HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) — Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen has announced Dr. Jesus Villegas and his pediatric dental practices – Fairfield Pediatric Dentistry LLC in Milford and Haven Pediatric Dentistry LLC in West Haven – will pay $1,367,466 to resolve allegations of violating sate laws.
According to Jepsen, Villegas allowed select dental assistants not certified by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to take X-rays of his Medicaid patients. This led to alleged false claims being submitted to Medicaid.
"Medicaid providers have a legal responsibility to ensure that they are in compliance with all material laws and regulations when they submit claims for services to the Medicaid program, and Medicaid patients are entitled to the highest standard of care for their dental services," Jepsen said
Jepsen noted that to take X-rays, dental assistants must be DANB certified, as mandated by state law. He stated his office will add compliance requirements to ensure Villegas adheres to the Medicaid program in the future.
“I am grateful to our partners in this investigation, especially the Connecticut U.S. Attorney's Office, the federal agents of the OIG/OI and the state Department of Social Services Office of Quality Assurance, for their coordination and work in this case, and for the continued cooperation between agencies, both state and federal, as we work to protect our public health care programs,” Jepsen said.