Disclaimer: This report is based on state board records, national databases, news investigations and legal documents.
Dental clinics are meant to be safe spaces where patients can receive care with compassion and professionalism. Unfortunately, sexual misconduct by dentists across the US has risen by 200% in the past 20 years which is an alarming rate.
It’s important to note that California consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of physician disciplinary actions. In 2023, California’s medical board averaged 113 serious disciplinary actions throughout the year.
According to the Medical Board of California’s 2023–2024 Annual Report, 9,715 complaints were filed against healthcare professionals, including dentists. Out of these, 4,885 involved gross negligence or incompetence, while 2,034 were classified as sexual misconduct and other violations.
These numbers paint a clear picture: misconduct in healthcare, especially dentistry, is escalating.
Why We Conducted This Study
We conducted this study to investigate the growing concern of sexual misconduct in dental practices.
The purpose of this study was to quantify the extent of the problem using verified data, expose systemic weaknesses in oversight and educate the public and policymakers about the need to take action against this violation.
Our Key Findings
- California’s Dental Board lists sexual misconduct as one of the most common complaint categories received annually.
- As of 2023, Florida slightly surpasses California in total NPDB-reported misconduct actions, recording over 677 adverse actions. However, California still leads in cases specifically involving dentists.
- At least 50 of the 300 dentists in the U.S. surrendered their licenses in recent years to avoid public hearings related to sexual abuse claims.
- Roughly 25% of proven dental misconduct cases result in license revocation, while an additional 20% involve voluntary surrender of the license.
- Male dentists and patients were most frequently identified as perpetrators.
- Sexual misconduct complaints involving minors have led to new regulations in several states in the US which introduced a 2025 chaperone mandate for pediatric patients.
- There were 3,165 disciplinary actions from state boards and 4,037 from the NPDB reported. Compared to other medical professionals like dentists, physicians and nurse practitioners faced fewer disciplinary actions.
Recent Case Studies of Dental Sexual Misconduct in the U.S.
1. California Dentist Arrested for Sexual Battery During Procedures
A 63-year-old seaside-based dentist was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual battery in 2024. The incidents reportedly occurred during dental procedures involving patients. This case added to California’s record as the state with the highest number of dental misconduct complaints.
2. California Oral Surgeon Faces Multiple Assault Allegations
Another California surgeon, Dr. David Evans Webb, faced 7 sexual assault charges—two resulted in acquittal, while five ended in mistrial. Though he gave up his California license in 2023, he later secured a restricted license to practice in Idaho.
3. Alabama Dentist Receives 180-Year Sentence for Rape and Sexual Abuse
A former Alabama dentist was convicted in 2024 for sexually abusing over 10 victims. He received a 180-year prison sentence—one of the harshest punishments ever issued in a dental-related abuse case.
4. North Carolina Oral Surgeon Convicted of Sexual Abuse
An oral surgeon was found guilty in Wilmington, North Carolina. Multiple patients testified that he had touched them inappropriately and made sexual advances during treatment. Sentencing is currently pending.
5. Maine Dentist Sued for Workplace Harassment by Multiple Staff Members
A dentist in Maine was hit with civil lawsuits in late 2024. The claims came from several employees, including a dental assistant, who reported long-term harassment and coercion in the workplace.
6. Colorado Dentist Caught in Child Sex Sting Operation
In 2024, a Colorado dentist was arrested at a Florida airport during a child sex sting. Authorities said he had planned to engage in sexual activity with a minor. He had been under surveillance as part of an ongoing investigation.
7. Beverly Hills Dentist Accused by Kanye West of Malpractice and Overmedication
Kanye West accused a dentist in Beverly Hills of giving him too much nitrous oxide. The incident raised concerns about informed consent and the misuse of sedation, especially when treating high-profile patients.
8. Arizona Clinic Mandated to Assign Chaperones for Child Patients
In early 2025, a dental clinic in Chandler, Arizona, was ordered to implement mandatory chaperones for child patients. The decision followed repeated complaints of inappropriate behavior involving minors.
9. Army Dentist Pleads Guilty to Sexual Harassment of Subordinates
A military dentist admitted in court in 2024 to sexually harassing fellow service members. This case highlights the need for better protections against abuse in federal medical facilities.
10. Pennsylvania Dentist Sentenced for Years of Sexual Assault
A Pennsylvania dentist was sentenced after being found guilty of multiple sexual assaults. The incidents happened over several years during regular dental visits.
11. Oklahoma Dental Assistant Charged with Abusing Pediatric Patients
In 2025, a dental assistant in Oklahoma was charged with inappropriate contact involving minors. The allegations came from incidents that took place at a pediatric dental clinic, where he worked closely with young patients.
12. Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed Amid Abuse Allegations in Texas
A Texas dentist’s defamation lawsuit was dismissed after testimony pointed to underlying sexual misconduct. Although no criminal charges were filed, the court’s decision raised questions about abuse and accountability.
13. Washington, D.C. Dentist’s License Revoked After Confirmed Sexual Misconduct
A dentist in Washington, D.C., lost his license after investigators confirmed he had inappropriate sexual contact with patients on multiple occasions. As a result, he faced disciplinary action and was no longer allowed to practice.
14. Over 30 Assault Complaints Against Iowa Dentist Who Twice Surrendered License
In March 2024, a dentist in Iowa gave up his license for the second time. This happened after more than 30 patients accused him of sexual misconduct. Because of the serious nature and high number of complaints, he was permanently banned from practicing dentistry.
Implications
- Regulatory inconsistencies allow some dentists to surrender their licenses quietly without full accountability.
- License revocation rates for dentists involved in misconduct cases (25%) suggest boards are taking stronger actions, but enforcement remains uneven.
- California’s high complaint volume indicates systemic problems in reporting and oversight mechanisms.
- Cases involving military, pediatric and celebrity patients show that misconduct spans all demographics.
- Public trust in dentists remains relatively high (around 60%), but this trust may erode if reforms lag behind rising case numbers.
How We Conducted This Research
We conducted this study by analyzing disciplinary records, federal databases and official dental board releases. Each case included here was selected based on confirmed legal action, license sanctions or court outcomes occurring between 2023 and 2025.
By combining legal documentation with healthcare oversight data, we produced a comprehensive overview of where and how these cases are emerging.
Sources and Tools Used:
- National Practitioner Data Bank (2023–2024 reports)
- Federation of State Medical Boards guidelines (2023–2025)
- Public records from state dental boards and license registries
- Court documents, indictments and sentencing reports
- Investigative journalism (e.g., InvestigateTV, NBC, ABC, WJLA)
- News stories published between 2023 and 2025 verified for factual accuracy
Conclusion
The dental profession is facing a serious challenge, as rising misconduct reports in recent years reveal cracks in a system that has long relied on patient trust.
Without immediate and uniform reforms, more patients could be left vulnerable to harm behind closed clinic doors.
So, it is important that regulatory agencies prioritize transparency and act decisively to ensure dental offices remain places of safety, not fear.