An Amish farmer who once extracted 40 teeth from two people in a single day was fined $1,000 and ordered to stop practicing dentistry without a license.
Christ Zook saw 35 patients at his farm during a two-month period in 1992, according to the Dentistry Board's ruling. Some went to him because professional dentists would not pull their teeth to make room for dentures, a board spokeswoman has said.While tooth extraction is generally not life-threatening, the board said it could result in uncontrolled bleeding and infection.
Zook never appeared before the board but wrote a letter in his own defense. He said he was providing a necessary service to the Amish because they cannot afford dentists or will treat themselves instead of going to see one.