BAY SHORE, Long Island (TNND) — A New York woman was arrested after police said she posed as a dentist and ran an illegal practice that left patients injured, including a person with "facial paralysis and nerve damage."

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said that 55-year-old Yolany Y. Mejia Carranza was charged with three counts of unauthorized practice of a profession.

Mejia-Carranza "was operating as a dentist without actually being a dentist," announced Catalina during a press conference Friday.

The investigation into the New Yorker began after police received tips that Mejia-Carranza had injured several patients, including a person who had severe nerve damage that led to partial facial paralysis.

On March 13, authorities uncovered a fully functioning illegal dental office inside a home at 1847 Heckscher Avenue in Bay Shore, where Mejia-Carranza was reportedly living.

Authorities believe other potential victims encountered Mejia-Carranza.

The suspect is also accused of "targeting the Hispanic community."

Police say she practiced, illegally, for eight years, and likely catered to financially-strapped patients.

"We think she was targeting the Hispanic community, mostly people who did not have health insurance and many of whom may have been in the country illegally," Catalina told reporters.

The police commissioner encouraged alleged victims to come forward while noting that the Suffolk County Police Department would not inquire about their immigration status.

Detectives believe Mejia-Carranza was previously operating an illegal dental business at 135 Broadway in Huntington Station.

Anyone with information or who believes they are a victim is asked to contact the Third Squad at 631-854-8352 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.