Dentist Sentenced for Fraud, Unlicensed Practice, and Illegal Prescribing
Summary
The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office announced the sentencing of Fritz Gabriel to five years in jail for practicing dentistry without a license, illegally prescribing controlled substances, and defrauding MassHealth of over $245,000. Gabriel was convicted on multiple felony counts and ordered to pay restitution.
What changed
The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has secured a five-year jail sentence for Fritz Gabriel, who was convicted of practicing dentistry without a license, illegally prescribing controlled substances, and defrauding the state's Medicaid program, MassHealth. Gabriel was found guilty of Medicaid False Claims, Larceny Over $1,200, Unlicensed Practice of Dentistry, and Illegally Prescribing Controlled Substances, resulting in two consecutive 2 ½-year sentences. The scheme involved billing MassHealth for over $245,000 in dental services that were never provided and illegally prescribing controlled substances using another dentist's credentials.
This enforcement action highlights the severe consequences of healthcare fraud and unlicensed practice. Healthcare providers, particularly those involved with state Medicaid programs or prescribing controlled substances, should review their compliance protocols to ensure adherence to licensing requirements and accurate billing practices. Failure to comply can result in significant jail time, financial penalties, and restitution orders. A restitution hearing is scheduled for April 1, 2026, to determine the exact amount Gabriel must repay.
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Press Release
Press Release Milton Man Sentenced to a Total of Five Years in the House of Corrections and Ordered to Pay Restitution for Practicing Dentistry Without A License, Illegally Prescribing Controlled Substances, and Medicaid Fraud
Defendant Sentenced to Two Consecutive Sentences of 2 ½ Years in the House of Correction for Performing Dentistry Without a License and Fraudulently Billing MassHealth for More Than $245,000 in Services Not Provided
For immediate release: 2/26/2026
- Office of the Attorney General
Media Contact
Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary
Phone
Call Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543
Online
Email Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary at Kennedy.Sims@mass.gov
BOSTON — The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) announced today that Fritz Gabriel, 71, of Milton, has been sentenced to two consecutive 2 ½-year sentences in the House of Correction in connection with a scheme to defraud MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program, illegally prescribe controlled substances and practice dentistry without a license. After an eight-day jury trial in Suffolk Superior Court, on February 17, 2026, Gabriel was convicted on one count of Medicaid False Claims, one count of Larceny Over $1,200, one count of Unlicensed Practice of Dentistry, and one count of Illegally Prescribing Controlled Substances.
In addition to serving two consecutive sentences in the House of Correction, Gabriel was placed on probation for two years following his period of incarceration and ordered to pay restitution to MassHealth. The amount of his restitution will be determined at a hearing on April 1 in Suffolk Superior Court.
According to evidence presented at trial, Gabriel billed MassHealth for services provided at a dental clinic in Boston, including extractions, root canals, and multi-surface fillings, that were never actually provided to the MassHealth members. Gabriel also billed MassHealth for dental services that he provided, even though he was not a licensed dentist, and despite the fact that the services billed were required to be performed by a licensed dentist. The total amount believed to have been fraudulently obtained from MassHealth as a result of these submissions is approximately $245,000.
In addition to falsely representing himself as a licensed dentist, Gabriel issued prescriptions, including ones for controlled substances such as Percocet and Hydrocodone, using the registration number and credentials of a dentist without that dentist’s knowledge or authorization. Under state law, only licensed dentists are authorized to issue prescriptions to dental patients, and dentists are prohibited from allowing any other dental professionals, including dental assistants, to issue prescriptions.
This matter is the AGO’s most recent effort to hold accountable those who misuse roles of authority or public trust, including dentists who abuse the state’s Medicaid program, MassHealth. In June 2024, the AGO announced indictments against a Worcester-based dentist and practice in a $2 million Medicaid fraud and larceny scheme that involved billing for dental services that were never provided.
This matter was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Sean Hildenbrandt and Managing Attorney Heidi Lyn Gosule, and Senior Healthcare Fraud Investigator Kathleen Tansey, all of the AG’s Medicaid Fraud Division, with assistance from Victim Witness Advocate Jennifer Spinale. The Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also provided valuable assistance in this matter.
The AGO’s Medicaid Fraud Division is a Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, annually certified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to investigate and prosecute health care providers who defraud the state’s Medicaid program, MassHealth. The Medicaid Fraud Division also has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute complaints of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of residents in long-term care facilities and of Medicaid patients in any health care setting. Individuals may file a Medicaid/MassHealth fraud complaint or report cases of abuse or neglect of Medicaid patients or long-term care residents by visiting the AGO’s website.
The Massachusetts Medicaid Fraud Division receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $6,458,176 for federal fiscal year 2026. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $2,152,724 for FY 2026, is funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Media Contact
Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary
+
Phone
Call Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543
Online
Email Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary at Kennedy.Sims@mass.gov
Office of the Attorney General
The Attorney General is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Media Contact
Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary
Phone
Call Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543
Online
Email Kennedy Sims, Deputy Press Secretary at Kennedy.Sims@mass.gov
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