Fake Redwood City 'Dentist' Fixed Drugs, Not Teeth, Sheriff's Office Says

A Redwood City man was arrested this week in San Carlos on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs – but may have been operating as a dentist without a license, state and county authorities say.

Joseph Hirsch, 59, was arrested at about 7 a.m. at Thermo Dental at 663 Old County Road when task force agents served a search warrant at the business, according to the San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force.

An investigation started in January and culminated on Tuesday when investigators searched the business and allegedly found drugs and equipment typically used to manufacture drugs.

"As a result of this search, narcotics and equipment commonly used to manufacture narcotics was
seized," the sheriff's office said in a press statement.

Investigators said they also allegedly found a makeshift dental office at the location.

"Investigators also located a crude dentist office inside the building, which consisted of a dentist’s chair, x-ray
machine and dental tools," according to the sheriff's office. "It is suspected that Mr.Hirsch was providing dental treatment to various patients without a license."

It appears Hirsch does have a denture manufacturing business but was allegedly operating as a dentist as well, California Department of Consumer Affairs Detective Ryan Blonien said.

According to Blonien, Hirsch never had a dentist's license, but was allegedly acting as a dentist in fitting patients for dentures.

Hirsch was taken to the county jail on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, manufacturing a controlled substance, being a felon in possession of ammunition and possessing metal knuckles, according to jail records.

Hirsch has not been arrested for allegedly working as a dentist without a license but an investigation hasn't been completed, Blonien said.

– Bay City News Service contributed to this report / Image via San Mateo County Sheriff's Office