Rhode Island Woman Poses As Dentist, Gives Patient Hospitalizing Oral Infection: AG

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence woman was arrested after running an unlicensed dental practice and giving a patient an oral infection the required emergency hospitalization, Attorney General Peter Neronha said Thursday.

Neronha's office charged Altgracia Adames, 57, on May 10, with practicing dentistry without a license.

On Nov. 28, 2002, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) told RI State Police a 36-year-old woman received unlicensed dental work from Adames. Prosecutors said Adames removed the patient's molar, stitched the wound and drilled several other teeth.

Later, the victim experienced intense pain and swelling from an oral infection, which required hospitalization and antibiotics through intravenous. Prosecutors said the victim provided text messages between herself and Adames, which corroborated the patient's account of what took place.

On Dec. 20, 2022, state police troopers and FDA agents searched Adames' home and discovered an illegal dentist office, according to prosecutors. Prosecutors said investigators found a waiting room, a treatment room with a chair and lights, and dental equipment. Authorities also discovered an additional room containing teeth moldings, a propane pressure cooker, and industrial equipment, prosecutors said.

As further alleged, investigators also found an additional room containing teeth moldings, a propane pressure cooker, and industrial equipment.

Adames is scheduled for a pre-arraignment conference on Aug. 10 in Providence County Superior Court.