Fake dentist ran ‘complex dental operations’ out of illegal home office, causing nerve damage and ‘partial facial paralysis’ to patients, police say

Clockwise, from left: The makeshift dental office Yolany Y. Mejia Carranza allegedly ran out of a New York home; Yolany Y. Mejia Carranza; dental chair (Suffolk County Police Dept.)

A woman is under arrest after police discovered what they describe as a “fully functioning illegal dental office” being run out of a home in New York.

Yolany Y. Mejia Carranza, 55, is accused of posing as a dentist without actually having a license, the Suffolk County Police Department announced Friday. She allegedly operated out of a residence on Long Island, and she was arrested Thursday after police had been tipped off by multiple people who say they were injured after seeking treatment from her. She is now facing multiple felony charges of unauthorized practice of a profession.

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“Carranza was operating as a dentist without actually being a dentist,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said at a press conference, according to flagship ABC affiliate WABC. She allegedly injured several patients, and “in one case caused severe nerve damage that caused partial facial paralysis,” Catalina added.

Police believe that other people might have been injured by Carranza and “strongly encourage” them to come forward.

“We believe she was targeting the Hispanic community,” Catalina said. “Mostly people who did not have health insurance, and many of whom may be in the country illegally.”