Providence woman accused of practicing dentistry without license

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office said Thursday a Providence woman was charged for practicing dentistry without a license after one of her patients was sent to the hospital.

Attorney General Peter Neronha said that on Nov. 28 of last year, the Department of Health called Rhode Island State Police to tell them about a woman who received unlicensed dental work by Altagracia Adames.

Rhode Island State Police share this photo of the alleged dental treatment room in Altagracia Adames’ home.

Neronha said the victim’s mouth became infected after the procedure and required emergency hospitalization. He said the victim shared text messages between herself and Adames that corroborated the victim’s account of events.

Adames, who’s 57 years old, is accused of removing the woman’s molar and stitched the cut and also drilled several other teeth.

Rhode Island State Police share this photo of dental tools found in Altagracia Adames’ home.

Neronha said the woman experienced intense pain and swelling from an infection. She required “intravenous antibiotics.”

A month later, state police and the Food and Drug Administration agents executed a search warrant for a Murray Street Home, where Adames allegedly had her illegal practice.

Rhode Island State Police share this photo of teeth moldings found in Altagracia Adames’ home.

There, Neronha said, investigators found a waiting room, treatment room with a chair and lights, and other dental equipment. There was also a room that had teeth molding, a propane pressure cooker, and industrial equipment.

Adames is scheduled to face a Providence Superior Court judge in August.