has produced them all or not.  I have a pretty good idea, don’t you? 

Zoeller basically says she is over worked and they are short handed and in the past year hasn’t had time to pull any files.  LMAO!  Zoeller says she is working 80 hours a week.  Well, damnit, I’m close enough to check that out.  Just saying…

Anyway, the judge plans on issuing an “adverse inference” sanction and is going to require Zoeller  to be at the hearing to answer some questions.  Ooo, I might have to make this one. 

The judge says, “…clearly, my view, based on in large part Miss Zoeller’s affidavit about the efforts or lack of efforts that were made, is that an adverse inference is appropriate here.” 

“… I do think that the failure to produce was willful.”

“…it is very clear from Miss Zoeller’s affidavit that they didn’t take seriously this, the obligation to preserve these records, to obtain and preserve these records during the course of the litigation.”

Small Smiles Dental Centers’ last ditch effort to avoid trial has FAILED

After 2 years or more of stall tactics by attorney’s representing Small Smiles Dental Center defendants, the New York trials are set to begin in three weeks!  Yes, you heard me, three, count’em 1… 2,…3… weeks!  Yahoo!  Jury selection set to begin September 9, 2013.

Tuesday (August 14, 2013) the  court ruled against Small Smiles and defendants and their plea for a Summary Judgment — essentially telling the old boys to buckle-up, quit whining, they have you by the balls, be ready for trial or start writing checks. Small Smiles Dental Centers’ former dentists (17 in total) and that nasty DeRose crew in Colorado are in for a very bumpy ride. 

Small Smiles Dental Centers NY Malpractice Defendants are:

Companies	Individuals
FORBA Holdings, LLC	Dan E. DeRose
n/k/a Church Street Health Management, LLC	Michael A. DeRose
FORBA NY, LLC	Edward J. DeRose
FORBA, LLC n/k/a LICSAC, NY, LLC	Adolph Padula
DD Marketing, Inc.	William A. Mueller
DeRose Management, LLC	Michael Roumph
Small Smiles Dentistry of Albany, LLC	Maziar Izadi, DDS
Albany Access Dentistry, PLLC	Laura Kroner, DDS
Small Smiles Dentistry of Syracuse, LLC	Judith Mori, DDS
	Lissett Bernal, DDS
	Edmise Forstal, DDS
	Evan Goldstein, DDS
	Keerthi Golla, DDS
	Nassef Lancen, DDS
	Wadia Hanna, DDS
	Koury Bonds, DDS
	Tarek Elsafty, DDS
	Dimitri Filostrat, DDS
	Yaqobb Khan, DDS
	Delia Morales, DDS
	Janine Randazzo, DDS
	Loc Vin Nuu, DDS
	Grace Yaghmai, DDS
	and others

 

These sweet children were hurt and abused and forevermore changed from as far back as 2006, and it’s finally making it to trial!  So, as a warning to all you dentists still employed there, don’t think your ass is out of a bind when you quit; cause it “ain’t”.  Not by a long shot!

Some of the dentists say the used their best medical judgment to provide dental care to the children suing them, but evidence indicates that isn’t even close.  In fact, it’s laughable! Evidence provided showed Koury Bonds, DDS and the others violated the “relevant standard on care” on several issues. 

According to the ruling, there is plenty of evidence these dentists prepared and recommend treatment without clinical justification and performed substandard care. 

They unnecessarily restrained children in papoose boards; extracted teeth that without clinical justification; failed to use local anesthetics, filled teeth that didn’t need to be filled; altering records; performing unnecessary baby root canals;(remember that $35 million dollar award a few weeks ago over unnecessary root canals?) failed to obtain proper informed consent for treatment from parents; just to name a few.  These guys knowingly and purposefully used informed consent forms that they knew did not meet the standards or guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).

Now, haven’t I been screaming this as loud as I can for some 6 years now.  Everything I’ve uncovered and reported here about this horrible place is being proven to be the truth, and it looks like it’s going to be told in front of a jury, pretty damn quickly.

In the ruling the Judge states, “There…is ample evidence from which a jury could concluded that the defendants perpetuated a fraud on the plaintiff by treatment him and other Small Smiles patients not to meet his medical needs but as a means to maximize profits for the dentists, corporations and Individual Defendants.” (the DeRose crew)

More excerpts from the ruling:

“Email correspondence… demonstrates the overriding emphasis on profits.”  One such email between Michael Roumph and the lead dentists in the Albany NY clinic states “[p]roduction per patient needs to improve.” 

Academy Of General Dentists (AGD) and the American Dental Association (ADA) Respond to Scathing Senate Report on Corporate Dentistry

If you read this blog at all I’m sure you haven’t forgotten the Joint Staff Report issued a couple of weeks ago, by Senators Baucus and Grassley, where they told of the abuse and illegal activities of Small Smiles Dental and other corporate dental chains.  With Small Smiles in particular they laid it out for everyone; from the founders to the current CEO and Garrison Group. 

To top it off, they all but call the folks at HHS/OIC who are supposedly “monitoring” this company, incompetent imbeciles.  It for certain shed light on the “pay to play” action going on between HHS/OIG and Small Smiles Dental Centers; sounded more like a game of Cat and Mouse Extortion between the two to me.  If HHS/OIG were actually assessing the fines for this company laid out in the 2010 Corporate Integrity Agreement, I’d say it would add up to $4 Billion by now.  (ok, I’m exaggerating, but it would be HUGE!)  A couple of years ago, I was told by someone I won’t quote (they don’t like being quoted at HHS/OIG) that they…being OIG…take “Quality of Care Corporate Integrity Agreements very seriously.  I say HA! (as I role my eyes) 

Anyway, below are the responses from the AGD and ADA to the Baucus- Grassley Report.  Hard to believe they are housed at the same address in downtown Chicago.

(I may have messed with the picture a little, but I couldn’t help it.  I only have so much control, ya know)

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The AGD Response

AGD applauds Senate report on corporate dentistry

 

Jul 26, 2013

CHICAGO, Ill., USA: The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is applauding a jointly issued U.S. Senate report that criticized large corporate dental practices that engage in deceptive overtreatment of patients. The report, co-released July 23 by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the ranking member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, is titled “Joint Staff Report on the Corporate Practice of Dentistry in the Medicaid Program.”

The report says that the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) “should exclude from participating in the Medicaid program” any other corporate entity that employs a “fundamentally deceptive business model resulting in a sustained pattern of substandard care.”

Dr. Benjamin Lloyd Porter, DMD, receives horrible reviews. Maybe it’s the heroin?

Jun 25th, 2013

This dentist is horrible. He lacks the proper training to take care of his patients. Be very careful when considering him.

http://www.vitals.com/dentists/Dr_Benjamin_Porter/reviews#ixzz2ajBCYVVb

Feb 19th, 2013

Terrible Dentist. Does not follow proper procedures and doesn't care about the welfare of his patients.

http://www.vitals.com/dentists/Dr_Benjamin_Porter/reviews#ixzz2ajBGgUJj

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Ind. dentist arrested with heroin, police say

July 31, 2013 (LAPORTE, Ind.) (WLS) -- A LaPorte dentist was arrested during a traffic stop on the Indiana toll road after police found heroin.

Officers stopped Dr. Benjamin Porter for speeding on Monday night. Investigators say a police dog alerted them to the presence of drugs in the car.

Officers say they found ten small bags of heroin.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local/indiana&id=9191370

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LaPorte (IN) dentist arrested for heroin

July 31, 2013|By Stan Maddux | WSBT-TV Correspondent

PORTER COUNTY, INDIANA – A dentist from LaPorte was charged Wednesday after police on the Indiana Toll Road allegedly discovered a large amount of heroin in his vehicle.

Benjamin Porter, 30, told officers in Portage that he had snorted two baggies of heroin prior to being pulled over, police said.

He was charged in Porter County with dealing in a narcotic drug, a Class A felony, and possession of a narcotic drug, a Class C felony.

According to Portage police, an officer observed a 2004 Chevy Impala weaving eastbound through traffic and clocked the car at 62 mph in a 40 mph zone near a toll gate about 7 p.m. Monday.

The driver identified himself as Porter and told the officer he was on his way to LaPorte from Merrillville.

According to police, Porter seemed lethargic, broke out in a sweat, carried an odor of alcohol and avoided eye contact with the officer, who became suspicious enough to call for a K-9 dog to help with a search for drugs.

Porter then revealed heroin was in the car, said police.

According to police, 13 postage stamp-sized bags containing suspected heroin along with two straws containing an alleged heroin residue were among the recovered items.

His practice is Porter Family Dentistry at 1112 Indiana Ave. in LaPorte.

Porter is also listed as a service provider at LaPorte County Dental Services, a clinic operated by I.U. Health LaPorte Hospital & Physicians that offers dental care free or at a discount to low-income individuals.

According to the Porter County Prosecutor's Office, he was still being held Wednesday afternoon on $16,000 cash bond.

He's expected to be arraigned on the charges Friday.

He could face anywhere from a 20- to 50-year sentence on the Class A felony charge and two to eight years in prison on the Class C felony offense.

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Currently checking Dr. Porter’s dental license in Indiana shows no “previous actions”, but that doesn’t mean he’s not been there a hundred times.  It’s likely to say the same thing this time next year!

License Number: 12011510A
Issued July 7, 2010
License Type – CSR (Controlled Substance Registered)

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Laporte Community Health Center
400 Teegarden St
Ste A
La Porte, IN 46350
(219) 326-0043

Porter Family Dentistry (
1112 Indiana Ave
La Porte, IN  46350
219-362-5205

David L. Porter and Benjamin L. Porter
Porter Family Dentistry, La Porte, IN 

Senators Bacus and Grassley Report on Corporate Dentistry and the Failures of HHS/OIG to Protect Children

Corporate dentistry criticized for unethical practices, unnecessary procedures

by Eddie Burkhalter
eburkhalter@annistonstar.com

Jul 28, 2013

When Quintoya Seawright’s 3-year-old daughter, Destiny, chipped a baby tooth in November 2010, the young mother took her to the Small Smiles clinic in Montgomery. Quintoya, 25, would end up taking her daughter to the clinic four times that month.

On the last visit on Nov. 9, her daughter was strapped to a board for an hour while the dentist struggled to place two stainless steel caps on baby teeth while her daughter screamed and struggled, saying she could still feel it, the family said.
But without much money, the young mother had to rely on Medicaid to pay for her daughter’s care. Small Smiles specializes in treating children eligible for Medicaid. The company operates another clinic in Dothan.

The large dental chain is owned by a private equity firm and is managed by Nashville-based CSHM LLC. A report released by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee last week claims Small Smiles and clinics like it are motivated by profit, often performing unnecessary procedures, and should be removed from the Medicaid program.

The report also says the clinics are operating in violation of laws in 22 states, including Alabama, that ban anyone other than a licensed dentist from owning a practice. The report states that CSHM actually owns and operates the clinics, and not the “owner” dentists the company enlists to skirt to get around those state laws.

Quintoya said she was never allowed to go back with her daughter to watch the procedures at Small Smiles, but the 3-year-old girl’s grandmother, Sophia, demanded she be allowed on the girl’s last trip.

Destiny began pulling at her mouth, so workers strapped her arms and legs to the board, then the dentist struggled for an hour to place the two caps on the tiny baby teeth while Destiny “kept saying she still felt it. He said, ‘No. She’s numb. It’s just the noise,’” said Sophia.

“Her heart was just beating so fast,” Sophia said. “The lady was holding her head down and was trying to get her to open her mouth by squeezing her nose.”
Destiny had a total of five stainless steel caps placed on baby teeth over four visits. One cap fell out along with the tooth a couple weeks later. Quintoya said she never heard the dentist say her daughter had cavities in those teeth, but he said the caps would help prevent them from forming.

“I’m not sure if it was a necessity to have all those silver things in her mouth,” Sophia said.

Read more: Anniston Star - Corporate dentistry criticized for unethical practices unnecessary procedures

Anniston Star reports on Small Smiles and Aspen Dental Operating in Alabama

Don’t miss this is an in-depth report. Mr. Burkhalter asks some hard questions, the answers didn’t surprise me.  Standard responses expected. 
“We didn’t do it” 
“We didn’t know it” 
“It’s not our problem”

Alabama dental clinics operating illegally, Senate report says

by Eddie Burkhalter
eburkhalter@annistonstar.com

07.25.13 - 08:04 am

Several Alabama dental clinics are operating in violation of state law, and are putting profits before patient care, according to a report released this week by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.

Those clinics are performing unnecessary procedures to pay the corporate investors that own the clinics, the report states. The report recommends that state and federal agencies end that practice by enforcing existing laws.
The 1,500-page report, put out by Sens. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Max Baucus, D-Mont., marks the end of a two-year investigation into the practice of corporate dentistry by the staff of the Senate’s Committee on Finance.

Among the companies investigated was Aspen Dental, a nationwide chain of dental clinics that is opening an office in Oxford this year.
Small Smiles dental clinic — one of the largest dental chains in the U.S. — operates clinics in Dothan and Montgomery, and is the center of much of the Senate investigation and report.

According to the report, Small Smiles, managed by Nashville-based Church Street Health Management, skirts laws in states — including Alabama’s Dental Practice Act — that ban dental clinics from being owned by anyone other than a licensed dentist.

The company does that by entering into contracts with “owner” dentists licensed in the state in which the clinic operates, according to the report. CSHM claims to only manage the clinics, the report’s authors write.

But the company retains control of daily operation, according to the report, from hiring, firing and training staff to controlling the bank account and setting production goals that require dentists to treat large numbers of mostly low-income children eligible for Medicaid.

Read the rest of this in-depth report here.  Don’t forget to make your comments.

http://annistonstar.com/view/full_story/23212853/article-Alabama-dental-clinics-operating-illegally--Senate-report-says?instance=top_center_featured

WTAE Pittsburgh Reports on Senate Investigation of Small Smiles Dental Clinics and Reachout Healthcare America

Senate report says Small Smiles dental clinics wasting taxpayer money
Report: No more Medicaid for Small Smiles

Jul 24, 2013

PITTSBURGH —A blistering report says taxpayer dollars are being wasted at a national chain of dental clinics, including one in Pittsburgh

The Senate began its probe following a Channel 4 Action News investigation into the Small Smiles dental clinic.

The clinics have been accused of performing unnecessary procedures on children to get more taxpayer money from Medicaid.

In its report, the Senate Finance Committee says that is still going on and so Small Smiles should not get more money from Medicaid.

None of the families interviewed outside the Small Smiles clinic in East Liberty were aware of the Senate report.

After learning of the report, the Bagley family had second thoughts about the surgery being planned for 5-year-old Christopher.

 

Read more and see video report, along with other investigations of Small Smiles by WATE  here: http://www.wtae.com/news/local/investigations/senate-report-says-small-smiles-dental-clinics-wasting-taxpayer-money/-/12023024/21150480/-/n6efhkz/-/index.html#ixzz2a4MbwQOF

Another WFAA – Byron Harris report on All Smiles Dental Centers and Dr. Richard Malouf

July 23, 2013

by BYRON HARRIS

Bio | Email

WFAA

Posted on July 23, 2013 at 10:10 PM

Updated today at 2:46 AM

DALLAS –– An unprecedented release of documents by the Dallas County District Attorney’s office tracks the investigation of All Smiles Dental Centers (ASDC) for eight years and illustrates how local, state and federal officials responded to information and complaints about the clinics.

Dr. Richard Malouf and his wife Leann displayed the trappings of wealth as owners of ASDC,  as their clinics treated children under the Texas Medicaid dental program. D Magazine named their mansion as one of the city’s 40 largest. A private water park and pair of corporate jets were theirs to enjoy as well. 

News 8 obtained hundreds of pages of documents in the investigation of Malouf and his former company, All Smiles Dental Centers, under the Texas Public Information Act.

Read the entire story at WFAA Website Here

Senators’ Report Reveals Oxon Hill Maryland Small Smiles As Bad Today As It Was In The Beginning.

Despite signing a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the US Government in 2010 Small Smiles Dental Centers continue with their fraud and abuse of children as reported in The Joint Staff Report On The Corporate Practice of Dentistry In The Medicaid Program issued by Committee on Finance United States Senate, Max Bacus,Chairman and Committee On The Judiciary United States Senate, Chuck Grassley, Ranking Member, July 2013.

(Despite the 1,500 pages in the report only pages 1-33 (5-37 of the pdf file) are the findings and recommendations, the rest are exhibits

Oxon Hill Maryland

Oxon Hill, Maryland was one of the dental centers reported on in 2007 which brought Small Smiles Dental Centers to the public’s attention.  It’s been 6 years and appears nothing has changed much.  Here is just some of what the Joint Senate report says about the Oxon Hill Small Smiles Clinic:

Senators Max Baucus and Chuck Grassley issue 1,500 page joint report calling for corporate Medicaid dental clinics to be ousted from the program

Today, Senators Baucus and Grassley issued a 1,500 – 1517 pages to be exact — page report on claims I’ve been making here on Dentist The Menace for nearly 6 years. The report includes 66 exhibits.
The story accompanying the release of the Joint Staff Report On The Corporate Practice of Dentistry In The Medicaid Program can be found at The Center for Public Integrity, here.  In David Heath’s story, he reports the new owners Small Smiles Dental Centers state the following:

“only five of the 20 inspection reports mentioned in the Senate report fell under its watch.”

and

…"We've taken action to help CSHM improve its quality of care and management,"

and

…“The new team immediately initiated an aggressive turnaround effort premised on patient care, clinical excellence and regulatory compliance,” the company said.

Well, that’s nothing to be crowing about, since the “new management”  only legally acquired the company 13 months ago putting a guy by the name of David R. Wilson in charge. That was in June of 2012, (13 months ago) so 1/4 of the inspections mentioned in Bacus/Grassley report took place under their watch. This is not a good record in my opinion — heck it’s as bad if not worse than the Michael Lindley/Al Smith or DeRose Family regimes.  Nor it does it demonstrate anything close to “an aggressive turnaround effort on patient care”.  What it does demonstrate, however, is “business as usual”. 
CPI also reports twice last year the OIG threatened to shut Small Smiles out of the Medicaid program.

“Twice last year the HHS inspector general threatened to exclude Small Smiles from the Medicaid program. But in a letter to Grassley and Baucus, Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson said Small Smiles fixed the problems by selling the Manassas clinic, paying a $100,000 penalty and addressing other concerns.”

Now, did CSHM actually “sell” the Manassas, Virginia clinic?  That is highly suspect!  A guy out of Idaho left his own practice and moved his entire family to Virginia and slapped his name on the place, calling it Kids and Family Dentistry.  Coincidently, at the exact same time, the Small Smiles flagship clinic in Pueblo, Colorado changed it’s name to Family and Kids Dentistry, making the “owner” the same guy who was  the lead dentist working for Small Smiles at the time.  (Logos have a odd resemblance about them, don’t they?)  Anyone taking bets on whether the DeRose family — founders of Small Smiles —are somehow still involved with these two clinics?
As for the $100,000 penalty, that didn’t even cover 1/2 of the amount scammed in the x-ray scam in just one Colorado Small Smiles.  What would add insult to injury is it was probably on a payment plan, like the $24 million settlement in 2010.
The Bacus/Grassley report includes independent monitor reports on Small Smiles Phoenix, Arizona, Manassas, Virginia, Oxon Hill, Maryland and Youngstown, Ohio and others.  Small Smiles signed a Corporate Integrity Agreement with OIG in January 2010 agreeing to 63 pages of terms and conditions, including self-reporting.  Of course the “independent monitor” can only report on what they find.  But what about what they don’t find? 
I’ve not come close to reading the entire report just yet, but so far I’ve not read anything about the $200K x-ray scam in one of Colorado clinic that was NEVER self-reported, or the fact that a corporate staffer took the necessary Continuing Education courses to get the lead dentist in Mishawaka, Indiana credentialed in Indiana, making her effectively non-licensed to practice in Indiana to this very day or a host of other illegal activities going on behind the closed doors at Small Smiles Dental Centers and Church Street Health Management (CSHM). I doubt I find these things in the report, but you can find them here if you look.
It’s scary to think state dental boards and state Medicaid programs have not only turned a blind eye to the child abuse, but promoted and encouraged it.  Those of us following this industry also know this is just the tip of the iceberg. 
More on this eye opening report in the coming days.  In the meantime, I encourage everyone to read The Joint Staff Report On The Corporate Practice of Dentistry In The Medicaid Program and evidence attached by clicking here .

So a man poses as a dentist, corporations do it, so why not?

Unlicensed Boca Raton dentist claims 6,000 patients, deputies say

A dentist who isn't licensed in Florida told an undercover sheriff's deputy that his underground Boca Raton practice has 6,000 patients, deputies said.
Ubaldo Bittencourt, 62, only sees fellow Brazilians who speak Portuguese, according to a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office arrest report.
As a rule, the "very cautious" Bittencourt, a dentist in his native Brazil, doesn't answer his phone, preferring instead to return voice mails within 24 hours.
So when an undercover deputy called him on May 29 as part of an investigation, leaving a message in Portuguese, the unlicensed dentist called back, deputies said.
On Thursday, the dentist was arrested, his capture the culmination of a probe that began when the Sheriff's Office received a complaint about him on March 1.
Read the rest with video here

WARNING to all crooked dentists - 29 patients receive $35 million dollar award for unnecessary root canals–Read it and weep!

 

$35 million awarded to 29 Seattle-area patients for root canals

SEATTLE — More than two dozen patients of a former Seattle-area dentist accused of performing hundreds of unnecessary root canals have been awarded $35 million in an arbitration proceeding.
Former King County Superior Court Judge Paris Kallas issued that award Wednesday.

The judge found that Henri Duyzend was negligent, failed to obtain informed consent from patients, committed fraud and violated the Washington Consumer Protection Act, The Seattle Times reported.
A sworn affidavit from Dr. David To said Duyzend performed nearly 2,200 root canals on about 500 patients in the five years before he retired in 2007. To purchased Duyzend’s practice and says a typical patient has fewer than two root canals.

State Health Department spokesman Donn Moyer said his agency has received 76 complaints about the man.

Duyzend started practicing dentistry in Shoreline, north of Seattle, in 1977, the Health Department said.

Moyer said the man surrendered his license in 2010 after negotiations, agreeing to never practice dentistry in the state again.

Both The Times and KING-TV said calls for comment to Duyzend and his lawyer were not returned. An Associated Press call to his home was not returned Wednesday night. Court documents show that in 2012 he denied any wrongdoing.

KING reports that more than 200 patients filed malpractice claims against the dentist but the arbitration award benefits a smaller group of 29 who declined to settle their claims.
Construction worker Dan O’Neal had 20 root canals; he was awarded more than $2 million, KING reported.

Laurel Stuart told The Times she was Duyzend’s patient from the early days of his practice.
“We thought he was fabulous,” she said Wednesday, adding he made patients feel comfortable.
She said she started questioning his work about 15 years ago because “of all the root canals.” She had four, plus “lots of crowns” and said she had to go to a specialist to have implants when she lost four teeth.

Seattle dentist Dr. Fred Quarnstrom looked at records of Duyzend’s former patients and sat in on testimony earlier this month.

He told The Times that root canals are not uncommon, but a patient with four root canals is unusual.
--The Associated Press