Former Irondequoit Dentist

Attorney General Spitzer announced today that David Douglas Gardner, a pediatric dentist formerly employed by Small Smiles Dentistry of Rochester, Inc., was arraigned in Irondequoit Town Court on charges that he defrauded the Medicaid program.

The Felony Complaint, filed with the Court, alleges that Gardner caused the submission of Medicaid claims that falsely represented that he performed fillings on dozens of young patients that were, in fact, not provided. Small Smiles, located at 720 East Ridge Road, Irondequoit, New York has already repaid the State approximately $444,000 for services allegedly performed by Gardner.

Gardner appeared in Irondequoit Town Court and pleaded not guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class "D" felony.

"My office is committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars earmarked for the care of needy children are not diverted from the intended purpose," said Spitzer.

Gardner, 44, lives in Penfield. He was employed by Small Smiles from November 2004, until his termination on August 31, 2005. Small Smile cooperated in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Jerry Solomon, Rochester Regional Director of the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Special Investigator Arthur Vasile and Supervising Auditor/Investigator Heather Helms assisted in the investigation.

The charges against Gardner are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.