In Dentists

Arizona Dental Board executive director steps down after falsely certifying dentist: 5 things to know

Arizona Dental Board Executive Director Ellaine Hugunin's retired, effective July 17, following the discovery the board disregarded concerns about a dentist's fraudulent credentials, according to ABC 15.

Here are five things to know:

1. Pankaj Goyal, DDS, falsely obtained a general anesthesia permit after he submitted forged documents and degrees to the Arizona Dental Board.

2. The board and Ms. Hugunin allegedly received warnings about Dr. Goyal's fraudulent degrees and credentials back in 2014 when they provided him with the permit.

3. Dr. Goyal was arrested July 12 and charged with two felonies. He denies allegations he fraudulently obtained the permit.

4. The Arizona Dental Board held a special board meeting to address concerns over Dr. Goyal's permit credentials. Ms. Hugunin was absent from the meeting. During the meeting, the board accepted an offer from Dr. Goyal's attorney to temporarily suspend the anesthesia permit.

5. Mr. Huguin served as the board's executive director since 2009. She did not respond to ABC 15's request for comment.

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