Inset: Emely Martinez (Pinellas County Jail). Background: Strip mall in Pinellas Park, Florida, where Martinez is alleged to have fitted veneers without a dental license (Google Maps).
A woman from Florida is facing accusations of practicing dentistry without a legitimate license, after allegedly fitting veneers on patients who later required emergency treatment.
35-year-old Emely Martinez is charged with at least four instances of unlicensed dentistry across two different counties in Florida, as well as charges for fraudulent activities.
Authorities allege that Martinez advertised her services on social media under the name Itsthe Veneerlady, offering veneer fittings at significantly reduced prices compared to standard rates, according to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime. In one reported instance, Martinez’s improper application of veneers resulted in a patient suffering “pain and injury.” An actual dentist had to perform urgent surgery to preserve the patient’s natural teeth, uncovering that Martinez allegedly used “nail glue” in the process.
The victim told cops Martinez presented herself as a licensed professional, but she later learned the suspect had no such certificate.
Another individual experienced “ongoing issues” due to Martinez’s inadequate work, according to the police. This victim reportedly paid Martinez $1,600, but the veneers repeatedly detached. Martinez attempted to reapply the veneers twice, yet the issues continued, as detailed in the affidavit. Martinez allegedly refused to reimburse the victim and subsequently cut off all communication. Consequently, she was apprehended on fraud charges.
Cops say Martinez was operating out of a strip mall in Pinellas Park.
Pinellas Park Police Sgt. Windy Vater told local Fox affiliate WTVT that the victims have spent thousands of dollars trying to repair their teeth.
“She does not hold a license to install veneers,” stated Vater. “She lacks the necessary education for veneer application. In Florida, it is mandatory to be licensed to conduct any such work.”
Martinez also is facing a separate charge of practicing dentistry without a license in Hillsborough County.
Unlicensed veneer techs have become such an issue nationwide that the American Dental Association issued a statement in May 2024, warning that the procedure, if not done properly, could cause “irreversible harm.”
“Risks that may be associated with services from unlicensed individuals include potential infection from adhesives and curing devices that are not properly sterilized or from placing veneers over unhealthy teeth or untreated cavities; nerve damage from improperly trimming or filing the teeth; and potential choking hazard during placement,” the statement said.
Martinez remained at the Pinellas County Jail as of Monday morning on a bond of about $40,000.
