BOSTON -- A dentist is accused of using paper clips in dental work and then falsely billing Medicaid, Boston television station WCVB reported.

Michael Clair, 51, formerly of Fall River, Mass., was indicted on two counts of assault and battery and five counts of filing false Medicaid claims.

Clair also faces multiple larceny and illegal prescription charges.

Clair is accused of inserting pieces of paper clips into patients’ mouths as a post in root canals instead of utilizing standard posts made of stainless steel, Attorney General Martha Coakley's office said.

Officials said Clair was suspended by Medicaid in 2002. He allegedly hired other dentists for his clinic and filed Medicaid claims using their numbers totaling approximately $130,000 between August 2003 and June 2005.

Clair will be arraigned on April 8.