A Georgia man who presented himself as a leading veneer specialist is now confronting more than one hundred criminal charges after authorities accused him of operating an extensive unlicensed dental training scheme. Brandon Dillard, the proprietor of A List Smiles Atlanta, was formally indicted in November on a staggering 113 counts, comprising 54 counts of theft by deception and 21 counts of battery, among other allegations.
Unlicensed Practice and Multi-Million Dollar Allegations
According to reports from WSB-TV, Dillard is alleged to have practised dentistry without holding the necessary state licence. Prosecutors claim he charged individuals substantial fees to train them as so-called veneer specialists, a professional designation that does not legally exist within the state of Georgia. The only professionals legally permitted to install custom-made veneers are fully licensed dentists, a qualification Dillard did not possess.
The fake dental practitioner is accused of generating over $4 million from unsuspecting consumers and technician trainees through his illicit operations. Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Will Wooten emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, 'As much as he may want to play [a dentist] on Instagram, he is not one.'
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Dillard was arrested in October 2024 following a raid on his dental office by investigators. He was subsequently booked into the Fulton County Jail before being released on bond nine days later. Court records indicate that he waived his arraignment hearing on a Monday and entered a formal plea of not guilty to all charges.
In a significant escalation, Dillard was also charged with one count under the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, legislation specifically designed to combat organised criminal enterprises. Prosecutors allege that his illegal veneer installation activities date back to 2021, with newer charges being added following his arrest in 2024.
Victim Testimony and Professional Warnings
One victim, Jerald Applewhite, recounted his experience to the Atlanta Constitution Journal. He explained that he sought veneers at Dillard's office after seeing an influencer promote the service. 'It looked like a real dentist’s office. It [had] multiple rooms. I never even [thought] to ask questions about a licence,' he said, having paid $7,500 for the procedure.
Tragically, within a month, his new veneers fell out after he bit into a graham cracker. When Applewhite scheduled a $50 follow-up appointment and travelled from Memphis to Atlanta, he discovered the business had abruptly shut down. 'The number was disconnected that day, too. Everything was shut down,' Applewhite told the outlet. 'The day of me coming out there was the day [Dillard] got locked up.' It was on that same day he learned the procedure had been performed without a valid licence.
Industry Response and Public Safety Concerns
In the wake of Dillard's arrest, the American Dental Association issued a stern public warning. The organisation advised individuals to only seek veneer procedures from licensed dentists, rather than unqualified 'specialists'. Their statement read, 'Dental procedures that are considered irreversible should only be performed by licensed, trained dentists. The public should be extremely cautious of these purported offerings.'
They further cautioned, 'Any dental procedure that may alter the physical structure of an individual’s teeth, gums, or jaws, without the supervision of a dentist, has the potential to cause irreversible harm.' The case underscores critical concerns regarding public safety and the regulation of cosmetic dental services.
The Daily Mail has reportedly reached out to Brandon Dillard for comment on the extensive charges and allegations.
