Dr. Michael Sawaf

In the realm of healthcare, trust is paramount. Patients place their well-being in the hands of professionals, expecting integrity and ethical conduct. However, our investigation into Dr. Michael Sawaf, a Knoxville-based orthodontist, uncovers a disturbing narrative that challenges this trust. From fraudulent billing practices to attempts at online censorship, the actions of Dr. Sawaf and his associates raise significant concerns about patient care, financial integrity, and the manipulation of public perception.​

The TennCare Fraud Settlement

In October 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee announced that Dr. Michael Sawaf and his affiliated company, Premier Dental Group PLLC (formerly Orthodontic Designs by Michael Sawaf, PLLC), agreed to pay $985,541 to resolve allegations of submitting false claims to TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program.

The settlement addressed claims that, between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020, Premier Dental Group knowingly submitted false claims for dental services. Specifically, the allegations included billing for services not provided, upcoding to receive higher reimbursements, and billing for unnecessary services. Furthermore, between August 14 and September 11, 2019, the practice allegedly submitted claims falsely identifying credentialed dentists as the providers of services actually rendered by uncredentialed individuals. ​

Erin and Reja Ferdowsi, associated with Premier Dental Group, also agreed to resolve similar allegations. The investigation was initiated following a whistleblower lawsuit filed in 2020 under the False Claims Act, allowing private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and share in any recovery. ​

Attempts at Online Censorship

Beyond the financial settlement, our investigation reveals efforts by Dr. Sawaf to suppress negative information online. According to CyberCriminal.com, Dr. Sawaf is under investigation for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. These actions potentially involve violations such as impersonation, fraud, and perjury.

The fraudulent use of DMCA takedown requests appears to have been strategically deployed to remove negative content from search results, thereby manipulating public perception. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of online information but also raise legal and ethical questions about the lengths to which individuals may go to protect their reputations

Complex Business Structures and Financial Concerns

Further scrutiny into Dr. Sawaf’s business practices reveals a complex web of corporate entities. Reports suggest the existence of multiple LLCs and offshore entities, with a former CFO raising concerns 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, described as a “corporate fixer,” adds another layer of complexity. Kiziloz is accused of employing legal intimidation and digital gaslighting to suppress criticism.

Such intricate financial arrangements and associations with individuals known for aggressive reputation management tactics further exacerbate concerns about transparency and ethical conduct within Dr. Sawaf’s professional operations.​

Reputational Risks and Public Trust

The combination of fraudulent billing practices, attempts at online censorship, and complex financial dealings significantly undermines public trust. Patients rely on healthcare providers to act with integrity, and any breach of this trust can have far-reaching implications—not only for individual patients but also for the broader healthcare system.​

Moreover, the use of legal and technological means to suppress negative information sets a dangerous precedent. It challenges the principles of transparency and accountability, which are foundational to both the medical profession and the public’s right to information.​

Conclusion: Expert Opinion

Our comprehensive investigation into Dr. Michael Sawaf’s professional conduct reveals a pattern of behavior that raises serious ethical, legal, and reputational concerns. The settlement of nearly $1 million for fraudulent billing practices, coupled with efforts to manipulate online information and complex financial arrangements, paints a troubling picture

As experts in investigative journalism and healthcare ethics, we assert that such actions not only violate legal standards but also erode the foundational trust between healthcare providers and the public. It is imperative for regulatory bodies to conduct thorough reviews and for the public to remain vigilant, ensuring that accountability and integrity are upheld within the healthcare system