Houston Police Department say a Sharpstown apartment living room was quietly doubling as a dental chair, complete with waiting patients. Officers arrested 61-year-old Eduardo Rivero Rios on Tuesday after responding to the unit and finding people lined up for dental work, according to court records. Investigators say Rivero Rios admitted to doing tooth extractions and cleanings and told them he was licensed in Cuba and Venezuela. Those foreign credentials have not been independently verified. He was released on a $1,000 personal-recognizance bond and faces criminal prosecution, according to ABC13 Houston.
Police say they walked into an active "clinic"
According to police, officers arrived at the Sharpstown apartment Tuesday afternoon and found several people waiting to receive dental care. Court documents state that Rivero Rios acknowledged performing extractions and cleanings in the unit. Authorities also noted his claim that he held dental licenses in other countries, though Texas authorities have not confirmed that. As reported by ABC13 Houston, he was booked on a charge of practicing dentistry without a license.
Why some patients seek care outside the system
Immigrant-health advocates say that fear of deportation and the cost of formal care can push people toward informal setups that may not be legal or safe. "We have a lot of people, especially in our community, who are licensed in other countries; they're professional healthcare professionals, but now they come here, they're unlicensed, and they're providing services as well," Jorge Olvera told ABC13 Houston.
The ABC13 report notes that since 2024 some state-funded hospitals in Texas have been required to ask patients about immigration status, although patients are not required to answer. Local outlets have also documented similar recent arrests tied to alleged unlicensed operators; Click2Houston covered a comparable case in March 2025.
How to check if your dentist is licensed
The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners maintains a public license search where patients can confirm whether a provider is licensed and see any disciplinary history. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners database is the primary source for current licensing information. If you suspect someone is practicing without a license, the board and local law enforcement accept complaints and can investigate.
Legal fallout and what patients are urged to do
Court documents show Rivero Rios was granted a $1,000 personal-recognizance bond and that he has no prior criminal history in Harris County. He faces charges that could carry years in prison if prosecutors pursue felony counts, although officials have not released additional case details or a court date. Investigators have not provided further information, and health advocates say anyone who received care from an unlicensed provider should review their medical and dental records and consider contacting the state board or local authorities.
