Massachusetts dentist pleads not guilty in Medicaid fraud case

The Associated Press: "A former Massachusetts dentist accused of Medicaid fraud for using paper clips instead of stainless steel posts in patients' root canals has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him." The dentist, Michael Clair, was released on personal recognizance. "He is charged with defrauding Medicaid of $130,000, assault and battery, larceny, and illegally prescribing drugs. Prosecutors say Clair was suspended by Medicaid in 2002 but continued to file claims from August 2003 to June 2005 by using the names of other dentists in his practice" (4/8).

The Boston Herald: "Clair's license to practice has been suspended in three states. His career slide began in 1999 after the Maryland medicine board accused him of performing unnecessary root canals and fillings to drive up the bill, Massachusetts records show" (4/9). 

The Boston Globe: "Clair's attorney, John Dingee, said he had just taken the case and couldn't comment. He noted that his client had 'pled not guilty to every indictment'" (4/8).