NEWARK
- The State Board of Dentistry this month
entered into Consent Orders with two dentists,
both of whom agreed to cease practice following
a guilty plea to criminal charges by one and
the filing of criminal charges against the
other.
“Our
licensing boards take disciplinary action
to protect the public’s health, safety
and welfare,” Attorney General Anne
Milgram said. “We expect, as do patients,
that licensees follow our laws and regulations.”
“We
license approximately 500,000 individuals
in a wide spectrum of professions and our
licensing boards are the public’s watchdogs,”
said David Szuchman, Consumer Affairs Director.
“Complaints submitted by consumers are
reviewed and can be referred to our investigative
staff for further action.”
Mitra
Abdollahi, who has a dentistry practice in
Somerdale, Camden County, agreed to a five-year
license suspension that begins on June 12.
An active suspension will be in effect for
two years, with the remaining three years
served as a period of probation.
Abdollahi
pled guilty to one count of third degree health
care claims fraud after she acknowledged submitting
false and misleading claims to Medicaid from
2002 to 2007.
Before
reinstatement of her license, Abdollahi must
pass the Law and Jurisprudence examination
administered by the Board, complete required
continuing education hours and pay all applicable
fees for reinstatement and licensing.
If
she returns to active practice, Abdollahi
will pay for random audits of her charts during
the period of probation.
Raymond
L. Pacholec, who has a dentistry practice
in Bayville, Ocean County, agreed to a minimum
six-month license suspension and to enroll
in a Professional Assistance Program, under
terms of an Interim Consent Order with the
Board entered on May 1. Pacholec was arrested
on March 16 after discovery of marijuana and
a marijuana growing facility in his home.
Pacholec
also was required to surrender his Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) registration and prescription
pads used to authorize the dispensing of prescription
drugs.
If
he applies for reinstatement, Pacholec must
demonstrate his fitness to practice dentistry
to the Board. The suspension took effect on
May 1.
To
file a complaint with a licensing board within
the Division of Consumer Affairs, go to www.nj.gov/oag/ca/comlink.htm
or call 1-800-242-5846 (toll-free
within N.J.) or 973-504-6200.
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