A US dentist used paper clips instead of stainless steel posts for root canals, has been jailed for a year. A prosecutor said the dentist used sections of paper clips when performing root canals in an effort to save money, some of the patients reported infections and other problems.

The dentist pleaded guilty to a list of charges, including assault and battery, defrauding Medicaid of over $100,000 US dollars, illegally prescribing medications and witness intimidation.

One patient son’s tooth turned black and needed to be removed after a root canal in 2006, also two of her other children had less than professional dental work performed. The mother of the children watched the dentist get sentenced, said she was angry about what she considers to be a light sentence,” my kids went through pain for months, he should have got a longer sentence.”

Prosecutors, asked for a sentence of five to seven years, but declined to comment after the sentence was imposed.

The judge considered the dentist’s acceptance of responsibility, lack of criminal record and “certain mental health issues”, no specifics were given on the mental health issues,” the dentist’s lawyer declined to  comment. A request from prosecutors was granted as the dentist was ordered to stay away from his victims and seven people who worked in his office. Assistant Attorney General said former dental staff members “had expressed concern for their safety,” but would not elaborate.

The judge sentenced the dentist to 2 1/2 years, with all  but one year suspended, followed by five years probation, he did not speak during the sentence, except to thank the judge for his consideration. His license to practice dentistry was suspended in 2006. A spokesman for Attorney General said he was no longer licensed to practice dentistry in any state. Prosecutors said Medicaid suspended him in 2002, but he continued to file claims from August 2003 to June 2005 by using names of other dentists in his practice.