A Georgia man who claims to be a “veneer expert” is now facing 113 felony charges, including allegations of training others without a license. The charges, including 21 counts of battery and 54 counts of theft by deception, were filed in November 2025.
Local broadcaster WSB-TV reported that Brandon Dillard, owner of A List Smiles Atlanta, practiced dentistry without a license and collected more than $4m (£5.5m) from his clients and trainees. One of his clients was rapper Jerald Applewhite, who claimed his new veneers fell off within a month after biting into a graham cracker.
Fake Instagram dentist built an Internet following, prosecutors say
Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Will Wooten says Dillard marketed himself on Instagram as a high-end cosmetic dentist, posting glossy before-and-after pictures of smiling clients and promotional videos promising quick, affordable veneers.
Investigators claim the online persona helped him attract hundreds of customers, many of whom believed they were being treated by a dental specialist.
Courts relied upon exhibitions claims Dillard’s also charged thousands of dollars for training programs, advertising courses that purported to teach veneer application. Authorities claim he was not legally authorized to provide such instructions and that trainees were misled about the legality and safety of what they were learning.
The alleged training program amplifies the risk
Beyond the patient complaints, investigators are looking into Dillard’s alleged role in training others to perform veneer work. Prosecutors say he offered paid courses that encouraged interns to set up similar businesses, potentially expanding the reach of unlicensed dental practices.
The charges include allegations that Dillard knowingly falsified his credentials while collecting fees from would-be veneer technicians. Officials argue that this element of the case increases the seriousness of the charges, as it may have put even more members of the public at risk of unsafe dental care.
Legal bets and possible penalties
If convicted of all charges, Dillard faces a lengthy prison sentence under Georgia law. The theft by deception charges alone carry significant penalties, while the battery counts reflect the physical harm prosecutors say was caused to patients.
The case also raises broader questions about regulation and enforcement in the booming cosmetic dentistry and veneers industry.
The Georgia Board of Dentistry has repeatedly warned consumers to verify licenses before undergoing any dental procedure, stressing that veneers are considered the practice of dentistry and should only be performed by licensed professionals.
The case highlights the dangers of social media health claims
The charges against Dillard highlight growing concerns about medical and cosmetic services promoted through social media. Authorities say platforms like Instagram can make it easier for unlicensed practitioners to appear legitimate, particularly when treatments are marketed as quick, cosmetic fixes rather than medical procedures.
Dillard has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his legal team has not commented on the charges in detail and the case is expected to go to trial later this year. The result could affect future oversight of cosmetic dental services advertised online.
