Paul Petrungaro, DDS, a former Illinois dentist whose license was placed on permanent inactive status in 2025, has been sentenced to 18 months of court supervision and fined $1,500 for practicing dentistry without a license, FOX 32 Chicago reported Sept. 15.
Dr. Petrungaro’s license was placed on permanent inactive status due to billing irregularities, unprofessional conduct, substandard care, patient abandonment, gross negligence and failure to provide copies of dental records.
A DuPage County complaint alleged that Dr. Petrungaro performed a surgical dental procedure Jan. 13 while his license was revoked. He is due back in court in March 2028.
FOX 32 previously reported on patients who said they paid Dr. Petrungaro thousands of dollars for incomplete dental work.
Questions remain about whether Dr. Petrungaro’s continued online activity — including social media posts in which he describes mentoring a dentist in Dallas and discusses dental implant procedures — constitutes the practice of dentistry under Illinois law. As of FOX 32‘s report, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation had not responded to questions about the matter.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
