New Jersey Woman Arrested for Impersonating a Dentist
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March 8, 2026New Jersey Woman Arrested for Impersonating a Dentist
A New Jersey woman, identified as 49‑year‑old Ana Amato of Old Bridge, has been arrested after South River Police uncovered an alleged unlicensed dental operation on Main Street—an investigation that began with a routine dispute call and escalated into a months‑long probe revealing illegal dental procedures, a botched root canal, and multiple criminal charges.
🚨 Arrest & Investigation
South River Police have arrested Ana C. Amato, 49, of Old Bridge, after determining she was operating as a dentist without a license at 30 Main Street, Suite 7, South River, NJ. The investigation began in September 2025, when officers responded to a dispute call that revealed concerns about possible unlicensed dental work.
Detective Patrick Molina and the South River Police Detective Bureau conducted a months‑long investigation, gathering evidence that Amato was allegedly performing dental procedures despite having no valid dental license. A Superior Court‑authorized search warrant was executed on February 19, leading to her arrest.
🦷 Alleged Illegal Dental Procedures
According to court documents, Amato advertised dental services—including root canals—through WhatsApp group chats, charging patients up to $1,000. One victim reported that Amato injected anesthetic, drilled his tooth, and began a root canal before abruptly stopping mid‑procedure. She later refused to refund his $300 deposit, prompting him to report the incident while still bleeding and with gauze in his mouth.
⚖️ Charges Filed
Amato faces multiple charges, including:
- Unlawful Practice of Dentistry (3rd degree)
- Aggravated Assault (2nd degree)
- Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity (3rd degree)
Police seized multiple items as evidence during the search. Authorities emphasize that these charges are accusations and Amato is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
She is scheduled for a pre‑indictment conference on March 24.
👮 South River Police Statement
South River Police Chief Mark Tinitigan praised the officers’ diligence, noting that what began as a routine call revealed a serious public‑safety threat:
“What began as a routine dispute call demonstrated exactly why thorough police work matters.”
The investigation remains active, and anyone with additional information is urged to contact Det. Patrick Molina at 732‑254‑9002 ext. 113.
