A Northville dentist has been charged with multiple felony counts in connection with an alleged Medicaid fraud scheme involving dental procedures billed to the state’s Medicaid program.
Demetra C. Kazanis, 55, was arraigned Wednesday (May 27) in 54B District Court in East Lansing on 43 felony charges, including one count of conducting a criminal enterprise and 42 counts of Medicaid fraud.
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According to prosecutors, Kazanis allegedly billed Medicaid for more extensive dental fillings that were either not performed or completed as less invasive preventive resin restorations, commonly known as PRRs.
Kazanis practiced at New You Dental clinic in Livonia, officials said.
Authorities allege the PRRs involved treatment limited to the tooth’s enamel and did not require drilling into the dentin or the use of anesthesia.
Fillings, by comparison, are considered more extensive…
Insurance fraud involves making false or exaggerated claims to an insurance provider.
- Hard Fraud: Someone deliberately causes a loss (e.g., setting fire to a warehouse or staging a car accident) specifically to collect a payout.
- Soft Fraud: More common and often viewed as “victimless” by the perpetrator. It involves exaggerating a legitimate claim, such as overstating the value of stolen items in a home burglary to cover the deductible.