A Portage, Wis.-based dentist pleaded guilty March 12 to obtaining oxycodone by use of misrepresentation, fraud and deception, according to a Department of Justice news release.
Christopher Kania, DDS, admitted to writing prescriptions for his dental hygienist to fill. After the hygienist picked up the oxycodone pills, she would return the pills to Dr. Kania. Dr. Kania would compensate the hygienist for the insurance co-pay.
Dr. Kania is scheduled for sentencing on May 26. He faces up to four years in federal prison.
"Dentists and their employees are trusted to handle pharmaceutical medications responsibly," said Milwaukee Drug Enforcement Administration assistant special agent in charge Paul Maxwell. "When these practitioners divert potent pain medications for illegitimate purposes, they sabotage the public's trust and safety within our communities. The DEA, partnered with local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney's Office, will continue to investigate and prosecute unscrupulous medical professionals."