
Celine Davis, bookkeeper for an Augusta, Maine (ME) dental practice owned by Dr. Darryl Zeleniak, was convicted on embezzlement charges and sentenced to six months. Dr. Zeleniak testified that the betrayal by Davis — whom he had treated as a friend — was more painful than the financial loss itself. His statement reflects a sentiment Prosperident hears consistently from dental practice owners who discover that trusted, long-term employees have been stealing from them.
The unique payment structures, treatment contracts, and trust placed in front-office staff make orthodontic practices especially vulnerable. Prosperident specializes in orthodontic embezzlement investigations and prevention.