Woman accused of posing as a dentist and performing botched root canals

HOUSTON (TMX/Gray News) – A woman in Texas is accused of posing as a dentist and even putting patients under anesthesia for “botched” root canals.

Houston police said Angelica Vivas, 41, is charged with two felony counts of practicing dentistry and dental surgery without a license.

According to charging documents, Vivas posed as a licensed dentist based in the Houston suburb of Katy and administered multiple anesthesia to at least two patients.

In February she is said to have carried out a “botched” root canal treatment on a patient.

This patient, who wished to remain anonymous, told KPRC that Vivas removed two of her molars to access the tooth that needed a root canal, but ultimately was unable to perform the root canal.

Instead, she allegedly said there was nothing more she could do and sent the patient home with painkillers. Vivas also allegedly told the patient that the root would “come out on its own.”

After experiencing severe pain, the patient visited a real dentist who urged her to call the police about her interactions with Vivas.

The patient required surgery to correct the problems allegedly caused by Vivas.

Undercover agents visited Vivas and posed as potential patients. She allegedly claimed to be a dentist and offered to perform dental work for the undercover officers.

During a probable cause hearing Wednesday, Vivas was released on $50,000 bail.

Under the terms of their bond, Vivas is prohibited from advertising, offering or performing dental services.

Police are asking any other potential victims to come forward.

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