Ready to be freaked even more about going to the dentist?
Michael Clair, a 53-year-old former dentist in Massachusetts, pleaded guilty Friday to a slew of charges including accusations that he used paper clips instead of stainless steel during dental procedures.
Authorities say that instead of the stainless steel posts that are normally used in root canal operations, Clair used sections of paper clips — which can put patients at risk of infection and tremendous pain — in an effort to save money.
To say Clair ran a very scary dental practice is an understatement, as his other charges include assault and battery, larceny, tampering with evidence, and illegally prescribing prescription medication— Hydrocodone, Combunox, and Percocet — to other staff members.
Last but not least, Clair, who now lives in Maryland, was suspended by Medicaid in 2002, but continued to file claims – $130,000 worth – through June 2005 by using the names of other dentists in his practice, according to prosecutors.
Despite the fact that you’ll now probably skip your next two appointments, readers can rest assured that Clair no longer practices dentistry.
Fox News reports that Clair’s license to practice dentistry expired in Massachusetts in 2008, and his licenses in Maryland, Florida and West Virginia had previously been revoked
He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 30 in New Bedford Superior Court.
For more information on Michael Clair and his bizarre dental malpractice case, check out the video clip below:
Do trips to the dentist rank high on your scale of things that you fear? Chime in with your thoughts in the comment section below.
THIS Article IS NOT the Thing U Want to Read Right After Coming from a Dentists Appointment, Where the Dentist TELLS U that U Hafta have Dental Surgery Soon! *(Like Next Week)*.
its uncomfortable to be sitting there with your mouth wide open and choking on your own saliva…teeth cleaning suck.
NOW I AM EVEN MORE FREAKED OUT ABOUT DENTISTS.
I HATED DENTISTS
This guy is not the only one. I have had a lifetime of dentisitry –and I have had several dentisits that did horrible things. Dentisits are the losers of the Medical Profession. They had no actual responsibility on costs nor care of patientsThey'll screw you out of every penny you've got while smiling iin your face. I've had some good ones –but the bad FAR outweigh the GOOD! Hope this one goes to jail.
I love my dentist but hate having work done on my teeth..thank goodness I didn't have this nut case as my first encounter with a dentist……I'd never go back……..
But just think about it…when he needs supplies..he just sends someone to Staples and can get them in colors
This kind of publicity makes me sick, quality dentistry is not hard to get if you use your BRAIN people, get references and research the credentials for who you intend on seeing….. Certainly there are quacks in every field, unfortunately my profession is not immune. I have been in this profession over 30 years. Cook's results and experience reflect the likely the result of poor research and imprudent choice.
You don't get it Gary !! Maye because your in Michigan. In my part of the world AlL the dentists appear great..fancy offices , BIG SMILES , good looking staff…but they are cheaters , liars and money hungry….
don't think I didn't check well –because I did. I have had many as I shed one after another once I am able to accertain they are up to NO GOOD !..The biggest thing that burns me up–is that they always want to check how much insurance you have before they quote. if you are doing a better job–well, than , maybe I need to move to Michigan.It is criminal what Dentists do in this area NOT ALL but more than the less of them.
Maybe Dentists should become more like Doctors than used car salesman. Lets see–Oh !! You own a business..your treatment will be $1600.00..and by theway –you can't be sure your insurance will cover this–do you have any money to pay for this ??…Oh, you work at McDonalds–not sure if you can afford to
come to my office–do you have $2000 to begin ?
Treatment costs should make sense…NOT leaving you like your playing the Casino Roulette Wheel.
Until that happens–Dentists will get little respect–I'd rather tip my Poker Dealer !
do you think a dental crown should cost 1-2000 dollars. Dentists make 80% or more profit on this charge likely. rip off!
why is your teeth the only part of your body not covered by your regular health insurance when everything else is…We are only industrialized nation in world that DOESN't provide free health care for it's citizens as BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS.
hahahahahahaha
I'm not sure where you live Chelle, perhaps I could direct you to someone that is competent and reputable in your area. Unfortunately over the years, it seems as if some practices treat based on insurance. I have always felt that treatment needs and insurance benefits have no particular relationship. Make sure you don't have any negative dietary habits that bump up your decay rate. You might consider contacting some specialty offices, as in a periodontal specialty practice, and ask them for the name of the best restorative dentists they work with. Ask them who the Dr. sees as his personal dentist. I have had the privilege of seeing a number of dentists and specialist as patients in my own practice, which I feel is a great compliment. There must be a similar situation in your area. Good luck.
Well , you see Gary–Thats why am speaking up…because pepole should never go thru the sorts of things that I was put thru over the years with detisits…..Now let me tell you that a surgeon whom I STILL have the most respect for sent me to the worst Quack OF THEM ALL. He is very sorry about everything too. I finally reconnected with him after 15 years of for instance once being put out but still hearig everything and listening to the dentist ask his WIFE HOW HE SHOULD BE TREATING ME ?? She was the wife of a dentist but never allowed to go to school. I guess she had more training them him….The second thing this Dr? put a metal band around some teeth in the back hoping to "connect" to it sometime and charged me thousands for this "quackery"——sorry but many . many detisits are doing bad things and of course like me==when you young like I was at the time—–you don't immediately realize that the doctor is BAD !!! So I hope I can open one persons eyes and not spend the thousands and thousands of dollars that I have
Go to a dental school affiliated with a major university if you have access. They're also significantly cheaper.