For the last year, Alberto Nunez performed hundreds of dental procedures on patients at his unlicensed Melrose Park dental practice, according to Cook County Sheriff's police.
Nunez, who lives in the 7800-block of South Kenton, allegedly operated out of a home in the 2000-block of North Emerson in unincorporated Cook County.
Nunez faces a felony charge for practicing dentistry without a license and a misdemeanor charge for unlawful possession of hypodermic syringes.
Inside the home on Emerson, police say they found a dental chair, lights, plates, tools, syringes, an x-ray machine and much more. Police allege Nunez performed a range of dental procedures, including root canals, bite impressions, cleanings, x-rays, surgical dental procedures and braces.
Police say Nunez claims he went to dental school in Mexico City, but he could not provide documentation that he completed the program.
"Based on statements made by Nunez," Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said in a press release, "it is believed he has been 'in practice' for approximately two years, had another location before this current one, and saw roughly 30 patients each week."
When police tried to set up an appointment as part of their investigation, a receptionist said nothing was open for a week because of the full schedule of patients. Guess what, I bet this guy was doing a good job. I've been to dentist who were total butchers. I'm not advocating unlicensed be allowed to operate but some of these professions are a closed shop and prices and damn too high.
