RI Woman Arrested for Practicing Dentistry Without a License — RIDOH Issues Cease and Desist Order

RI Woman Arrested for Practicing Dentistry Without a License — RIDOH Issues Cease and Desist Order

A Rhode Island woman has been arrested for practicing dentistry in the state without a license — and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has issued its second “cease and desist” order in two weeks. 

RIDOH has ordered Waleska Melgar to stop practicing dentistry without a license, after she reportedly attempted a failed tooth extraction — as well as installed “full orthodontic braces” on a patient, who later suffered complications. 

Court records show that Melgar was arrested on January 9, 2024 on two charges of practicing dentistry without a license.

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Both are felony charges. 

 

About Case 

RIDOH says that on November 27, 2023, it received a complaint from a licensed dental professional that a patient came to them with injuries sustained from a prior dental procedure.

According to RIDOH, it contacted the patient who told them that Meglar had performed the work at a residence in Central Falls. 

“In the course of the investigation, RIDOH staff learned that [Melgar] advertised her dental services to the public and solicited or received monetary consideration for these services,” according to the cease-and-desist order. 

Central Falls police were called in to assist with the investigation. 

The cease and desist order was issued on January 12, 2024; Melgar, who posted bail, was ordered to surrender her passport and faces a pre-trial conference in April. 

 

Second Cease and Desist in Two Weeks. 

As GoLocal reported, on December 29, RIDOH had issued a “cease and desist” order to an individual who had been practicing midwifery in the state unlicensed.

The state made the discovery when a baby died in childbirth; the respondent, Vandesss Lewis, was referred to the Attorney General.