Two individuals in Milford, Juan Hermida Munoz and Maria Magdalena Guaman-Castro, were charged after local police uncovered an illegal dental practice taking place in the back of a convenience store, according to NBC Boston.
Investigators discovered that Munoz, aged 64, was providing dental procedures such as tooth extractions, cleanings, and anesthetics in the rented room of Alternativa Convenience Store, owned by Guaman-Castro. However, Munoz did not possess the proper certificates to practice dentistry in the United States.
The violation of medical law has brought about charges for both Guaman-Castro and Munoz. Guaman-Castro is charged with conspiracy for renting the room to Munoz. The latter is facing charges for unauthorized practice of dentistry and medicine, as CBS Boston reported.
A statement released by Milford police highlights the risks posed by the illegal practice. "This practice puts the lives of patients in danger by unsanctioned and unsanitary conditions in receiving medical treatments," they mentioned. The duration of Munoz's dental operations and the number of patients he attended to remain unclear.
Munoz's intentions may not have been entirely malicious. A store employee revealed to NBC Boston that Munoz had been a longtime dentist and university teacher in Ecuador. He was allegedly attempting to help community members who needed dental services that might have been otherwise unaffordable.
Health care may be expensive, but patients should still seek licensed professionals to avoid risking their safety and well-being.
