Charlotte Woman Faces Legal Trouble After Veneer Technician Training
In the vibrant city of Charlotte, a woman named Andrea Joseph is sharing her cautionary tale about a dental scam that has left her in a precarious position. Joseph became interested in becoming a veneer technician after a local man, posing as a dental assistant, offered her a free set of veneers in return for promotional videos. Little did she know, her journey would lead her to regret and undesired legal repercussions.
A Costly “Opportunity”
Back in 2023, Joseph was excited about the prospect of learning a new skill that seemed both lucrative and accessible. Intrigued by the man’s success, she decided to join a two-day training class held in Atlanta, which cost her $2,500. The class promised to teach attendees how to install veneers without the need for extensive formal education in dentistry.
“They made it sound so simple,” Joseph recalled. “Because we’re not actually shaving down anyone’s real teeth, you do not need a degree. They claimed we could learn all we needed for just $2,500.” Upon completing the class, she received a framed certificate, which gave her the false sense of being qualified.
Posting Her Work Online
Feeling empowered by her training, Joseph quickly bought dental equipment and started practicing on clients. Excited about her new venture, she shared her experiences on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. However, this excitement soon turned sour as actual dental professionals began weighing in.
“It was a wake-up call,” she said, explaining how dentists and dental assistants were calling her out through videos, warning about the dangers and legal issues surrounding her practice. “They were saying this is illegal. You can really hurt people,” she remembered, feeling the weight of their words settle in.
Facing Legal Repercussions
Feeling the heat, Joseph stopped taking on clients. Just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, she received a civil notice from the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners, delivered by a sheriff’s deputy. The implications were serious, sending chills down her spine.
“When I read the notice, I realized this was serious. It’s not just about customer complaints; it’s about my future,” she explained.
Seeking Resolution
According to the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners, there has been a rising number of complaints regarding unlicensed dental work, particularly concerning the placement of veneers. The board emphasized their commitment to pursuing allegations of unauthorized practice in dentistry vigorously.
“I lost thousands of dollars and my smile actually hurts,” Joseph lamented, describing her current dental woes. “My gums bleed every time I brush my teeth. Now, I have to see a qualified dentist to fix my mistakes, and that’s just an additional cost.”
The Aftermath
Joseph reached out to the company she attended for training, but the owner refused to comment. He only mentioned he hasn’t worked in or hosted a class in Charlotte directly. Meanwhile, she has been in contact with the dental board and was relieved to learn she might avoid a fine as long as she provides a statement confirming she won’t be installing veneers anymore.
“I just want to warn others to be cautious about these so-called opportunities,” Joseph urged. “I don’t want anyone else to fall into the same trap that I did.”
A Cautionary Tale
Joseph’s story serves as a timely reminder that when it comes to health and beauty treatments, it’s vital to conduct thorough research and ensure any practice is legal and safe. As she faces the daunting process of recovering from her painful experience, she hopes her misadventure will deter others from making the same mistake.
