Police: SW Side man practiced dentistry in home without a license
Sun-Times Media Wire August 31, 2012 4:32PM
Alberto Nunez / Photo from Cook County Sheriff's office
Article Extras
A Southwest Side man was charged Friday with practicing dentistry without a licnese in unincorporated Melrose Park -- including doing root canals, taking X-rays and installing braces.
Alberto Nunez, 32, of the 7800 block of South Kenton Avenue, was charged with felony practicing dentistry without a license and misdemeanor unlawful possession of hypodermic syringes, Cook County Sheriff’s police said.
Nunez was arrested Thursday for impersonating a dentist and performing various dental procedures on hundreds of patients at a home in the 2000 block of North Emerson Street in unincorporated Melrose Park, sheriff’s police said.
Based on a tip, an undercover officer set up an appointment via Nunez’ receptionist, police said. Because Nunez saw about 30 patients per week, the officer had to wait a week for an appointment.
Once inside, the officer found a dental chair, lights, plates, tools, syringes, and an X-ray machine, police said.
Police stopped a patient who recently left the office and learned Nunez’ performed a root canal on him, police said. Nunez also is accused of performing surgery, bite impressions, cleanings, X-rays and braces.
Nunez is not registered with the state and told officers he went to dental school in Mexico City, but he could not provide documentation proving completion, police said.
Police believe Nunez has been illegally practicing dentistry for about two years and had worked from previous locations. It remained unclear if patients knew Nunez was unlicensed.
He was issued a $10,000 I-bond and issued a next court date of Sept. 6 in Maywood.
Sheriff’s police are looking to talk to more patients and are asking anyone who visited Nunez to call (708) 865-4720.
