Two people are facing criminal charges after an extensive investigation into an elaborate illegal dental operation at a convenience store in Milford, Massachusetts.
Milford police say they uncovered the illegal dental practice inside the Alternativa Convenience Store, located at 140 Main Street.
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According to authorities, the owner of the convenience store, Maria Magdalena Guaman-Castro, rented a room in the back of the store to Juan Hermida Munoz, where he provided dental services, including tooth extractions, anesthetics and cleanings -- all without a license.
Munoz, 64, is facing charges for unauthorized practice of dentistry and unauthorized practice of medicine.
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"This practice puts the lives of patients in danger by unsanctioned and unsanitary conditions in receiving medical treatments," Milford police said in a statement.
Authorities say they also charged Guaman-Castro with conspiracy for renting the room to Muñoz.
An employee at the store tells NBC10 Boston that Munoz has been a longtime dentist in Ecuador where he also teaches at a university. He says Munoz was only trying to help people in the community who needed it.
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Police say Munoz is not board certified and does not hold any certifications to practice medicine in the United States.
The Milford Board of Health was involved in the police department's investigation.