Arizona woman charged with fraudulently working as dental hygienist in South Bay
SAN JOSE — An Arizona woman has been criminally charged with lying about her credentials and using stolen identities to work as a dental hygienist in the South Bay for at least five years, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
Elizabeth “Mina” Larijani, 50, is charged with multiple felonies on allegations she lied about being a state-licensed dental hygienist between 2015 and 2020. According to prosecutors, she either worked at or applied to more than 10 dental offices in San Jose and Campbell.
Larijani — who also goes by Elizabeth Garcia Costilla — was arrested in Glendale, Arizona and extradited to San Jose last week. She was initially in jail custody on $40,000 bail before she was released Monday and ordered to return to court June 13.
The state dental board began investigating Larijani in 2020 after getting reports that she was misrepresenting her licensing and qualifications, and that in several instances used the identity of a licensed dental hygienist. Authorities further allege that whenever the issue of licensing came up, she left one practice and went on to apply to or work at another office.
By allegedly lying about her status, authorities say Larijani bypassed requirements that she complete an accredited schooling program and pass examinations conducted by the Dental Hygiene Board of California. When she was arrested in Arizona, she was reportedly actively working as a dental hygienist.
“The last thing someone needs to be worrying about is whether the person cleaning their teeth, or using anesthetics, is licensed to do that work,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement.
A news release about the charges against Larijani did not state whether anyone was harmed by her in the course of her unlicensed work. Prosecutors are seeking potential victims who might have suffered physical harm under her care. Anyone with information for authorities can contact DA Investigator Krissi Durant at 408-792-2567.