California woman faces felony charges for fake dental credentials

A California woman has been accused of posing as a dental hygienist for years despite not having credentials. Elizabeth Larijani worked or attempted to work as a hygienist at 10 dental clinics between 2015 and 2020, according to the Santa Clara District Attorney's Office. She faces felony charges, often having impersonated credentialed hygienists in order to secure a working position. "The last thing someone needs to be worrying about is whether the person cleaning their teeth, or using anesthetics, is licensed to do that work," District Attorney Jeff Rosen said, adding "We are grateful to the Dental Board investigators who brought these violations to our attention, and to the law enforcement agencies in Arizona who assisted us in locating the defendant."