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…
These frauds exploit emotional vulnerability and trust rather than technical weaknesses.
- Romance Scams: Scammers build long-term online relationships with victims, eventually fabricating a “crisis” (medical emergency, legal trouble, or travel costs) that requires the victim to send money.
- Pig Butchering: A hybrid scam where the criminal builds a romantic or platonic relationship to eventually “tutor” the victim in a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment.