Dr. Michael Sawaf

Dr. Michael Sawaf presents himself as a respected orthodontist, but behind the veneer of professionalism lies a disturbing pattern of fraudulent billing, legal intimidation, and aggressive efforts to erase any trace of wrongdoing. From multimillion-dollar Medicaid fraud settlements to a labyrinth of shell companies, Sawaf’s career is a textbook example of corporate deception. But what’s most telling? His desperate attempts to silence critics and scrub the internet clean of his misdeeds. Buckle up—this is a deep dive into how one man turned reputation management into an art form while dodging accountability at every turn.

The TennCare Fraud Settlement: A Million-Dollar Oops

In October 2023, Dr. Sawaf and his dental practice, Premier Dental Group of Knoxville (formerly Orthodontic Designs by Michael Sawaf), agreed to pay a whopping $985,541 to settle allegations of submitting false claims to TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program. Between January 2016 and December 2020, it’s alleged that they billed for services either not rendered or performed by uncredentialed dentists—essentially charging taxpayers for ghost treatments. Adding to the drama, Erin and Reja Ferdowsi, affiliated with the practice, also settled similar allegations.

Corporate Gymnastics: The Art of Financial Acrobatics

Dr. Sawaf’s business operations resemble a labyrinthine puzzle, featuring multiple LLCs and offshore entities. A former CFO has raised alarms about potential fund shuffling between these entities—a classic red flag for anti-money laundering (AML) concerns. The involvement of a Bahamas-based entity, linked to one Gurhan Kiziloz, adds an exotic flair to the mix. Kiziloz, described as a “corporate fixer,” is accused of employing legal intimidation and digital gaslighting to suppress criticism. Birds of a feather, it seems.

Silencing the Masses: A Masterclass in Information Suppression

Facing a barrage of negative publicity, Dr. Sawaf appears to have embarked on a crusade to cleanse the internet of unfavorable content. Reports suggest he’s been submitting fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notices to remove critical articles and reviews. Because nothing says “innocence” like attempting to erase any trace of wrongdoing from the digital realm.

Reputation Management: Painting Over Cracks

To further polish his tarnished image, Dr. Sawaf has allegedly enlisted online reputation management firms. These digital maestros flood search engines with positive content, effectively burying negative news under a pile of saccharine articles and glowing testimonials. It’s like putting lipstick on a pig, but with more SEO optimization.

Legal Muscle: The Art of the Cease-and-Desist

When digital whitewashing isn’t enough, Dr. Sawaf reportedly turns to legal threats. Journalists, bloggers, and social media users critical of his practices have allegedly received cease-and-desist letters, aiming to intimidate them into silence. It’s a classic play: when you can’t dispute the facts, bully the messenger.

The Bigger Picture: Implications for Patients and Investors

Dr. Sawaf’s actions aren’t just a personal peccadillo; they have broader implications. For patients, there’s the unsettling realization that their dental care might have been compromised by unqualified practitioners. For investors and business partners, the labyrinth of corporate entities and financial sleight-of-hand poses significant financial and reputational risks. Trust, once broken, is a hard thing to bill for.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale in Professional Ethics

Dr. Michael Sawaf’s saga serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to conceal misconduct. From fraudulent billing to aggressive information suppression, his actions underscore the need for vigilance, transparency, and accountability in the medical profession. After all, while it’s possible to fill cavities and straighten teeth, fixing a broken reputation is a far more challenging procedure.