Long Island woman arrested for operating illegal dental practice

A 55-year-old woman in New York has been arrested for allegedly running a fake dental practice out of her home. Yolany Mejia Carranza was charged with three counts of unauthorized practice of a profession. Suffolk County Police say she had no official training in dentistry. Police began their investigation after receiving tips that Carranza had harmed patients. One patient reportedly suffered severe nerve damage, resulting in partial facial paralysis. Authorities believe there may be more victims and are encouraging them to come forward. According to police, Carranza may have targeted the Hispanic community, especially people without health insurance. Reports indicate she used only local anesthesia for serious dental procedures and possessed antibiotics obtained from overseas. Carranza is also suspected of operating another illegal dental practice for eight years at a different location. Her attorney claims that if the allegations were true, only three complaints in 10 to 15 years is not unusual for a dentist. Carranza was arraigned on March 14 and was released. She is scheduled to appear in court again on April 1.