When you need dental work, make sure you find a dentist who really knows the drill.
Florida man Jorge Luis Romero-Paredes, 57, was arrested on Wednesday and has been charged with practicing unlicensed dentistry, according to the Miami Herald. Paredes allegedly visited the Hallandale Beach home of Mirta Pavon a total of 6 times between September 2010 and April 2011.
Pavon told authorities that Paredes performed a variety of dental procedures, including repairing a damaged tooth and installing crowns, the Sun Sentinel reports. The 59-year-old noted that she originally contacted Paredes because she could not afford the cost of a licensed dentist. Paredes allegedly charged Pavon $1,000 total.
When Pavon lost a molar and developed a serious oral infection, however, she sought treatment at an emergency facility, where dentists found that Paredes had installed crowns meant for children. Investigators discovered that though Paredes was a licensed dentist in his native Peru, he is not authorized to practice dentistry in the United States, according to NBC Miami.
Pavon is still experiencing complications from the discreditable dentistry. "He took all my money and destroyed my mouth," she told the Sentinel.
Paredes has been released from Broward County jail on bond, MSNBC reports. Officers are currently attempting to track down additional victims.