Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Dentist Gets Jail Time for Paper-Clip Root Canals

A dentist in Massachusetts has been sentenced to a year in prison after it was discovered he was performing root canals with paper clips! He faced assualt and battery charges in addition to charges of witness intimidation. He also faced charges of Medicaid Fraud in the amount of $130,000. For years, despite a suspension, Dr. Michael Clair was filing claims with the government agency using the names of fellow dentists, all colleagues from his practice. Medical malpractice attorneys are astounded that a medical professional would stoop to such despicable means to make money.

The Michael Clair Special: A Pretty Penny for a Paper-Clip Procedure

new jersey medical malpractice attorneys, medical malpractice lawyers philadelphia, dental malpracticeTraditionally, root canals are performed using small steel posts. Dr. Clair’s scheme to use paper clips instead of surgically competent steel posts caused many patients unnecessary pain, suffering, and infection. Brenda Almeida’s young son underwent the procedure in 2005. His tooth turned black and had to be pulled. Almeida also claims that her other children received poor care from Dr. Clair as well.

Almeida is unsatisfied with the one year jail sentence that Dr. Clair will serve, saying, “He put my kids in pain for months…I hope he rots there.” The prosecution had hoped for at least a five year sentence. Judge Moses, the judge who passed down the sentence, explained his decision, citing Clair’s mental health issues, lack of priors, and his acceptance of full responsibility. Judge Moses did, however, satisfy the prosecution’s request to keep Clair away from his victims and colleagues. It was noted that his former staff feared for their safety.

Clair will be on five years probation upon his release from prison. After receiving his sentence and before he was escorted out of the courtroom, Clair offered his gratitude:

“Thank you, your honor, for your consideration.”

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Medical malpractice comes in many forms. Some doctors commit malpractice by making surgical mistakes. Others act negligently due to a temporary lapse of judgement. But Michael Clair purposely put his patients in danger so he could make more money. This type of malpractice is surely the most egregious kind.

If you or a loved one have suffered at the hands of a negligent surgeon, physician, or other medical provider, contact the New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys of Messa & Associates, P.C. by calling, toll-free, 1-877-MessaLaw. You may also submit a free online inquiry. You may also click on the CHAT LIVE icon on the right to speak with a representative immediately.