Virginia woman faces jail time after practicing illegal dentistry

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A Norfolk woman will spend time in jail after being convicted of practicing dentistry without a license, following accusations that she illegally performed veneer procedures at her tooth jewelry business.

Essense Martin, 33, was found guilty of the misdemeanor charge and sentenced to five days in jail. A judge also ordered Martin to serve five months and 25 days of suspended time, along with 12 months of supervised probation.

The case against Martin began in early 2022 when the Virginia Department of Health Professions received complaints about her business, Essential Grillz LLC. While Martin’s business is legally permitted to offer grillz and tooth jewelry, authorities say she crossed the line by performing composite veneer procedures — a practice that requires the use of invasive tools and chemicals.

While Martin is a certified dental assistant, her certification does not allow her to perform dental procedures like placing veneers. Authorities say she misled clients, calling the service “noninvasive semi-permanent veneers” in the waivers she had them sign.

Virginia State Police launched a criminal investigation after the Department of Health Professions raised concerns. Investigators discovered videos on Martin's Facebook page showing her performing the veneer procedures. A search of her Essential Grillz storefront revealed that she had the chemicals and tools used in invasive dental work. Interviews with former clients confirmed they had received veneer placements from Martin.

In August 2022, the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office secured a grand jury indictment against Martin for felony performance of an invasive procedure without a license. By January 2024, she had agreed to plead guilty to a lesser misdemeanor charge of practicing a profession without a valid license.

The judge initially deferred a finding of guilt, giving Martin time to show progress and reform. During a July hearing, Martin told the court she had enrolled at a local college to pursue a degree in dentistry. Her sentencing was postponed to give her a chance to demonstrate academic progress.

But in August, a former client reported that Martin was still offering veneer services "on the low," according to prosecutors. The client said Martin’s veneers caused her pain and that Martin refused to remove them. The Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office advanced Martin’s sentencing hearing to Dec. 19.

During Thursday’s hearing, Martin did not present any proof that she had taken college classes. After hearing testimony from the August client and arguments from both sides, the judge found Martin guilty of the misdemeanor charge and imposed the jail sentence.

A former client of Martin, who spoke to Nexstar's WAVY, emphasized that they were not connected to the case that led to her latest conviction. They were simply a past client of Essential Grillz.

Prosecutors say the case highlights the dangers of unlicensed dental work, which can leave clients with lasting damage.