Dentist performs oral cleaning on patient during the inauguration of a dental unit in an establishment located in the Iztapalapa district of Mexico City, which offers care such as the application of resins and amalgams, cleaning, endodontics, prosthetics, aesthetics and dental surgeries, among other services. (Photo by Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
An unauthorized dentist arrested earlier this month was arraigned on Thursday (March 16) on three counts of felony unauthorized practice of a profession.
Prosecutors claim Queens resident Cesar Masso, 78, allegedly provided, without a license, dental services, including examinations, tooth extractions, anesthetics, pain management, X-rays, and cleanings to patients at a business he set up as East Post Dental located at 169 Grand Street in White Plains, New York.
Masso reportedly took payments in cash or check, according to LoHud.com.
His phony dental practice caught the eye of White Plains police and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office after a victim reported to police that Masso performed tooth extractions and placed a dental bridge that ended up falling out, causing the victim pain and discomfort.
That victim, who was not named, paid Masso thousands of dollars in cash for dental work between October 2019 and April 2020, and had also received an injected numbing agent and pills for pain management.
Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah and White Plains Public Safety Commissioner David Chong confirmed authorities seized several dentistry tools and equipment, alongside antibiotics, local anesthetics, and even patient files.
Those files are currently being analyzed by authorities to identify any other possible victims or witnesses who were patients of East Post Dental.
District Attorney Rocah urged anyone who was a patient of Masso to reach out and assist law enforcement with any information they may have about East Post Dental.
“The alleged crime of illegally practicing dentistry and providing pain medication without a license is very serious, DA Rocah said. “As our investigation continues, we ask anyone who may have been a patient of the defendant to contact us or the White Plains police.”
Anyone who may have been a patient of East Post Dental or may have information about the defendant can contact the DA’s Office at (914) 995-TIPS (8477) or White Plains Public Safety at (914) 422-6256.
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