Still in her blue scrubs, Yuanjin Chen faced a judge for working on patients that thought she was a dentist. The 46-year-old was not speaking to reporters as she exited the courtroom. However, the man with her did try to attack a photographer.
It was an antonymous tip that led to a sting at her southwest Houston Well Care Dental Clinic. An undercover officer and witness made an appointment.
"The witness sat in a chair as the officer observed the defendant actually took out a dental tool and had the witness open his mouth actually started performing a procedure and checking his teeth," said Harris County Assistant District Attorney Anthony Robinson.
Chen then told the undercover witness and officer that he needed several teeth extracted and upper and lower dentures added for a price of almost $2,000. Chen was arrested March 11 at the clinic for practicing dentistry without a license.
We went to the her clinic in the 9800 block of Bellaire Blvd. They where still open, but not saying if they were still seeing patients.
Adding to Chen's troubles, investigators are also questioning her residency.
"The defendant also stated that she has a green card at this point in time that is still being looked at," said Robinson. "She may be undocumented and not here legally.
Chen, 46, is now out on $55,000 bond and faces two to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Experts say if you ever have questions about a dentist and want to check complaints on them, you can find all the information you need on the website of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
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