Florida Woman Arrested for Acting as a Dentist and Using Superglue on Veneers

In a bizarre case that has left many both shocked and outraged, a Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly posing as a licensed dentist and performing dental procedures — including using superglue to attach veneers on unsuspecting patients. Authorities say the unlicensed practice, which reportedly took place out of her home and a rented office space, endangered the health of several individuals and could have caused permanent damage to their teeth and gums.

According to the Florida Department of Health and the local sheriff’s office, the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Melissa Ortiz, was taken into custody after multiple patients came forward with complaints of severe dental pain, infections, and improperly installed veneers. Investigators allege that Ortiz presented herself as a qualified dental professional, advertising cosmetic procedures at discounted rates on social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.

The Investigation

The investigation began when several victims reported troubling symptoms after visiting Ortiz for cosmetic dental work. One woman, identified only as “Angela” for privacy reasons, said she was lured in by the promise of affordable veneer installations and a “Hollywood smile” at a fraction of the typical price.

“I saw her ads online, and everything looked so professional,” Angela told reporters. “She had before-and-after pictures, dental equipment, and wore scrubs. I thought she was legitimate. But after the procedure, I started having extreme tooth pain and noticed the veneers were shifting. That’s when I went to a real dentist — and they told me superglue had been used to attach my veneers. I was horrified.”

Authorities say similar stories emerged from at least 11 other patients, prompting an undercover operation led by the sheriff’s office. During the investigation, officers scheduled an appointment with Ortiz posing as potential clients, during which she allegedly offered veneer installation for as little as $600 — a fraction of the $2,000 to $4,000 typically charged by licensed professionals.

Detectives say they found makeshift dental equipment, syringes, unsealed medication, and tubes of household superglue during a search of her home and office space.

Charges and Legal Consequences

Ortiz has been charged with multiple counts, including:

• Practicing dentistry without a license
• Fraudulent misrepresentation
• Negligent bodily harm
• Possession of unregulated medical equipment

If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.

Florida law is particularly strict when it comes to unlicensed medical practices, especially dental work, due to the potential for severe harm. State Attorney Daniel Alvarez emphasized the risks during a press briefing:

“Dentistry is not just about cosmetics — it involves delicate structures, nerves, and infection risks. Using unregulated substances like superglue inside someone’s mouth is extremely dangerous and could cause irreversible damage.”

How Superglue Was Used

Investigators revealed that Ortiz allegedly used store-bought cyanoacrylate adhesive, commonly known as superglue, to attach veneers to patients’ teeth. While dental adhesives used by licensed professionals are medical-grade and FDA-approved, superglue is not designed for oral use and can lead to:

• Gum inflammation and chemical burns
• Damage to tooth enamel
• Infections due to improper sterilization
• Difficulty removing improperly bonded veneers

One licensed cosmetic dentist, Dr. Laura Benson, described the practice as “reckless and shocking”:

“Superglue is toxic when ingested and completely unsuitable for dental procedures. Patients could lose teeth or suffer permanent nerve damage from this kind of negligence.”

Social Media’s Role

Authorities believe Ortiz used social media to build trust and lure unsuspecting victims. Her Instagram page, which has since been taken down, reportedly showcased polished photos of smiling clients, dental equipment, and “before-and-after” shots that authorities now suspect were stolen from legitimate dental professionals.

She also offered referral discounts and ran “flash sales” on veneers, which helped her attract more clients quickly. Law enforcement officials warn that the rise of social media advertising has made it easier for unlicensed practitioners to exploit people seeking affordable cosmetic procedures.

Victims Speak Out

Several alleged victims are now considering joining a class-action lawsuit against Ortiz, citing not only financial losses but also lasting health consequences.

One victim, Brian Morales, shared his experience publicly:

“I trusted her because she sounded so knowledgeable. Now I’ve got infections and have to pay thousands more to fix the damage she caused. I feel violated.”

For many of Ortiz’s clients, the ordeal has become both emotionally and financially devastating. Licensed dentists have reported that correcting her work could cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 per patient, depending on the severity of the damage.

Authorities Urge Caution

The Florida Department of Health has urged residents to verify credentials before undergoing any medical or dental procedure. They recommend checking the Florida Board of Dentistry’s online database, where consumers can confirm whether a provider is licensed and in good standing.

Sheriff Michael Reynolds issued a public warning:

“If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Unlicensed dental work can lead to life-threatening infections and permanent damage. Always confirm your provider’s qualifications.”

A Broader Problem

Experts say this case highlights a growing issue nationwide: the rise of unlicensed cosmetic practitioners offering cheap procedures outside of regulated medical environments. Similar incidents have involved illegal Botox injections, lip fillers, and dental work — often leading to serious health complications.

Consumer protection advocates are calling for stronger enforcement and stricter penalties to deter individuals from posing as licensed professionals.

What’s Next for Ortiz

Ortiz remains in custody at the Orange County Jail on a $75,000 bond as investigators continue to identify additional victims. Her arraignment is scheduled for next month, and prosecutors say more charges could be added as new evidence emerges.

Meanwhile, victims are working with legal and medical professionals to repair the harm caused by her procedures.

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This disturbing case serves as a reminder of the dangers of entrusting your health to unlicensed practitioners. While discounted cosmetic services may seem appealing, the risks — from infections to permanent damage — far outweigh the savings.

Authorities continue to urge anyone who received dental work from Ortiz to contact investigators immediately.