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Sacramento Dentist Accused Of Performing Unnecessary Work

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The Dental Board of California announced on Tuesday that it has suspended the license of a Sacramento dentist for allegedly performing unnecessary procedures such as root canals and fillings on patients' healthy teeth.

The dentist, David Milton Lewis, is also accused of submitting numerous false insurance claims for work that was never performed.
Lewis, who has a private practice on Marconi Avenue in Sacramento, is prohibited from performing any dentistry until the board's administrative case against him has been resolved.

Dental Board investigators found evidence that Lewis performed the unnecessary procedures on at least 17 patients, in some cases causing irreparable harm to their teeth.

They also allege that Lewis submitted fraudulent reimbursement claims to an insurance company, in one case for crowns placed on two teeth that didn't exist in the patient's mouth.

They say the investigation has also found that Lewis was inappropriately offering cash rewards to UPS employees in exchange for referrals.

"David Lewis' actions are unacceptable," said Board Executive Officer Richard DeCuir in a press release. "Consumer protection is the top priority of the Dental Board of California, and we are committed to stopping this kind of activity dead in its tracks whenever we find it."

An administrative law judge ruled that permitting Dr. Lewis to continue practicing dentistry would endanger the public health, safety or welfare, and that waiting for a hearing on the issue before imposing the suspension might result in serious injury to the public. The board will now proceed with its efforts to seek disciplinary action, including revocation of Lewis' license.

An administrative hearing will be held to address the violations found during the investigation. The date of the hearing wasn't announced. Criminal charges may also be sought in connection with the case, according to the Dental Board.

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