Brooklyn Dentist Used Uncertified Workers To Treat Patients: AG

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK-- Diamond Braces, a dentistry chain with offices across Brooklyn, allowed uncertified workers to treat patients then sent the bills to Medicaid, the Attorney General's office announced.

Dentist Oleg Drut and the 19-office chain agreed to pay a $9 million settlement for allowing uncertified workers to perform orthodontic procedures then lying about it on Medicaid claims, prosecutors said.

The settlement demands Diamond Braces — which has offices in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Bushwick and across the five boroughs — retain an independent monitor, pay $4.5 million in restitution to Medicaid and $4.5 million in penalties, officials said.

New York law requires orthodontists receive clinical experience and pass state tests before earning a certificate from the state's Education Department.

Anyone without a certificate is prohibited fro performing any work inside a patient's mouth, the law dictates.

Investigators did not find evidence that any Diamond Braces patients were injured by the uncertified workers.

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