Bogus New York City Dentist Charged

A fake dentist is accused of dumping a critically ill woman on the curb outside his office after she lost consciousness during surgery, prosecutors said Friday.

Alexander Poperetchny, 47, pleaded not guilty to reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice at his arraignment Thursday.

Poperetchny's attorney did not immediately return a call for comment.

The patient, Villimin Colleti, 71, was taken to Coney Island Hospital suffering from heart and brain damage, said the office of Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes. She fell unconscious while in the dental chair Tuesday at Poperetchny's office, the statement. It was not immediately clear what caused her to become ill.

Criminal Court Judge Richard Allman set scheduled a preliminary hearing for Oct. 30.