Patients left with braces on their teeth after provider closes up shop: 'She's not licensed'
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- An ABC11 Troubleshooter investigation has uncovered that multiple patients were left with braces still on their teeth, and the person they say provided their orthodontic care has closed up shop. Furthermore, these patients say they are now learning she was not licensed to do the work they said she did on their teeth.
One patient, a Fayetteville woman, went to The Smiling Face Company in Raleigh for a full set of braces. She said her initial consultation was conducted via Zoom. After the consultation, she went to its office for treatment, and her braces were put on in early 2024. She said Ebony McBean, also known as Ebony Grady, applied and adjusted them during the last year and a half.
Recently, when it was time for another adjustment, the patient said, "When I called to make an appointment, it was like the phone was disconnected."
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She said she then learned something she hadn't known: "So, she's not licensed to be a dentist or anything."
The Troubleshooter reached out to McBean, who admitted she was not licensed as a dentist or hygienist. However, McBean said that though she did treat patients, a licensed provider always oversaw the treatment. McBean identified the provider as Dr. Darren Ramsey.
The patient who spoke to the Troubleshooter provided proof that she paid in full $3,795 for her braces. The paid invoice and email confirming her treatment lists Ramsey as the dentist.
In May 2025, a consent order from the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners stated that Dr. Ramsey aided, abetted, and assisted unlicensed persons to perform acts that can only be lawfully performed by a dentist licensed in this state. As part of that order, Dr. Ramsey's license was suspended for one year, but conditionally restored with no active suspension, provided that for a period of three years, Respondent complies with the requirements in Paragraphs 2 through 4 of this Consent Order. According to the State Board of Dental Examiners website, Ramsey's license is in probationary status.
McBean told the Troubleshooter that she was unaware that Ramsey's consent order, claiming he continued sending her patients for treatment. She said it wasn't until a representative from the NC Board of Dental Examiners showed up at her office that she learned of the issues. McBean said she immediately sent an email to her patients notifying them that the office was closing permanently on Oct. 1.
In that email, McBean wrote: "We are writing to inform you of an important change regarding your orthodontic care with The Smiling Face Company. Effective immediately, Dr. Darren Ramsey is no longer providing treatment at our office. As a result, we are unable to continue orthodontic adjustments or related procedures."
McBean also sent an email with information on how patients could obtain their medical records and suggested another orthodontic practice. The Troubleshooter reached out to that provider, who said they have no connection to The Smiling Face Company, but that they could potentially take on affected patients at their own expense.
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As for McBean's former patient, she said she now has to find someone to review her braces and determine whether her treatment was done correctly.
"I do plan on seeking legal action so I can get my reimbursement, and I do plan on moving forward with a licensed orthodontist the correct way," she said.
The Troubleshooter has attempted to contact Ramsey but has not heard back. The Troubleshooter also reached out to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, but no one from that office has responded.
This is a developing story. The Troubleshooter team will continue investigating as more patients come forward.
