
(Hartford, Conn./CBS Connecticut) – A Connecticut dentist with practices in West Haven and Milford has settled with the state after officials say he submitted false claims on behalf of Medicaid patients for x-ray services that were not in compliance with state law.
Dr. Jesus Villegas has agreed to pay over $1.3 million to resolve allegations that he authorized certain dental assistants at Fairfield Pediatric Dentistry, LLC to perform the x-rays despite their not being licensed to do so by the Dental Assisting National Board.
Certification shows a dental assistant has completed the necessary course on x-ray protocols and operating procedures.
The state says Villegas submitted the claims between 2010 and 2014.
The case was investigated jointly by the Connecticut U.S. Attorney, the Office of the State Attorney General, and the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services.