A former dentist in the US has been sent to jail for a year for using paper clips instead of stainless steel posts in root canals.
Michael Clair was sentenced on Monday to two-and-a-half years, with all but one year suspended, after pleading guilty to defrauding a government health program of $US130,000 ($A122,500).
He was also charged with assault and battery, illegally prescribing medications and witness intimidation.
Some of Clair's patients in Massachusetts reported infections after he performed root canals on them.
Prosecutors said the 53-year-old Clair was suspended by the health program in 2002 but continued filing claims by using the names of other dentists. His licence to practice was suspended in Massachusetts in 2006.
