After a month-long investigation, Ventura County Sheriff's deputies from the Moorpark Police Station on Wednesday arrested a man on the suspiscion of practicing dentistry without a license.
Investigators believe William Escobar, 40, of Moorpark was practicing dentistry from an apartment on the 600 block of Spring Road, according to a statement issued by the department late Wednesday afternoon.
The sheriff's department learned of the alleged practice in November from someone who had received dental services, including teeth cleaning, an anesthetic injection and a tooth extraction evaluation from Escobar, the statement said. The patient, who suffered swelling and pain at the injection site, did not have the extraction, but received calls from Escobar threatening him and said he owed Escobar money, the patient told investigators.
"When detectives served the search warrant at Escobar’s apartment, they discovered an elaborate illegal dental operation, complete with dental chair, tools, anesthetic drugs, false teeth and orthodonture type items. Escobar had converted his bathroom into a dental office," the sheriff's statement said.
It went on to report Escobar had numerous customers, including teenagers who were receiving orthodontic care at the apartment.
Investigators at the Moorpark Police Station are seeking patients, especially children and their parents, who received care from Escobar. Contact the department at 805-532-2700.
