On Wednesday, Demetra C. Kazanis, DDS, 55, of Northville, was arraigned before Judge Molly E. Hennessey Greenwalt of the 54B District Court in East Lansing on 43 felony counts related to an alleged Medicaid fraud scheme involving the billing of more extensive dental procedures than were reportedly performed, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Kazanis has been charged with one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, punishable by up to 20 years’ incarceration and/or a fine of up to $100,000, and 42 counts of Medicaid Fraud, each punishable by up to four years’ incarceration and/or a fine of up to $50,000.
Kazanis, who was practicing at the New You Dental clinic in Livonia, allegedly repeatedly billed the taxpayer-funded Medicaid program for fillings that were either not performed or were performed as less invasive preventive resin restorations (PRRs). PRRs involve treatment limited to the tooth’s enamel surface and do not require drilling into the dentin or the use of anesthesia, unlike fillings, which are more extensive procedures reimbursed by Medicaid at a higher rate.
“Abuse of the Medicaid program diverts critical funds from those in need,” said Nessel. “Patients should be able to trust their dentist to provide appropriate care, just as taxpayers should be able to trust Medicaid providers to bill honestly. My Department remains committed to prosecuting fraudsters who exploit the system.”
Kazanis was given a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. She is next due in court on June 5 for a Probable Cause Conference.
The attorney general’s Health Care Fraud Division (HCFD) is handling this case for the department. The HCFD is the federally certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for Michigan, and it receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $5,517,524.00 for the fiscal year 2026. The remaining 25% percent, totaling $1,839,170.00, is funded by the State of Michigan.
Kazanis, who was practicing at the New You Dental clinic in Livonia, allegedly repeatedly billed the taxpayer-funded Medicaid program for fillings that were either not performed or were performed as less invasive preventive resin restorations (PRRs). PRRs involve treatment limited to the tooth’s enamel surface and do not require drilling into the dentin or the use of anesthesia, unlike fillings, which are more extensive procedures reimbursed by Medicaid at a higher rate.
“Abuse of the Medicaid program diverts critical funds from those in need,” said Nessel. “Patients should be able to trust their dentist to provide appropriate care, just as taxpayers should be able to trust Medicaid providers to bill honestly. My Department remains committed to prosecuting fraudsters who exploit the system.”
Kazanis was given a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. She is next due in court on June 5 for a Probable Cause Conference.
The attorney general’s Health Care Fraud Division (HCFD) is handling this case for the department. The HCFD is the federally certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for Michigan, and it receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $5,517,524.00 for the fiscal year 2026. The remaining 25% percent, totaling $1,839,170.00, is funded by the State of Michigan.
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