A Hesperia man has been charged with multiple offenses related to the unlawful practice of dentistry, including prescribing and furnishing controlled substances without proper authorization, officials said Friday. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, Uriel Torres Cortes, 60, is accused of setting up an illegal dental clinic in his home on the 9300 block of 11th Avenue.
The investigation, which began in January after authorities received information about Cortes's activities, culminated in a search warrant being executed at his residence on Thursday. This revealed not just evidence of Dentistry practiced sans license but also brought to light the prescription and distribution of controlled substances, explained Detective S. Lafond with the Hesperia Police Department. The California Department of Consumer Affairs confirmed the suspect was operating without a valid dental license.
Cortes now faces charges including HS11154(a) for prescribing a controlled substance without treatment, HS11153.5(a) for furnishing controlled substances, HS11368 for forging or altering a prescription, along with BP1701.1 and BP1701(f) for the unauthorized and unlicensed practice of dentistry - all reflecting a disregard for the safeguards meant to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those who seek dental care.
