New Mexico police bust 'El Dentista' alleged unlicensed dentist

SANTA FE, N.M., April 23 (UPI) -- Police in New Mexico said they have arrested a man accused of practicing dentistry without a license for more than five years under the name "El Dentista."

Santa Fe police say Eliver Kestler, 36, aka Eliver Lopez, has been selling his services as a "mobile dentist," making house calls in his red Chevrolet sedan, for five years in Santa Fe without a license to practice dentistry, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported Tuesday.

The police report said Kestler was arrested Saturday evening after he was contacted by an officer posing as a potential client. The officer arranged to meet Kestler in a residential neighborhood and the suspect was arrested when he arrived.

Police spokeswoman Celina Westervelt said investigators were tipped off earlier in the month by a man who said he was a former client of Kestler's.

Investigators found dentistry supplies in "filthy carrying cases" in Kestler's car and he had a business card in Spanish advertising services including teeth cleanings, fillings, extractions and crowns.

Police said Kestler told them he has a license to practice dentistry in Mexico, but he was unable to provide investigators with proof. He admitted he does not have a license in the United States.

Kestler was arrested on two counts of practicing dentistry without a license, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance, conspiracy to practice without a license and attempt to commit a felony. He was ordered held without bail.