A Minnesota dentist suspended indefinitely in 2024 due to “gross incompetence and ignorance in the practice of dentistry” has surrendered his license to practice, according to the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General.
In addition to Dr. Marko Kamel, a dentist and former owner of Woodbury Dental Arts in Minnesota, surrendering his dental license, a settlement with the Chapter 7 trustee of the dental practice was reached. In March 2024, Kamel shuttered the practice and filed for bankruptcy, abandoning patients with unfinished treatments. The settlement allows his victims to recoup the fees they paid in advance for dental services that were never provided, according to a press release dated November 7 from the state attorney general’s office.
In November 2023, the Minnesota Board of Dentistry temporarily suspended Kamel's dental license, alleging that his treatment of two patients violated the board's practice act and that his continued practice would present an imminent risk of serious harm. The state attorney general’s office accused Kamel and Woodbury Dental Arts of deceiving and defrauding patients by misrepresenting and concealing Kamel’s ineligibility to practice while continuing to collect tens of thousands of dollars in upfront fees from patients for services that were never rendered, according to the release.
In March 2024, and days before the board was expected to administer its final disciplinary action against Kamel, the dentist abruptly closed the dental clinic without notifying patients. Hundreds were left with unfinished dental implant treatments. Kamel and the dental practice failed to refund patients for services they never received. That same month, Kamel filed for bankruptcy.
Under the settlement, the state attorney general’s office will create a claims process for former patients to obtain refunds and will alert the public when it is ready to accept claims. Currently, the office is working to identify patients who may be owed refunds, according to the press release.
In addition to surrendering his license in Minnesota, Kamel recently agreed in an order with the state dental board to wait a minimum of 10 years before applying for reinstatement of his license. If at that time, Kamel applies for a new license, he must pay a $500,000 civil penalty and demonstrate that he can practice competently and safely.
In May 2025, the state of California revoked Kamel’s license to practice dentistry there, according to the press release.
