A Florida woman has been arrested for performing dental procedures without a license, including reportedly using nail glue on a client’s teeth without their knowledge, according to USA Today.
Emely Martinez, 35, from Pinellas County, was taken into custody on August 20 following multiple complaints to the Pinellas Park Police. Victims reported experiencing pain, infections, and other complications after receiving veneer treatments from Martinez at her Tapp Inn Beauty Bar. Court records indicate some patients even required emergency dental procedures and surgeries after her treatments.
Several clients told authorities that they were unaware Martinez was unlicensed, and she had been advertising herself online as “Itsthe Veneerlady.” She offered full-mouth veneer services at drastically reduced rates—charging around $2,500 to $3,000 (approximately RM10,500–RM12,700), compared to typical professional dental veneer costs of $800–$1,800 per tooth.
Police say Martinez collected thousands of dollars from clients and then ignored calls about complications. In one case, she allegedly told a customer she “didn’t care if a license was required” when asked about her qualifications. A licensed dentist reportedly informed authorities that nail glue may have been used to attach veneers to a patient’s teeth.
Martinez also promoted other services on Facebook, including teeth whitening, tooth replacement, “non-surgical” lip fillers, and even back-to-school whitening services for children—procedures that legally require proper training and licensure in Florida.
She faces felony charges for fraud and practicing dentistry without an active license. Authorities say Martinez previously faced similar charges in Hillsborough County and is believed to have changed her name and business name to continue operating in multiple locations, including Tampa, Orlando, and Clearwater.
Her Facebook page, “Veneerlady,” lists several branches and employees, raising concerns that unlicensed dental services may have been provided to numerous unsuspecting clients across Florida.
