New Jersey Woman Arrested for Impersonating a Dentist and Performing Unlicensed Root Canal
A New Jersey woman has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses after allegedly posing as a licensed dentist and performing dental work, including beginning a root canal procedure, without proper credentials. The incident, which occurred in South River, New Jersey, highlights the growing risk of unqualified individuals offering medical services, often advertised through social media platforms.
The Incident
Ana C. Amato, 49, of Old Bridge, New Jersey, is accused of providing dental services without a license. According to police reports, a patient contacted Amato after seeing her services advertised in a WhatsApp group chat . The patient agreed to pay $1,000 for a root canal procedure.
On September 22, 2025, Amato allegedly injected the patient with an anesthetic and began drilling his tooth. However, she abruptly stopped the procedure mid-way through and instructed the patient to return later in the week . Before a follow-up appointment could be scheduled, Amato informed the patient she could not complete the root canal and provided a list of licensed dentists in the area.
Dispute and Arrest
When the patient returned to Amato’s office seeking a refund of his $300 deposit, she refused, leading to an altercation . The patient subsequently filed a complaint with the South River Police Department, arriving at the station with gauze still in his bleeding mouth.
Following an investigation, police executed a search warrant at Amato’s business on February 19, 2026 . Authorities determined that Amato was not licensed to practice dentistry.
Charges Filed
Ana Amato has been charged with multiple offenses, including:
Aggravated assault carries a potential prison sentence of five to ten years .
Police Response
South River Police Chief Mark Tinitigan emphasized the importance of thorough police work in uncovering such cases. “What began as a routine dispute call demonstrated exactly why thorough police work matters,” he stated in a press release . He also praised the detectives involved for their persistence and attention to detail.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact Detective Patrick Molina at 732-254-9002 ext. 113.
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