A New Jersey woman has been arrested after police say she posed as a licensed dentist, began a root canal on a patient and then abruptly stopped mid-procedure.

Ana Amato, 49, of Old Bridge, is accused of leaving a patient bleeding and in agony after the allegedly aborted dental work.

The accused fraud was allegedly demanded $1,000 to perform a root canal for a patient who saw her services advertised in a WhatsApp group chat.

He arrived for the appointment at an office in South River on September 22, 2025, and Amato began by injecting his hum with anesthetic and drilling his tooth, prosecutors said.

However, she allegedly halted the procedure midway through and told him to return a week later. 

Before a follow-up visit could happen, investigators say Amato informed the man she could not complete the work and provided a list of other local dentists who could finish the procedure.

When the patient later returned seeking the return of a $300 deposit, police say she refused, leading to an altercation which drew an officer response.

The patient then went to police headquarters to file a complaint, still bleeding and with gauze in his mouth which ultimately led to her arrest on February 19.

Police say Ana Amato, 49, of Old Bridge, was arrested for allegedly practicing dentistry without a license in South River, New Jersey

 Police said she began a root canal procedure on a patient but aborted it midway through, leaving a patient in agony for days

He spoke with Sgt. Roselli and Officer Szukics who launched additional follow-up efforts and alerted the department’s Detective Bureau. 

The investigation was assigned to Detective Patrick Molina.

South River police executed a Superior Court-authorized search warrant at her place of business and seized several items as evidence.

Amato was charged with Unlawful Practice of Dentistry, Aggravated Assault, and Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity.

Police say the case underscores how a seemingly minor call can expose more serious dangers.

‘What began as a routine dispute call demonstrated exactly why thorough police work matters,’ South River Police Chief Mark Tinitigan said. 

‘Sgt. Roselli and Officer Szukics recognized that something did not add up and took the extra steps necessary to protect the public.’ 

Amato was arrested and now faces three criminal charges – they are Unlawful Practice of Dentistry, Aggravated Assault, and Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity

Police executed a Superior Court-authorized search warrant at a business on Main Street in South River on February 19, 2026

The chief also praised the department’s detectives for continuing the investigation.

‘Det. Molina’s persistence and attention to detail were instrumental in seeing this investigation through and securing these charges,’ Tinitigan added.

The case is still active and ongoing. Any community members with additional information that can aid this investigation are urged to contact Det. Molina at 732-254-9002 ext. 113.