Michigan Dentist Charged With Racketeering in Massive Alleged Medicaid Fraud Scheme

A Michigan dentist is facing 131 counts of Medicaid fraud in a scheme that involved billing the state for dental work that prosecutors say was unnecessary and never provided.

Faddi S. Salim, 37, of Troy, was arraigned on March 19 in 54B District Court in East Lansing and given a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. He is scheduled to appear in court again on May 1.

The charges stem from allegations that Salim billed the taxpayer-funded Medicaid program for large numbers of unnecessary dental crowns on patients. Several of Salim's patients who had many crowns billed under their benefits were notified that they were not covered for treatment because they had exhausted all of their annual benefits.

Flagrant abuse of the Medicaid program diverts critical funds from patients in need, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. My office remains committed to investigating and prosecuting those responsible for fraudulent schemes.

The Attorney General's Health Care Fraud Division is handling this case. The division serves as Michigan's federally certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and receives 75 percent of its funding, about $5.5 million, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The state covers the remaining 25 percent, or roughly $1.8 million, for fiscal year 2026.

The charges come as state lawmakers raise broader concerns about fraud, errors and oversight across Michigan's public assistance systems, which collectively serve millions of residents and account for billions in spending.

A recent report from the Michigan House Oversight Subcommittee on State and Local Assistance Programs found weaknesses in how the state administers benefits, including Medicaid, food assistance and cash aid programs. The system, known as MiBridges, manages a range of programs beyond Medicaid, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Family Independence Program, Women Infants and Children benefits, child care assistance and state emergency relief.

Subcommittee Chair Jason Woolford said the investigation focused on whether those programs are effectively protecting taxpayer dollars.

Oversight in government is a critical check for the people, because ensures they are well-served by transparent and efficient government services, Woolford said. We need to root out any waste, fraud and abuse in these systems to help benefits get to those who truly need them.

The charges carry significant penalties. Salim faces one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony, and 131 counts of Medicaid fraud. Each Medicaid fraud count carries a penalty of up to four years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.

Michigan Attorney General Nessel's office is encouraging any former patients of Salim who suspect that they may have been billed for crowns or other dental work that was not provided to call 1-800-24-ABUSE.

Sources

• Michigan Attorney General press release: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2026/04/03/macomb-county-dentist-charged-with-racketeering-in-massive-alleged-medicaid-fraud-scheme
• CBS Detroit: https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/michigan-dentist-medicaid-fraud-scheme-dental-crowns/
• ClickOnDetroit: https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/04/03/macomb-county-dentist-faces-131-counts-of-medicaid-fraud-in-scheme-involving-dental-crowns/
• The Center Square: https://www.thecentersquare.com/michigan/article_295bbceb-c136-4154-8cfa-3d2fcd35240e.html
• WWMT: https://wwmt.com/news/state/troy-dentist-facing-more-than-130-charges-for-alleged-medicaid-fraud