A New Jersey woman has been arrested and charged with assault following allegations that she practiced dentistry without a license, including attempting a root canal on a patient, according to reports from People.com.
Investigation and Arrest Details
The South River Police Department (SRPD) in New Jersey announced the arrest of 49-year-old Ana Amato on February 19, 2026, after a months-long investigation into her unauthorized dental activities. Authorities stated that the case began in September 2025 with what initially seemed like a routine call about a dispute between two individuals.
Uncovering the Alleged Illegal Practice
During the investigation, officers uncovered evidence suggesting that dental procedures were being performed by an unlicensed individual. SRPD Chief Mark Tinitigan emphasized in a Facebook news release that this unusual case highlights the department's commitment to public safety, regardless of the nature of the call.
According to a criminal complaint reported by NJ.com and the New York Post, the incident originated when a man scheduled an appointment with Amato after seeing her advertise dental services on WhatsApp. He agreed to pay $1,000, including a $300 down payment, for a root canal.
The Alleged Procedure and Altercation
On September 22, 2025, the man attended the appointment at Amato's office, where she allegedly injected his gum with an anesthetic and drilled into his tooth before stopping and instructing him to return later to complete the procedure. However, Amato later informed him she could not finish the work and provided a list of local dentists, leading to a dispute when she refused to refund his down payment.
The man reported the incident to police with gauze still in his mouth, prompting the investigation. On February 19, police executed a search warrant at Amato's office, arresting her and seizing multiple items from the business.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Amato has been charged with second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree financial facilitation of criminal activity, and third-degree unlawful practice of dentistry. The SRPD has confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing as they continue to gather evidence related to the case.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with unlicensed medical practices and underscores the importance of verifying credentials before undergoing any health procedures.
