Attorney General: Woman ran unlicensed dental practice in Phoenix apartment

A woman was arrested on suspicion of treating patients at an unlicensed dental practice in her Phoenix apartment, according to a statement from the Arizona Attorney General's Office.

The woman, known as "Mama Elda," had her living room set up similar to a waiting room at a doctor's office, with chairs and magazines, according to undercover investigators.

Elda Graciela Margez De Zamora, 54, was held on suspicion of fraudulent schemes and practicing dentistry without a license, the statement said.

Special agents with the Attorney General's Office major fraud unit launched an investigation May 16 after receiving a tip from the Phoenix Police Department about an unlicensed dental and orthodontic office.

Margez de Zamora reportedly drove to Phoenix from Mexico, where she lives, and performed dental services for cash, according to the Attorney General's Office.

An investigator set up a May 18 appointment with Margez De Zamora,  officials said. The investigator noted several dental instruments and dental trays in the apartment and a bed was being used a dental chair, officials said. Equipment in the apartment included instruments used by dentists, dental hygienists and orthodontists, including an air/water syringe, a saliva ejector and a high water evacuator.

Officials said no dental practice license for Margez de Zamora was found in a search of the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners' database.

She was held in a Maricopa County jail on a $20,000 bond.