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Woman Arrested for Unlicensed Dental Services

A woman has been arrested by Raleigh police, accused of providing unauthorized dental services and allegedly defrauding patients out of thousands of dollars.

Background of the Case

Ebony Nicohole McBean, 42, was apprehended on Friday following a warrant issued back in November 2025. The warrant charged her with one count of practicing medicine without a license along with three felony counts of obtaining property by false pretense. The significant delay between the warrant issuance and her arrest, which occurred roughly three months later, raises questions regarding law enforcement procedures and efficacy.

Complaints from Patients

McBean gained notoriety when a local news outlet, WRAL News, featured her in a segment showcasing numerous unhappy patients who had invested thousands in braces at her establishment, The Smiling Face Company. Many of these patients reported difficulties in obtaining answers about their payments, treatment records, and requests for refunds.

Case Highlights

In one specific instance detailed in the warrant, McBean was accused of delivering fraudulent dental services worth $5,820 by applying braces to a victim’s teeth, despite the fact that she is not a licensed dentist. This misleading portrayal extended to several other patients.

Victim Testimonies

Among those impacted was Nichelle Boone, who paid $4,250 for braces services. Boone expressed her frustration to WRAL News in November, stating, "I requested treatment records multiple times through emails and texts, yet I never received any proof of payment." Her experiences illustrate the broader challenges faced by those seeking recourse from unlicensed practitioners.

Shayla Gist’s Experience

Another victim, Shayla Gist, relayed her experience of losing $4,000 to McBean for her son’s orthodontic treatment. Following the arrest, Gist shared her relief, noting, "It was disheartening from the beginning, but I remained hopeful. My faith has guided me through this situation." However, Gist also indicated that certified orthodontists have informed her that an additional $3,000 will be required to continue her son’s treatment, compounding her financial loss.

The emotional toll on Gist’s son has also been significant, as he has been experiencing discomfort from the braces for the past three months. Gist recounted, "He doesn’t want them on anymore, and it has been a struggle to keep him motivated. I expected after paying the initial $4,000, I wouldn’t have to deal with these issues anymore."

Efforts to Recover Losses

In light of her predicament, Gist has made plans to approach authorities in hopes of retrieving her money from McBean’s practice. As of now, she reported not having heard from McBean.

Misrepresentation of Qualifications

Throughout her dealings, McBean reportedly claimed to be operating under the supervision of a Dr. Ramsey, with whom she stated she would confer regarding the orthodontic treatments of her patients. However, the warrants revealed that McBean had no formal connection to Dr. Ramsey, raising further suspicions about her claims.

Dr. Darren Ramsey was identified on invoices as the dental medical director for McBean’s business, yet he was on probation. Reports indicate that Ramsey permitted unlicensed individuals to perform dental procedures and failed to maintain patient records in a separate Charlotte location.

Lack of Licensing

Interestingly, a search of the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners database showed no records of McBean having a dental license. This revelation further underscores the gravity of her actions. Despite claiming on Yelp a 15-year background as an orthodontic assistant, the data suggests her professional credentials are not legitimate.

Bobby White, CEO of the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners, confirmed that the absence of results indicates she likely does not hold a dental license.

Closing of Business and Arrest

Following mounting complaints from patients, The Smiling Face Company abruptly shut its doors in October, just one day after notifying clients. Despite arrest warrants being issued on November 12, 2025, McBean only faced arrest recently.

She posted a bond of $3,000 early Saturday morning and is scheduled to appear in court for her charges at 1:30 p.m. on Monday.

Broader Implications

This incident comes nearly a year after a public warning from the State Board of Dental Examiners, addressing a concerning trend of individuals posing as dentists and causing considerable financial and health woes for patients.

The Role of AI legalese decoder

In situations such as this, the complexities of legal documentation and terminology can be overwhelming for victims seeking justice or reimbursement. AI legalese decoder can play a pivotal role here by simplifying legal jargon and helping individuals like Gist and Boone understand their rights and options. By breaking down intricate legal documents and providing clear explanations, this tool can empower victims to navigate the legal process more effectively, facilitating their pursuit of justice and potential recovery of lost funds.

Using AI legal tools, patients can better comprehend the legal steps they need to take and may even find assistance in drafting necessary legal correspondence to initiate claims or pursue further action against individuals like McBean.

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