Illegal dental office shut down in Plano

by Bill Conrad of Star Local News

Police think there may have been other victims besides the one citizen who reported Jose Santiago Delao's illegal business.

Jose Santiago Delao

PLANO — A Plano man was arrested Thursday after allegedly operating an illegal dental office inside his home in the 1900 block of East Park Boulevard in Plano.

Jose Santiago Delao, 63, has been charged with practicing dentistry without a license, a third-degree felony.

David Tilley, Plano PD spokesman, said a resident first brought Delao to the attention of investigators.

"The citizen came to us and said they had dental work done by Mr. Delao," Tilley said. "They were having problems with the work and felt a criminal offense may have occurred."

The probable cause affidavit that accompanied Delao's arrest warrant states the woman who contacted police visited Delao after receiving his business card from a member of her church. When she went to Delao's residence, she felt uneasy and attempted to leave but was told by Delao that she had already cost him time and money, the affidavit reads.

The woman told police when Delao drilled into one of her molars, she felt pain and was told to "stop complaining." Since the alleged incident, which occurred on January 14, the victim has been unable to open her mouth due to pain, the affidavit states.

Tilley said the department contacted the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, which informed detectives that practicing dentistry without a license is becoming more and more common across the United States.

"There were a couple of rooms set up inside the house that served as dental rooms," Tilley said. "He was operating a business, but we are not sure how he was advertising it or attracting people to his business. We believe some of the advertising came from word of mouth, and a lot of his business appeared to be targeted toward individuals that were unable to afford dental insurance."

Tilley said the department believes there may be other victims who had dental work allegedly done by Delao. Detectives are asking that anyone with information call the Plano PD tip line at 972-941-2148, or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 877-373-8477.