A Raleigh woman has been charged with practicing orthodontics without a dental license, after dozens of patients were left with unresolved dental treatments following the sudden closure of her clinic. Authorities say Ebony Nicohole McBean, 42, operated The Smiling Face Company in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she installed dental braces and provided orthodontic care without state certification.
Investigators claim McBean performed these services on multiple individuals, charging amounts ranging from $3,000 to over $5,000 for braces and related work. Many patients, who believed they were receiving professional care, were later informed by licensed orthodontists that the procedures might need to be corrected or repeated. The clinic’s unexpected closure on October 1 left these patients without follow-up appointments, answers on refunds, or access to their dental records.
Police arrested McBean following a warrant issued after numerous complaints about her business practices. She faces charges, including obtaining property by false pretenses and practicing medicine without a license. Court documents allege that she presented herself as a dentist and claimed to be working with a licensed orthodontist, but was not officially associated with any certified dental provider.
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners has taken action regarding supervision at the clinic. Records indicate a consent order was issued for Dr. Darren Ramsey, a dentist whose name appeared on some clinic documents, restricting his practice and placing his license under probation. The order highlighted concerns about allowing unlicensed people to carry out dental duties reserved for qualified professionals.
With ongoing investigations, patients continue to seek answers about refunds, future care, and access to their records. The state dental board advises anyone affected to file complaints and review resources to ensure their dental work was performed by a licensed professional. Local authorities have not released further details regarding McBean’s bail or upcoming court proceedings.
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