Illegal Dental Practice Charge Filed Against Man

LOS ANGELES — Charges were filed Wednesday against a man suspected of illegally practicing dentistry in the bedroom of his Wilshire District apartment.

Raul Alberto Rodriguez, 43, is charged with one count of practicing dentistry without a license and another of illegally possessing a hypodermic needle, said city attorney’s office spokesman Mike Qualls.

Rodriguez came under investigation in April, after the state Board of Dental Examiners got a phone tip that he was unlicensed and working out of his apartment at 111 N. Alexandria Ave., said Qualls.

On May 11, a Los Angeles police officer posing as a potential patient with a toothache went to the apartment. Rodriguez allegedly examined the officer and offered to fill a molar for $40, said Qualls.

Officers arrested Rodriguez several days later, while investigators seized his dentistry records and equipment, including a dental chair and 100 hypodermic needles.

Rodriguez is scheduled to be arraigned July 29 in Los Angeles Municipal Court.