Commonwealth v. Cristina Caro Valencia; Woman Convicted of Practicing Dentistry without a License

Virginia Beach, Va. – Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Cristina Caro Valencia, age 56, of the 2900 block of Couples Court in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was convicted by a jury of four (4) counts of Practicing Dentistry without a License. Circuit Court Judge James C. Lewis, who presided over the two-day trial, will sentence Valencia on November 4, 2026.

The Commonwealth’s evidence proved that in 2021, the Virginia Beach Police Department received tips that there was an individual in Virginia Beach performing dental procedures without a license.  Based on those tips, in November of 2021, the Virginia Beach Police Department executed a search warrant at 3002 Virginia Beach Boulevard at a building called Cosmetica Dental Lab.  This business was run by Cristina Caro Valencia; however, Valencia did not possess a dental license.  During the search, police collected syringes, dental drilling equipment, and receipts/records of people who had visited the location.  Their investigation led them to a husband and wife, who were later determined to be victims of Valencia’s unlicensed dental procedures. 

The victims initially heard about Valencia through a Spanish radio channel in which she claimed to be a dentist who could speak Spanish and provide affordable care.  Throughout 2020 and 2021, the victims received treatment from Valencia.  The husband had dental bridges installed by Valencia several times a year.  Valencia would numb him with a needle and file down his teeth.  The victim noticed that his bridges would fall out and did not fit properly.  Eventually, the teeth underneath them began to fall out.  His wife went for cleanings and to have cavities filled.  This also involved Valencia numbing and filing down her teeth.  Her teeth began to get infected. 

After experiencing these dental issues, the victims went to see Dr. John Kent, who is a Virginia board certified dentist, at the Dental Studio of Hampton Roads.  Dr. Kent treated the victims and gave them relief from their dental pain caused by Valencia’s invasive procedures. 

The jury also heard expert witness testimony from Dr. Richard Archer, an associate professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.  Dr. Archer testified about the processes and tools used in the practice of dentistry.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Joseph A. DiNonno and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Devika Singh prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.