by South River, New Jersey — A New Jersey woman is facing criminal charges after police say she allegedly performed dental procedures without a license, including attempting a root canal on a patient who believed he was visiting a legitimate dentist.
Authorities identified the suspect as 49-year-old Ana Amato, who was arrested following a months-long investigation by the South River Police Department. Investigators say the case began after a complaint that initially appeared to be a routine dispute but later revealed allegations of unlicensed dental work.
Police say the investigation uncovered evidence that Amato may have been offering dental services despite not being legally authorized to practice dentistry.
Investigation began after what seemed like a routine complaint
According to the South River Police Department, the case began in September 2025 when officers responded to a report involving a disagreement between two individuals.
Sgt. Peter Roselli and Officer Peter Szukics took the report at police headquarters, initially believing it to be a routine dispute.
However, during their follow-up investigation, officers began to uncover information suggesting something more serious.
Police said the investigation revealed that dental procedures may have been performed by someone who was not properly licensed.
The case was later assigned to Detective Patrick Molina, who spent several months investigating the allegations.
Police say suspect practiced dentistry without authorization
After reviewing evidence and interviewing individuals connected to the case, investigators determined that Ana Amato, of Old Bridge, was allegedly operating a dental practice without the proper licensing or authorization.
Authorities say she had been offering dental services to patients in the area.
Investigators concluded that the suspect was allegedly performing dental procedures despite not being licensed to practice dentistry.
The discovery led police to pursue further action, including obtaining a search warrant related to the suspected practice.
Patient claims root canal procedure was started
According to a criminal complaint, the case began when a man reported his experience after scheduling a dental appointment with Amato.
The patient reportedly found her services advertised in a WhatsApp group chat, where she was promoting dental procedures.
He allegedly agreed to pay $1,000 for a root canal, including a $300 down payment before the appointment.
During the visit on September 22, the patient claims Amato began the procedure.
The complaint states that she injected the patient’s gum with anesthetic and began drilling into the tooth.
However, the procedure reportedly stopped abruptly.
According to the complaint, Amato told the patient to return later in the week to finish the root canal.
Dispute reportedly led to police report
Before the patient returned for the second appointment, investigators say Amato later informed him that she would not be able to complete the procedure.
She reportedly provided the patient with a list of legitimate local dentists.
Authorities say the situation escalated when the patient requested his deposit back but did not receive it, leading to an argument between the two.
The man reportedly went directly to the police station to file a report, still with gauze in his mouth from the unfinished dental work.
That complaint ultimately triggered the investigation that led to Amato’s arrest.
Police search office and file multiple charges
On February 19, investigators executed a search warrant at Amato’s office on Main Street in South River.
During the search, authorities said they seized multiple items connected to the alleged practice.
Amato was taken into custody and now faces several charges, including:
- Second-degree aggravated assault
- Third-degree financial facilitation of criminal activity
- Third-degree unlawful practice of dentistry
Officials say the case remains active and ongoing as investigators continue reviewing evidence.
Police encourage anyone with information to come forward
The South River Police Department says the investigation could involve additional witnesses or victims and is encouraging community members with information to come forward.
Police urged anyone with information related to the case to contact Detective Patrick Molina.
Authorities say the case highlights the importance of ensuring that medical and dental professionals are properly licensed before receiving treatment.
Officials also noted that even routine complaints can lead to significant investigations when officers follow up on suspicious details.
What are your thoughts on cases involving unlicensed medical or dental treatment? Share your perspective respectfully in the comments below.
