Makeshift Dental Clinic Busted in Sharpstown Apartment

Police arrest 61-year-old man accused of performing extractions and cleanings without a license

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Houston police have arrested a 61-year-old man accused of operating an illegal dental clinic out of a Sharpstown apartment. Authorities say Eduardo Rivero Rios was performing tooth extractions and cleanings on patients in his living room, claiming he had dental licenses from Cuba and Venezuela, though those credentials have not been verified.

Why it matters

This case highlights the risks that can arise when people seek out unlicensed medical or dental care, often driven by factors like the high cost of formal healthcare and fear of deportation. It also raises questions about how to better integrate foreign-trained professionals into the U.S. healthcare system.

The details

According to court records, police responded to the Sharpstown apartment on Tuesday and found several people waiting to receive dental care from Rivero Rios. He allegedly admitted to performing extractions and cleanings, though his claimed foreign licenses have not been confirmed by Texas authorities. Rivero Rios was released on a $1,000 personal-recognizance bond and faces criminal charges for practicing dentistry without a license.

  • On Tuesday, police responded to the Sharpstown apartment and found people waiting for dental care.
  • Rivero Rios was arrested and released on a $1,000 bond the same day.

The players

Eduardo Rivero Rios

A 61-year-old man accused of operating an illegal dental clinic out of his Sharpstown apartment.

Texas State Board of Dental Examiners

The state agency that maintains licensing information for dental providers and accepts complaints about unlicensed practitioners.

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What they’re saying

“We have a lot of people, especially in our community, who are licensed in other countries; they're professional healthcare professionals, but now they come here, they're unlicensed, and they're providing services as well.”

— Jorge Olvera, Immigrant-health advocate (ABC13 Houston)

What’s next

The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners will continue investigating Rivero Rios' case and determine if he will face felony charges for practicing without a license.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for better integration of foreign-trained medical professionals into the U.S. healthcare system, as well as the risks that unlicensed care can pose to public health and safety.