Authorities in Florida say a woman posing as a dental professional has been arrested after allegedly performing illegal veneer procedures that left victims in pain, debt, and with serious oral infections.
Investigators identified the suspect as 35-year-old Emely Martinez, who police allege carried out unlicensed dental work across multiple counties. Instead of professional bonding agents, she reportedly used cyanoacrylate… better known as superglue or “crazy glue”… to attach phony veneers, causing infections and permanent damage. Martinez faces charges of fraud, practicing dentistry without a license, and more.
Police say Martinez promoted herself as a “veneer technician” at the Tapp Inn Beauty Bar in Pinellas Park, offering full mouth veneers for about $3,000… a fraction of the real cost, which can exceed $1,000 per tooth. She promised results lasting five to seven years.
Instead, victims were left with infections, broken teeth, and expensive emergency dental bills. “Some patients had to spend thousands to repair the damage after waiting for infections to heal,” said Sgt. Windy Vater of the Pinellas Park Police Department.
Two victims came forward after suffering intense pain and complications, leading to Martinez’s arrest. Investigators also believe Martinez may have pulled teeth and performed work on children, despite having no dental schooling or license. Records reveal she had already been arrested earlier this year in Hillsborough County for similar unlicensed dental work.
Authorities suspect she may have changed her name and opened new businesses to continue the scheme. The American Dental Association previously warned in 2024 that procedures performed by unlicensed “veneer techs” can cause irreversible harm.The American Dental Association previously warned in 2024 that procedures performed by unlicensed “veneer techs” can cause irreversible harm.
