A former Massachusetts dentist has been indicted for inserting pieces of paper clips into patients' mouths as a post in root canals instead of using standard stainless steel posts and billing Medicaid for the cost of the post.
A Massachusetts grand jury indicted Michael Clair, D.D.S., 51, who now lives in Maryland, with submitting false claims to Medicaid, assault and battery, larceny, and illegally prescribing prescription drugs.
Dr. Clair, who had previously been excluded as a provider from the Medicaid program, hired several dentists at his dental practice who were eligible and used their provider numbers for billing between August 2003 and June 2005, according to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office.
Dr. Clair is accused of fraudulently billing approximately $130,000 to Medicaid.
The Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Division began investigating Dr. Clair in 2005 after the matter was referred to the office from MassHealth. Through the course of the investigation, investigators also learned that Dr. Clair placed pieces of paper clips as posts for root canals inside the mouths of his MassHealth patients. While paper clips can be used temporarily in certain cases, according to the attorney general's office, authorities allege Dr. Clair intended for the paper clips -- which can cause infection, discomfort, and pain -- to be a permanent fix for his patients.
An investigation by authorities also found that Dr. Clair unlawfully prescribed hydrocodone, Combunox, and Percocet to staff members, who then gave all or a portion of the prescribed medication back to him.
An arraignment has been scheduled for April 8.
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