Florida fake dentist arrested for illegal veneer procedures
Florida police have arrested a woman accused of performing dangerous and unlicensed dental procedures using “super glue” on unsuspecting patients seeking cosmetic veneers.
Authorities in Pinellas Park, Florida, detained Emely M. Martinez, 35, after a two-month investigation revealed that she was allegedly operating an illegal dental practice inside a strip-mall beauty salon, the Tapp Inn Beauty Bar.
Martinez now faces charges of scheme to defraud (under USD 20,000) and multiple counts of practicing dentistry without a license.
Victims report pain, infections, and emergency surgeries
Several patients reported severe complications following veneer placements by Martinez, who allegedly used cyanoacrylate glue — widely known as “super glue” or “crazy glue”.
Victims experienced pain, infections, and dental damage so severe that some required emergency corrective surgery by licensed dentists.
“She is not licensed to put in veneers. She has no schooling to do veneers. And in the state of Florida, obviously you have to be licensed to do any kind of work like that,” said Sgt. Windy Vater of the Pinellas Park Police Department, as reported in US media.
Victims paid thousands for botched veneers
Licensed dentists in the United States typically charge USD 900 to 1,500 per tooth for veneers. One victim told police that Martinez charged USD 2,500 for a full set, according to WSVN News Miami.
While patients believed they were saving money, the procedures left many in pain — and facing even higher costs for corrective treatment.
ADA warning on ‘veneer techs’
The arrest follows a May 2024 warning by the American Dental Association (ADA) about the rise of so-called “veneer techs” — unlicensed individuals advertising dental veneer services on social media platforms.
The ADA emphasized that dental procedures are irreversible and should only be performed by licensed, trained dentists to ensure patient safety.
Rising demand for cosmetic dentistry
The case comes at a time when cosmetic dentistry is booming in the United States. Industry forecasts project that the dental services market will grow from USD 174.91 billion in 2025 to USD 270.57 billion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3 percent.
Experts caution that this rising demand also creates opportunities for unlicensed individuals to exploit patients.
Bottom line
The arrest of Emely M. Martinez highlights the serious risks of seeking cosmetic dental work outside licensed practices. Authorities and dental experts urge the public to verify credentials before undergoing any procedure.
Stay informed. Stay ahead.
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