Below are eight dentists involved in fraud cases in 2020.
1. Pennsylvania dentist agrees to pay $150K to settle opioid fraud allegations
Pranathi Reddy, DDS, agreed to pay $150,000 to settle allegations that she failed to keep records of controlled substances at her practice, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The dentist cannot purchase, prescribe or dispense opioids for at least four years.
2. Massachusetts dentists, office manager indicted on suspicion of Medicaid fraud
From 2014-18, dental services completed by Anthony DiStefano III, DDS, were allegedly billed to the state's Medicaid program using the provider identification of Scott Cale, DDS, according to a Jan. 16 news release. Dr. Cale then allegedly paid Dr. DiStefano some of the money sent to him from Medicaid. Robin Cronin, the office manager, allegedly knew of the arrangement and billed Medicaid for services.
3. Hoverboard dentist guilty on 46 counts, 'unlawful dental acts'
Seth Lookhart, DMD, was convicted Jan. 17 of 46 charges, including felony fraud charges and "unlawful dental acts," such as performing oral surgery while riding a hoverboard, according to an Alaska Department of Law news release. Convictions included medical assistance fraud, scheme to defraud and illegal practice of dentistry.
4. Ex-Missouri dental clinic owner sentenced to federal prison for fraud
Lorin Van Drie was convicted alongside his wife and co-owner of Springfield, Mo.-based All About Smiles for failing to pay employment taxes and collecting unemployment benefits he wasn't entitled to, according to KY3. Mr. Van Drie was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.
5. Missouri dentist gets prison for Medicaid fraud, illegally prescribing opioids
Bradley Seyer, DDS, was sentenced Feb. 5 to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine after pleading guilty to Medicare fraud and illegally prescribing narcotics, according to the Department of Justice. In the plea agreement, Dr. Seyer admitted to prescribing 14,000 units of various opioids to one patient over the course of 10 years.
6. New Mexico dentist's motion to dismiss healthcare fraud charges denied
William Gardner, DDS, was denied a motion asking for insurance fraud charges against him to be dropped, according to KRQE. Attorneys argued that Dr. Gardner never received proper notice of the investigation, but the judge disagreed.
7. Illinois dentist loses license, pleads guilty to $719K insurance fraud scheme
Yun Sup Kim, DDS, pleaded guilty Feb. 14 to a Medicaid fraud scheme that spanned three years, according to the Belleville News-Democrat. Investigators found that Dr. Kim falsely submitted claims for cavity fillings and surgical tooth extractions for more than 1,300 patients. Dr. Kim agreed to have his license revoked and pay more than $719,000 in restitution. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
8. Pennsylvania oral surgeon to pay $46K to avoid healthcare fraud case
David Palo, DDS, has agreed to enter a pretrial diversion program and pay nearly $47,000 to avoid ongoing prosecution, according to GoErie.com. Prosecutors alleged Dr. Palo overbilled insurance companies more than $232,674 for 26 tooth extractions.