Fake Dentist Exposed in Bay Shore Area After Patients Left With Facial Paralysis and Nerve Damage

After nearly eight years, Fake Dentist Exposed in Bay Shore Area, preying on some of the most vulnerable members of the community. Yolany Y. Mejia Carranza, 55, posed as a dentist and performed complex dental procedures without a proper license, leading to severe injuries for many of her unsuspecting patients.

The victims, mostly undocumented immigrants from the Hispanic community, suffered from nerve damage, facial paralysis, and other serious complications due to unsafe practices and inadequate anesthesia. Authorities have now exposed her fraudulent operation and are urging more victims to come forward, regardless of their immigration status.

Dangerous Dental Procedures in a Backroom Clinic

Carranza’s illegal dental practice was run out of her home on Heckscher Avenue in Bay Shore, where police discovered a fully equipped dental office. The setup included dental chairs, instruments, and even antibiotics sourced from overseas, which were likely used without proper medical authorization.

For years, she carried out procedures on vulnerable patients who had little access to formal healthcare, convincing them that she was a legitimate dentist.

According to police, at least three victims have already come forward, describing horrifying experiences of botched dental procedures. One patient suffered from severe nerve damage, leading to partial facial paralysis, while others endured excruciating pain due to improper anesthesia.

Commissioner Kevin Catalina revealed that Carranza only used local anesthetics, which were insufficient for the complex dental work she was performing. This left many patients in agony, experiencing severe pain during and after procedures.

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Further investigations revealed that this was not the first illegal practice Carranza had operated. Police believe she had previously run a similar unlicensed dentistry business on Broadway in Huntington Station, about 15 miles from Bay Shore.

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Despite operating for years, her activities remained undetected until several victims came forward with their complaints, prompting an official investigation.

Targeting the Undocumented and Exploiting Their Vulnerability

One of the most disturbing aspects of Carranza’s illegal dental operation was the way she specifically targeted undocumented immigrants within the Hispanic community.

Many of her patients had limited access to healthcare due to their immigration status and lacked the means to visit licensed dentists. By offering services at a lower cost and in a setting that felt safe for them, Carranza was able to lure in victims who had nowhere else to turn for dental care.

Authorities believe this deliberate targeting was a key factor in her ability to operate undetected for so long. Victims may have been afraid to report their injuries due to concerns about their immigration status, fearing deportation if they approached law enforcement.

Recognizing this, Commissioner Catalina has made it clear that the police department will not inquire about immigration status and is encouraging all affected individuals to step forward.

Carranza’s fraudulent practice was not just about financial exploitation; it was a serious public health risk. Patients were subjected to unregulated treatments that lacked proper sterilization and safety protocols.

The use of unauthorized medications and inadequate anesthesia could have resulted in severe infections, permanent nerve damage, or even life-threatening complications. The long-term consequences for her victims are still unfolding, as many may not realize the full extent of the harm caused until much later.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

When authorities raided Carranza’s home, they were shocked by the extent of her illegal operation. The fully functioning dental clinic within her residence indicated that she had been running a professional-looking practice, making it easier to deceive her victims.

Investigators also found antibiotics and other medical supplies that had been obtained from overseas, raising concerns about the quality and safety of the medications used on her patients.

Police are now urging anyone who may have been a victim of Carranza’s illegal dentistry to come forward, emphasizing that their immigration status will not be questioned. The case has already uncovered significant evidence of medical malpractice, and investigators believe there may be more victims who have yet to report their injuries.

Carranza has been charged with three counts of unauthorized practice of a profession and was arraigned on Friday. She is scheduled to appear in court again on April 1, where she will face further legal proceedings.

The authorities are determined to hold her accountable for the harm she has caused, and more charges may be added as additional victims come forward.

The exposure of this fraudulent operation serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by unlicensed medical practitioners. It highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of healthcare regulations and better protection for vulnerable communities.

While Carranza has been stopped, the trauma and injuries suffered by her victims will remain, serving as a stark warning against the dangers of seeking medical treatment outside of licensed and regulated facilities.