Brandon Dillard
Brandon Dillard is being charged with 113 felony counts which includes running a fraudulent dental clinic @GAFollowers on X

A man from Georgia who claims to be a 'veneer specialist' is now facing 113 counts of various felonies, which include allegations of training others without a licence. 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, practised dentistry without a licence and raked in more than $4 million (£5.5 million) off his clients and trainees. One of his clients included rapper Jerald Applewhite, who claimed his new veneers fell out within a month after biting a graham cracker.

Fake Instagram Dentist Built a Following Online, Prosecutors Say

Fulton County District Deputy Attorney General Will Wooten cites that Dillard marketed himself on Instagram as a high-end cosmetic dental expert, posting glossy before-and-after images of smiling clients and promotional videos promising fast, affordable veneers.

Investigators allege that the online persona helped him attract hundreds of customers, many of whom believed they were receiving treatment from a qualified dental professional.

Court documents cited by reports claim Dillard also charged thousands of dollars for training programmes, advertising courses that purported to teach veneer application. Authorities allege that he had no legal authority to provide such instruction and that trainees were misled about the legitimacy and safety of what they were learning.

Alleged Training Scheme Expands the Risk

Beyond patient complaints, investigators are examining Dillard's alleged role in training others to perform veneer work. Prosecutors say he offered paid courses that encouraged trainees to set up similar businesses, potentially expanding the reach of unlicensed dental practices.

The charges include allegations that Dillard knowingly misrepresented his credentials while collecting fees from aspiring veneer technicians. Officials argue that this element of the case elevates the seriousness of the accusations, as it may have placed even more members of the public at risk of unsafe dental treatment.

Legal Stakes and Potential Penalties

If convicted on all counts, Dillard could face 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 inflicted on patients.

The case also raises broader questions about regulation and enforcement in the booming cosmetic dentistry and veneer industry.

The Georgia Board of Dentistry has repeatedly warned consumers to verify licences before undergoing any dental procedure, stressing that veneers are considered the practice of dentistry and must only be carried out by licensed professionals.

Case Highlights Risks of Social Media Health Claims

The allegations against Dillard underscore growing concerns about medical and cosmetic services promoted through social media. Authorities say platforms such as 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 in detail on the allegations, and the case is expected to proceed through the courts later this year. The outcome could influence future oversight of cosmetic dental services advertised online.

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