Lindenhurst Dentist Arrested For Allegedly Working on Patient While Drunk

Robert B. Garelick, 57, accused of second degree reckless endangerment

(Long Island, NY) A Lindenhurst dentist was arraigned Tuesday at the First District Court in Central Islip on the charge of reckless endangerment, second degree, after allegedly conducting a dental procedure on a patient while under the influence of alcohol.

Robert B. Garelick, 57, a Melville resident and licensed New York dentist, was arrested by Suffolk County Police Monday afternoon at his 152 N. Wellwood Avenue dental office after a complaint was issued by a patient of his that the doctor appeared to be drunk while performing a procedure on them.

Suffolk County First Precinct officers had responded right away to the complaint, and at 4:30 p.m. Monday they interviewed Garelick at his office. After the interview they deemed him to be intoxicated and placed him under arrest, police said.

“It was determined that Robert B. Garelick was under the influence of alcohol while performing dental work on a patient,” Suffolk police said in a statement issued to the media.

The patient was not reported to have been hurt or injured.

Neither the type of procedure performed by Garelick that lead to his arrest, his blood alcohol level, or the identity of the patient were revealed by police after the arrest. It is also unknown if Garelick faces disciplinary action for the offence by the New York State Dentistry Board.