Parents whose children still attend the practice of pediatric dentist Melvin Ehrlich, also known as Dr. Mel, received an email from him this weekend that he is suspending his practice immediately, while he defends himself against pornography charges..

Effective tomorrow, Jan. 7, "I have turned my practice, including orthodontics, over to Cranberry Dental Associates of Carver, Massachusetts who will be operating the business as Cranberry Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. They will be making all decisions as they manage and fully operate the
practice and will begin seeing patients immediately," wrote Ehrlich.

The day after Christmas, Ehrlich, 52, of Millis, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography (three counts) and distribution of child pornography (two counts).

The next day, he pled not guilty on the charges.

The Commonwealth requested that the defendant be held on $25,000 cash bail with the following conditions: commit no crimes, have no contact with children under 18, no unsupervised contact with his own child, no employment or volunteer work with children under 18, no computer or Internet use, and wear a GPS monitor and check in with probation. 

Framingham District Court Judge Robert Greco released the defendant on $10,000 cash bail with conditions to commit no new crimes and no use of computer except at place of business for work-related purposes only.

"Although I am confident that I will be able to successfully defend these charges, I know you can appreciate the impact that these allegations have had on my life. These allegations have created a stigma that may require both a favorable verdict from the courts and the passage of time to heal. I have agonized over what would be the right decision to make, not for myself, but for all those who have placed their trust in me. As  a result, I have decided to immediately suspend my practice of dentistry in Framingham," wrote Ehrlich in the email.

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"Cranberry Dental Associates has committed to retaining my entire staff," continued Ehrlich. "They have been so supportive of me during this very difñcult time and are eager to continue with Cranberry to help assure continuity of excellent care for your children in a familiar environment."

Cranberry Dental has made arrangements to bring in Dr. Lynette Nyberg to complete the orthodontic care for those who are already in treatment. She has more than 20 years of experience since she received her Post Doctorate Masters of Science in Dentistry (MSD) for Orthodontics and owns two practices. Further, she is recognized by Invisalign as a Preferred Premier Provider, putting her in the top 5% of providers in the country. Orthodontic treatment should continue with limited interruption.

"I am strengthened by and so appreciative of the overwhelming support that I have received from  you, the parents and patients of this practice. I will never be able to thank you enough or properly show my appreciation but I do hope and expect to greet you all and thank you personally once this has come to a
successful conclusion," wrote Ehrlich.