A Wisconsin dentist who used his dental practice employees to fill oxycodone prescriptions for his own use received three years' probation, with the first six months in home confinement, according to the Portage Daily Register.
In 2014, Christopher Kania, DDS, started working at Mauston, Wis.-based Castle Rock Dental. In 2016, the dentist began diverting opioid prescriptions for personal use, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper.
Dr. Kania allegedly asked four employees to fill oxycodone prescriptions and give him the pills, telling them he had knee pain but his insurance didn't cover the medication. Each employee thought they were the only one filling prescriptions for him, though they said they were not coerced into doing so.
In December 2017, Dr. Kania's staff found out four of them were filling prescriptions for the dentist and agreed to stop helping him. However, Dr. Kania wrote more prescriptions to a patient the staff believed was using drugs with the dentist. One employee quit because she thought Dr. Kania was using drugs in the office.
Dr. Kania's attorney, Mark Maciolek, said the dentist has been in addiction treatment for two years and doesn't need to be imprisoned. While in treatment, Dr. Kania has passed 175 drug tests, according to Mr. Maciolek.
Dr. Kania has taken responsibility for his actions and now operates the first opioid-free dental clinic in the state, Mr. Maciolek said.
While Dr. Kania's dental license is valid through Sept. 30, 2021, Mr. Maciolek said he believes the Wisconsin Dental Board will suspend the license in July.