Old Bridge Woman Accused Of Practicing Dentistry Without A License

SOUTH RIVER, NJ — An Old Bridge woman is accused of working as an unlicensed dentist in South River, police in that town said.

South River Police say Ana Amato, 49, of Old Bridge, was practicing dentistry without being licensed to do so.

South River Police started investigating this in September 2025, when two people came to police headquarters in that town for what initially appeared to be a “routine” dispute between them.

While interviewing both parties, Sergeant Peter Roselli and Officer Peter Szukics discovered dental procedures may have been performed within the town by an individual who was not properly licensed.

The investigation was assigned to Detective Patrick Molina. Over the ensuing months, Molina, joined by Detective Sergeant Kenneth Nale and Detective Travis Taylor worked to gather evidence. In February, they obtained enough evidence to be granted a search warrant to search Amato's office at 30 Main Street, Suite 7 in South River. On the afternoon of Feb. 19 (last Thursday), the officers entered the dental practice. Amato was placed under arrest and multiple items were seized as evidence.

Amato was charged with:

• Third-degree Unlawful Practice of Dentistry
• Second-degree Aggravated Assault
• Third-degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity

“What began as a routine dispute call demonstrated exactly why thorough police work matters," said South River Police Chief Mark Tinitigan. "Sgt. Roselli and Officer Szukics recognized that something did not add up and took the extra steps necessary to protect the public. And Detective Molina’s persistence and attention to detail were instrumental in seeing this investigation through and securing these charges.”

This case is still active and ongoing. Anyone who knows anything is urged to contact Det. Molina at 732-254-9002 ext. 113.