A Maryland dentist has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and healthcare fraud, according to a May 6 news release from the Justice Department.
Edward Buford III, DDS, 70, previously practiced in Washington, D.C., and was the owner and CEO of International Dental Associates.
He was charged in July 2020 as part of a five-year scheme in which he paid kickbacks in exchange for patient referrals to the practice and fraudulently obtained millions in Medicaid payments for services that were not always delivered. He also maintained a post office box in Silver Spring, Md., as the dental practice's billing address where he received the fraudulently obtained funds.
Dr. Buford faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and healthcare fraud. He must also pay $1,267,630 in restitution. He is scheduled for sentencing Aug. 3.