AG: Paper clips used in root canals

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI/AP) - A former Fall River, Mass., dentist is accused of placing paper clips inside the teeth of root canal patients instead of stainless steel posts while billing Medicaid for the more expensive parts.

The state attorney general said Tuesday a grand jury indicted former Fall River dentist Michael Clair last week. The charges include assault and battery, larceny, submitting false claims to Medicaid and illegally prescribing drugs.

Prosecutors say Clair was suspended by Medicaid in 2002. He allegedly hired other dentists for his clinic and filed claims under their numbers between August 2003 and June 2005. He's also accused of illegally prescribing drugs to staffers who returned medications to him.

Clair is to be arraigned April 8. He now lives in Maryland. A telephone listing could not be found for him, and it was unclear if he has an attorney.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.