A Potomac, Maryland dentist has been sentenced for the theft of $8.5 million from Medicaid. The man also pleaded guilty to one count of practicing dentistry without a license.
According to a press statement from the Attorney General’s office, the dentist accomplished the “fraud scheme” by using the names, provider numbers and professional credentials of other dentists to submit invoices. The man was accused of submitting claims to Medicaid from 2015 to 2022. He allegedly used the name, Medicaid provider number, and credentials of his twin brother, younger brother, and nephew, all of whom are licensed dentists.
Altogether, the former dentist received $8.5 million from Maryland Medicaid for services that were fraudulently billed under the names of the other providers.
“This case revealed a complex healthcare fraud scheme that not only drained taxpayer dollars away from our State’s Medicaid program but also placed [the former dentist’s] young patients in real danger,” Attorney General Anthony Brown said.
Sentencing for healthcare fraud
The dentist was sentenced to five years in jail, with all but 78 days suspended. The former medical practitioner was also placed on 18 months home detention, with a five-year term of probation for the Medicaid fraud count, and one year in jail, suspended, followed by a five-year term of probation for practicing dentistry without a license. The sentences will run consecutively.
The fraudster was ordered to pay $8.5 million in restitution within one year. At the time of sentencing, the dentist had paid $4.5 million payment toward restitution.
Lastly, the man is prohibited from providing healthcare services that are either partially or wholly funded by state or federal governments and must permanently surrender his Maryland dental license.
Licensed dental practitioner
The former medical practitioner was licensed to practice dentistry in Maryland in 1994 and was a licensed dentist in Maryland until 2014. He owned several dental practices with two of his brothers.
However, following several complaints from patients, state authorities suspended his license to practice dentistry. Only a licensed dentist may own a dental practice and perform dentistry.
Investigators found that he kept deficient dental records, provided substandard treatment to patients, and billed for services that were never provided.
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