Kitchen Catastrophe: Long Island Woman Runs Illegal Dentistry Scheme!
In a shocking turn of events, a 70-year-old woman was found running an illegal dentistry operation right out of her one-bedroom apartment in Hempstead. Gladys Serrano was caught extracting teeth and performing other risky dental procedures, all without a license.
Serrano stood before the court and pleaded not guilty to the serious charge of practicing dentistry without authorization, a felony. As part of her release conditions, she’s now required to wear an electronic monitoring device, give up her passport, and stay within state lines.
Her makeshift dental practice was nothing short of alarming—a patient chair squeezed into a corner near a sink, drawers filled with used dental tools, impression molds, extraction instruments, and a worrying collection of empty medication vials and used needles. Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly highlighted the danger, noting that Serrano seemed to target Spanish-speaking communities in the area.
The chaotic scene didn’t stop there. Among the disarray were boxes of flushable wipes, a can of Lysol, dirty dishes piled up, and even a living room lamp illuminating the makeshift exam space—all this in a cramped kitchen where health and safety were clearly not a priority.
What triggered the investigation? A brave client recounted her harrowing experience. Initially seeking to have just one tooth removed, she left with four extractions after Serrano claimed it was necessary due to severe decay. The client’s disturbing account unfolded in July, revealing the extent of the risky dental practices happening behind closed doors.
‘A Menace to Public Health’
Moreover, Serrano’s recommendations included dubious advice like suggesting a dental bridge and using paper towels to mop up the blood post-extraction. Her makeshift practice raised serious concerns about public safety. “Practicing dentistry without proper authorization poses a monumental risk to public health,” remarked DA Donnelly. The kitchen was even stocked with items like labeled single-use dental needles and various medications, making the situation even more alarming.
Victim’s Financial Burden
The victim returned multiple times, seeking a dental bridge and ultimately paying a staggering $1,950 for services that never delivered the promised results. Serrano took molds, attempted fittings, but left her client without the necessary dental care.
Donnelly urged anyone who may have encountered similar issues to reach out to the District Attorney’s Office of Immigrant Affairs at 516.571.7756. “This alarming situation came to light thanks to the victim’s courage to report it,” a spokesperson shared. “We’re actively looking into this and suspect there may be more victims out there.”
Facing Serious Consequences
With the potential for up to four years in prison looming over her, Serrano is scheduled to return to court on January 8. This case is a stark reminder of the importance of seeking qualified professionals for healthcare needs.
