Woman Performed Illegal Dental Procedures In South River: Police

SOUTH RIVER, NJ - An Old Bridge woman was charged last week after investigators found she had been performing dental procedures without a license out of a South River business, authorities said.

Ana Amato, 49, was arrested Feb. 19 after officers searched her business at 30 Main St., Suite 7, in South River. She faces charges of unlicensed practice of dentistry, a third-degree crime; aggravated assault, a second-degree crime; and financial facilitation of criminal activity, a third-degree crime.

In September 2025, Sgt. Peter Roselli and Officer Peter Szukics responded to a dispute call at police headquarters. While taking the report, the officers noticed signs that someone without a dental license may have been performing dental work in the borough, police said.

On their next shift, the officers looked further into the business and brought their concerns to the detective bureau. Detective Patrick Molina was assigned the case and spent several months gathering evidence, police said. Detective Sgt. Kenneth Nale and Detective Travis Taylor also assisted in the investigation, which ultimately led a Superior Court judge to authorize a search warrant.

During the search of the business, officers seized multiple items as evidence and arrested Amato, police said.

"What began as a routine dispute call demonstrated exactly why thorough police work matters," Chief Mark Tinitigan said. "Sgt. Roselli and Officer Szukics recognized that something did not add up and took the extra steps necessary to protect the public."

Tinitigan also credited Molina's work. "His persistence and attention to detail were instrumental in seeing this investigation through," he said.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Molina at 732-254-9002, ext. 113.

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