Denver Tackett, DMD, owner and operator of McDowell, Ky.-based Tackett Family Dentistry, has pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud, according to an Aug. 25 release from the U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District of Kentucky.
According to the plea agreement, Dr. Tackett submitted false and unnecessary claims to Kentucky Medicaid for reimbursement. The dentist admitted to performing and submitting claims for dental procedures that were not necessary.
In total, Dr. Tackett admitted to submitting more than $95,000 in reimbursement claims for medically unnecessary dental procedures.
Dr. Tackett has agreed to permanently surrender his Drug Enforcement Administration registration. He also will pay restitution of at least $70,000 and agreed to a forfeiture money judgment of $20,000.
The dentist's sentencing is set for Dec. 15. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.