A Baltimore dental assistant and two of her family members have been sentenced for illegally distributing oxycodone prescription drugs to a licensed dentist.
Samantha Cook previously worked as a dental assistant at Perry Hall (Md.) Family Dental. Over the course of 18 months, Ms. Cook sold more than $100,000 worth of oxycodone to Andrew Fried, DMD. She admitted that she obtained her oxycodone supply from her mother, Alice Deese, and her step-grandmother, Janice Deese.
Dr. Fried was previously accused of practicing dentistry while under the influence of opioids. Investigators conducted physical surveillance of the four individuals between January and May 2025, during which several hand-to-hand drug transactions took place between Dr. Fried and Ms. Cook.
Law enforcement conducted a search of the dental practice and found an oxycodone prescription pill bottle that belonged to Alice, as well as a barbiturates prescription bottle that belonged to Janice’s pet dog, according to an April 22 news release from the Maryland attorney general’s office.
Dr. Fried was sentenced in December to 10 years in prison suspended for all but one day, along with three years of probation. In addition, he was barred from participating in federal healthcare programs.
Ms. Cook was most recently sentenced to a 10-year suspended sentence with three years of supervised probation, along with 100 hours of community service. She is also excluded from participating as a provider in any state or federal healthcare programs.
Janice was sentenced to probation before judgment with 18 months of supervised probation, while Alice was sentenced to probation before judgment with five years of supervised probation.
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.
