MILFORD, MASS. (WHDH) - Two people are facing charges after Milford police said they uncovered an illegal dentist office operating out of the back of a local convenience store.
Milford police announced charges in the case on Saturday following what police described as an “extensive investigation” involving both the Milford Police Department and the Milford Board of Health.
Milford’s police chief later discussed the case on Monday, asking anyone who visited the dentist office to come forward to get checked out.
“My big concern is sepsis (and) infection,” said Police Chief Robbie Tusino.
Milford police said the dentist office in question was located at the Alternativa Convenience Store on Main Street.
One man, Juan Hermida Munoz, allegedly operated the dentist office within the store without a license, providing services including examinations, tooth extractions, anesthetics and cleanings, according to police.
Munoz was subsequently summonsed to court charges including unauthorized practice of medicine and unauthorized practice of dentistry.
The woman who leased Alternativa Convenience Store, Maria Magdalena Guaman-Castro, was also summonsed on a charge of conspiracy, accused of sub-leasing a back office.
“When the Board of Health went in to do their regular inspection, they noticed something that wasn’t quite right with dental implants,” Tusino said. “So, they called detectives. The detectives went in there.”
Police said it is possible Munoz had some sort of dental training in his native Ecuador.
“We weren’t able to confirm or deny the dentist status in Ecuador at this point,” Tusino said. “But we just know he’s not licensed in Massachusetts.”
While authorities shared allegations, details in this case left a bad taste in the mouth of some people in Milford.
“That’s terrible,” said Diana Gilbert. “That’s awful. They shouldn’t be doing that.”
“Dental is very expensive,” said area business owner Wilson Valdez. “Maybe they’re trying to save money. But you have to think about the consequences.”
No further information on the whereabouts of Munoz and Guaman-Castro was available as of Monday afternoon.
(Copyright (c) 2026 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)