Mega Doctor News
By Roberto Hugo González
A Hidalgo County resident is recovering after a series of illegal dental procedures nearly cost her life. The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, described undergoing three extractions performed by an unlicensed individual operating out of a home. She shared her experience during a press conference on July 25, 2025, at the McAllen office of Dr. Carlos Cruz, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
According to the patient, the procedures were conducted in a residential kitchen without the use of X-rays, medical evaluation, or any assurance of sanitation. “She said X-rays weren’t necessary,” the woman stated. “Everything was done on a chair in the kitchen, and I paid $100 per tooth, and she extracted three.”
The victim reported that a friend recommended the services and that the individual presenting herself as a dental provider showed photos of previous work to build trust. “It looked trustworthy when I first got there,” she said. “She told me my smile was going to be different.”
Two days after her final extraction, she began experiencing swelling, extreme pain, and difficulty opening her mouth. Her condition worsened rapidly.
“I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, the pain was unbearable,” she recalled. At that point, her friend contacted Dr. Joey Cazares, DDS, of McAllen Dental Associates. “Dr. Cazares saw me immediately. He told me to go to the hospital right away. When I got there, they told me I could have died.”
The patient was hospitalized for six days and treated for a severe infection. Intravenous antibiotics and fluids were administered, and according to Dr. Cazares, she stopped breathing in the emergency room. “From what I understand, she went into respiratory distress at the hospital,” Dr. Cazares confirmed. “I strongly suggested she go to the ER, and that may have saved her life.”
The illegal procedures were conducted by a woman and her husband who operated from a private home in Hidalgo County. The victim confirmed that the husband also made dental molds for future prosthetics. “There was no license, no paperwork. Just a cash payment.”
Dr. Cazares said cases like this are not isolated. “This has been happening for years,” he said. “People often go to these types of providers because they believe it will cost less, but the risk to health and safety is significant. Dental care cannot be delivered in someone’s kitchen. Without proper equipment, sterilization, diagnosis, or medication, the patient is completely exposed.”
He added that licensed professionals are obligated to follow strict standards: “We are trained to take medical histories, radiographs, and follow a diagnostic process. Skipping any of those steps puts the patient in danger.”
In Texas, only licensed dentists are permitted to perform surgical procedures, such as extractions. Licensure is regulated by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE), which also handles complaints and enforcement actions. Practicing dentistry without a license is a third-degree felony under Texas law.
According to Dr. Cruz, “Only professionally licensed dentists are legally permitted to perform oral surgeries, extractions, or invasive dental procedures in Texas. Practicing without a license is not only illegal—it’s dangerous.”
The victim, now recovering, urges others not to seek care from unlicensed sources, no matter the cost. “Please don’t risk your life to save money,” she said. “Go to a licensed professional. I’m alive because someone helped me in time.”
Both Dr. Cruz and Dr. Cazares are calling for increased public awareness and reporting. “The health of our community depends on education,” Dr. Cazares said. “We must guide people to safe and legal care.”
The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners provides an online tool for verifying dental licenses. It encourages anyone aware of illegal dental activity to report it directly or through the relevant law enforcement authorities.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in underserved communities, where patients may turn to unregulated services due to financial barriers. “We understand the need for affordable care,” Dr. Cazares added. “If one office can’t help, we’ll find another. There are legitimate ways to get help.”
The patient’s case remains under review, and authorities have been notified of the unlicensed activity.
Below is the the personal note sent by the patient:
English versión:
Hello, I want to share my story to raise awareness. A few weeks ago, I had some dental extractions done at a place that was not professional. The person who attended to me was not qualified, and after that, I started to feel very sick. I couldn’t open my mouth, I started to swell up, then my throat began to close, and I couldn’t swallow saliva.
My friend called Dr. Casares’s office, and thanks to Nancy, who arranged the appointment, I was able to receive real medical care. The doctor saw me and immediately sent me to the hospital. And thanks to that, today I am alive and getting better.
