A Florida woman promised dazzling smiles but delivered dental disasters using superglue instead of professional tools. Emely Martinez, a 35-year-old from Pinellas Park, was arrested on August 20, 2025, for posing as a licensed dentist and performing dangerous veneer procedures without a license. Her actions left clients with severe tooth damage, infections, and hefty dental bills to fix the harm.
Martinez advertised herself as a “veneer technician” on social media, using the alias “Itsthe Veneerlady” to attract clients with affordable “smile makeovers.” Operating out of Tapp Inn Beauty Bar in Pinellas Park, she charged $2,500 to $3,000 for full-mouth veneer treatments, far below the $900 to $1,500 per tooth charged by licensed dentists.
Instead of using proper dental adhesives, Martinez allegedly applied fake veneers with cyanoacrylate glue, commonly known as superglue or nail glue. This reckless method caused immediate pain, swelling, and infections for her clients, some of whom needed emergency dental care.
Victims reported devastating consequences. Many faced thousands of dollars in corrective treatments to repair damaged teeth and treat infections. Martinez reportedly refused to issue refunds or fix her botched work, prompting several clients to contact the Pinellas Park Police Department.
The investigation, launched in June 2025, revealed that Martinez had no dental license, and Florida does not recognize “veneer techs” as a legitimate profession. Authorities are also investigating claims that she performed other unauthorized procedures, such as pulling teeth and possibly working on children.
This wasn’t Martinez’s first brush with the law. In March 2025, she faced similar charges in Hillsborough County for unlicensed dental work but continued her operations in Pinellas County, possibly using different aliases to avoid detection. She now faces multiple charges, including practicing dentistry without a license, a scheme to defraud, unlawful possession of personal identification, and violations related to prior misdemeanor warrants.
Dental experts warn that unqualified practitioners like Martinez pose serious risks. Dr. Christopher Bulnes, a Tampa-based dentist, explained that veneer procedures require professional training, proper diagnosis, and X-rays to avoid complications like cavities or abscesses. The American Dental Association has cautioned against unlicensed “veneer techs” advertising on social media, stressing that only licensed dentists should perform such procedures.
Pinellas Park Police Sgt. Windy Vater urged consumers to verify credentials before seeking dental care, noting that bargain prices often signal scams. The case has sparked outrage online, with many expressing sympathy for victims who sought affordable dental care but ended up with painful, costly consequences because of the superglue dentist.
Authorities believe there may be more victims and encourage anyone affected to contact the Pinellas Park Police Department at 727-369-7864. To avoid similar scams, those seeking safe dental care should always check a practitioner’s credentials through the Florida Department of Health.
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