Licensing Board Takes Disciplinary Actions
Against Two Dentists
NEWARK - The State Board of Dentistry this month entered into Consent Orders with two dentists, both of whom agreed to cease practice following a guilty plea to criminal charges by one and the filing of criminal charges against the other.
“Our licensing boards take disciplinary action to protect the public's health, safety and welfare,” Attorney General Anne Milgram said. “We expect, as do patients, that licensees follow our laws and regulations.”
“We license approximately 500,000 individuals in a wide spectrum of professions and our licensing boards are the public's watchdogs,” said David Szuchman, Consumer Affairs Director. “Complaints submitted by consumers are reviewed and can be referred to our investigative staff for further action.”
Mitra Abdollahi, who has a dentistry practice in Somerdale, Camden County, agreed to a five-year license suspension that begins on June 12. An active suspension will be in effect for two years, with the remaining three years served as a period of probation.
Abdollahi pled guilty to one count of third degree health care claims fraud after she acknowledged submitting false and misleading claims to Medicaid from 2002 to 2007.
Before reinstatement of her license, Abdollahi must pass the Law and Jurisprudence examination administered by the Board, complete required continuing education hours and pay all applicable fees for reinstatement and licensing.
If she returns to active practice, Abdollahi will pay for random audits of her charts during the period of probation.
Raymond L. Pacholec, who has a dentistry practice in Bayville, Ocean County, agreed to a minimum six-month license suspension and to enroll in a Professional Assistance Program, under terms of an Interim Consent Order with the Board entered on May 1. Pacholec was arrested on March 16 after discovery of marijuana and a marijuana growing facility in his home.
Pacholec also was required to surrender his Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration and prescription pads used to authorize the dispensing of prescription drugs.
If he applies for reinstatement, Pacholec must demonstrate his fitness to practice dentistry to the Board. The suspension took effect on May 1.
To file a complaint with a licensing board within the Division of Consumer Affairs, go to http://www.nj.gov/oag/ca/comlink.htm or call 1-800-242-5846 (toll-free within N.J.) or 973-504-6200.
