Woman accused of doing root canals, extractions at ‘extremely dangerous’ fake dentist office in home

BAY SHORE, N.Y. – Authorities in New York have apprehended a woman on Long Island for allegedly practicing dentistry without a proper license. 

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina warned, “What she’s doing is extremely dangerous.” 

Yolany Mejia Carranza was taken into custody for running a fully operational dental office out of her home in Bay Shore, despite lacking a license. 

According to Catalina, while she did use localized anesthesia, it was inadequate for the complex dental procedures that she was performing. 

The police commissioner indicated that the 55-year-old was offering a range of dental services, including root canals and extractions. 

Three individuals who suffered injuries subsequently reported Carranza to the police. One victim even experienced partial facial paralysis as a result of her treatments. 

In court, prosecutors revealed that Carranza had previously operated out of Huntington Station but relocated, fearing she would be caught. 

Authorities believe she was specifically targeting her clientele, mainly within the Hispanic community, including individuals who may be undocumented and lack health insurance. 

Carranza has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her and is currently free on supervised release.