https://people.com/woman-accused-imp...canal-11921725

A New Jersey woman has been arrested and charged with assault after police learned that she was allegedly practicing dentistry without a license — and had attempted a root canal on a patient.

According to the South River Police Department (SRPD) in New Jersey, 49-year-old Ana Amato was arrested on Feb. 19 after a months-long investigation into her dentistry practice.
Authorities said the investigation into Amato began in September 2025 after Sgt. Peter Roselli and Officer Peter Szukics took a report at police headquarters that initially appeared to be a "routine" call about a dispute between two people.

"During the course of taking the report and conducting a follow-up investigation, the officers uncovered information suggesting dental procedures may have been performed within the borough by an individual not properly licensed," the press release stated.
"Through [the detective's] investigation, it was determined that Ana Amato...of Old Bridge, was allegedly practicing dentistry without being licensed nor authorized to do so," the department said in the release.

A criminal complaint obtained by NJ.com and the New York Post states that the initial police report came from a man who said he scheduled an appointment with Amato and agreed to pay her $1,000, including a $300 down payment, for a root canal as she was advertising her dental services in a group chat on WhatsApp.
Forget WhatsApp for a dentist, I'm going to find an orthopedic surgeon on Craigslist. What could go wrong?!