Atlanta’s Top Veneer Specialist Accused of Being Fake Dentist

USA: A man claiming to be “Atlanta’s top veneer specialist” has been accused of practicing dentistry without a license, according to a report from the Chicago Defender. Brandon Dillard, who operates under the name “A List Smiles Atlanta,” was found to be conducting illegal veneer procedures for several years, as confirmed by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.

District attorney investigators, along with Atlanta police, raided Dillard’s office on October 3rd. “Brandon Dillard is not a dentist. He’s never been a dentist. And as much as he may want to play one on Instagram, he is not one,” stated Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Will Wooten. This comment highlights the deceptive nature of Dillard’s operations, which had fooled many due to his apparent professionalism.

The Allure of A List Smiles Atlanta

Since opening in 2021, Dillard’s business has gained substantial attention, attracting 157,000 followers on Instagram. The social media page for “A List Smiles” features numerous satisfied customers showing off their new smiles and advertises deals for veneer procedures costing $5,500. Despite the professional appearance of the office and social media presence, Dillard did not possess the proper credentials to perform dental work.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis emphasized the sophistication of the fraudulent setup: “If you went to this and you thought it was a dental office and you looked at the equipment, it appears to be legitimate. But that’s what the best fraudsters do; they do everything they can to make themselves look legitimate. And in this case, this is an illegitimate operation. The problem is the consequences are to one’s health.” The district attorney underscored the risks associated with this type of unlicensed practice.

Criminal Charges and Health Concerns

Dillard now faces multiple felony charges, including practicing dentistry and medicine without a license, as well as theft by deception. Deputy District Attorney Wooten reiterated the deceptive nature of Dillard’s operations, stating, “It does look reputable. It does look professional. And that’s part of the scam.”

Further accusations against Dillard include conducting $6,000 training sessions for individuals who wished to become a “Veneer Specialist.” These classes aimed to entice participants with the promise of significant financial returns, yet the methods taught were both illegal and hazardous. District Attorney Willis addressed the participants directly: “Many, many people paid this defendant to receive training on how to do this illegal conduct. I am not interested in prosecuting those persons. I am interested in them stopping this work and finding out who they are because they are also victims.”

However, Willis also warned that if these “veneer specialists” continued to operate without a license, they would face criminal charges as well. “They were enticing people to come in to take these classes so that you could get rich too. But you were getting rich doing something that’s completely illegal,” she added.

Risks to Public Health

Improperly performed veneer procedures can lead to severe health consequences, including infections and other medical complications. The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office reported that local and out-of-state dentists had raised concerns about the condition of patients who had received treatment at Dillard’s facility. Willis pointed out the long-term health risks associated with Dillard’s practices, noting, “We have had dentists not just locally, but from outside of the state, also come and report that they were concerned about their patients who had received services at this location and the long-term effects of damages.”

The investigation into Dillard’s activities continues, as authorities work to prevent further damage to patients and halt the spread of illegal dental training. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of verifying the credentials of medical practitioners, particularly those who gain popularity through social media platforms.