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Illegal dental office shut down: Plano man operated without a license, police say
By Bill Conrad, bconrad@starlocalnews.com, @Bill_PlanoStar on Twitter
A Plano man was arrested Thursday after allegedly operating an illegal dental office inside his home in the 1900 block of East Park Boulevard.
Jose Santiago Delao, 63, has been charged with practicing dentistry without a license, a third-degree felony.
David Tilley, Plano PD spokesman, said a resident first brought Delao to the attention of investigators.
"The citizen came to us and said they had dental work done by Mr. Delao," Tilley said. "They were having problems with the work and felt a criminal offense may have occurred."
Tilley said the department contacted the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, which informed detectives that practicing dentistry without a license is becoming more and more common across the United States.
"There were a couple of rooms set up inside the house that served as dental rooms," Tilley said. "He was operating a business, but we are not sure how he was advertising it or attracting people to his business. We believe some of the advertising came from word of mouth, and a lot of his business appeared to be targeted toward individuals that were unable to afford dental insurance."
Tilley said the department believes there may be other victims who had dental work allegedly done by Delao. Detectives are asking that anyone with information call the Plano PD tip line at 972-941-2148, or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 877-373-8477.
A message was left by the Plano Star Courier with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and this story will be updated if a response is received.
Jose Santiago Delao, 63, has been charged with practicing dentistry without a license, a third-degree felony.
David Tilley, Plano PD spokesman, said a resident first brought Delao to the attention of investigators.
"The citizen came to us and said they had dental work done by Mr. Delao," Tilley said. "They were having problems with the work and felt a criminal offense may have occurred."
Tilley said the department contacted the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, which informed detectives that practicing dentistry without a license is becoming more and more common across the United States.
"There were a couple of rooms set up inside the house that served as dental rooms," Tilley said. "He was operating a business, but we are not sure how he was advertising it or attracting people to his business. We believe some of the advertising came from word of mouth, and a lot of his business appeared to be targeted toward individuals that were unable to afford dental insurance."
Tilley said the department believes there may be other victims who had dental work allegedly done by Delao. Detectives are asking that anyone with information call the Plano PD tip line at 972-941-2148, or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 877-373-8477.
A message was left by the Plano Star Courier with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and this story will be updated if a response is received.
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