A Wisconsin woman is being investigated for allegedly practicing dentistry without a license, NBC affiliate TMJ4 reported Dec. 23.
Jessica Stewart operates Dr. J Dental Spa in Milwaukee, which lists its services online as including temporary fills, dentures and veneers, among others. She also allegedly refers to herself as a doctor, according to state documents.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services started receiving complaints about the practice three years ago for braces that were provided to patients. The agency sent a cease and desist letter to the practice and warned of potential fines and criminal prosecution. Despite this, no action was taken against the practice until this year when the department received new complaints.
DSPS reopened its investigation this year, but said its options are limited because the agency regulates licensed individuals. The agency has sent the case to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office for potential criminal charges, but the office said it could not share any additional information with TMJ4 at this time.
Mark Paget, the executive director for the Wisconsin Dental Association, told TMJ4 that the dental association also received complaints, which were forwarded to the state.
Ms. Stewart told TMJ4 that while calling herself "Dr. J" could be misleading to patients, she does tell patients during appointments that she is not a doctor.