Dentist Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct by dentists or any healthcare professional is a severe breach of trust, ethics, and professional responsibility. Sexual abuse in a setting where patients are vulnerable can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars on survivors. The impact of such misconduct can profoundly affect a survivor's ability to trust healthcare professionals and can lead to long-term anxiety, stress, and a sense of betrayal by someone who was supposed to provide professional healthcare services.

At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we recognize the immense courage it takes for survivors to seek information and support after suffering dentist sexual misconduct. You are not alone; our law firm is here to help you explore your legal options. When you contact our law firm, we want you to feel heard, understood, and empowered. Remember, your experiences are valid, your feelings are important, and your path to recovery is paramount. We stand with you in this journey towards healing and accountability.

Sexual misconduct in dental care refers to any inappropriate, unwanted, or non-consensual behavior of a sexual nature performed by a dental professional. This can include actions such as making lewd comments, inappropriate touching, sexual advances, or any physical conduct of a sexual nature that occurs during dental treatment or consultation.

Dentists, like all healthcare providers, are bound by ethical standards to maintain a professional and safe environment for their patients. Violations of this trust not only harm the individual survivor but also undermine the integrity of the dental profession as a whole.

Dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, technicians, and other staff, are expected to maintain a certain standard of care for patients. Any deviation from these standards, especially involving acts like sexual abuse and misconduct, can be grounds for legal action. Dentist sexual misconduct can occur in various forms, ranging from inappropriate comments and gestures to physical violations, often under the guise of medical treatment.

Dentist sexual misconduct can manifest in various ways, including:

• Unnecessary Physical Contact: This could involve touching that is not required for a dental procedure, such as inappropriate or lingering touches on areas not related to oral health care.
• Inappropriate Comments: Remarks that are sexual in nature, make you feel uncomfortable, or are unrelated to your dental treatment could be a sign of misconduct.
• Privacy Violations: Not respecting your need for privacy, such as leaving doors unnecessarily open during treatments or not providing proper cover-ups, can also be a red flag.
• Personal Inquiries: Questions about your personal life, especially those of a sexual or intimate nature, which are not relevant to your dental care.
• Altered Consciousness: Misuse of sedation or anesthesia to make a patient more vulnerable could also be an indication of misconduct.

Sexual misconduct can have serious consequences for both patients and employees. For instance, patients under anesthesia or nitrous oxide may be particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse, or young teens getting braces may be immobilized and unable to stop unwanted sexual contact.

Understanding the subtleties and complexities of misconduct is important. Sometimes, sexual predators and abusers may try to brush off the encounter as 'just a joke' or a 'misunderstanding.' However, it's essential to recognize that any behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe is valid and worth paying attention to.

We encourage you to trust your instincts and experiences. If something feels off or inappropriate, it's important to acknowledge these feelings. They are often the first indication that something is not right.

An experienced sexual abuse lawyer at our law firm can help you report the dentist to the state board and the authorities. We can also help you file a civil lawsuit against them in your pursuit of justice.

Filing a lawsuit not only seeks justice for the survivor but can also be instrumental in preventing future incidents by bringing attention to the misconduct. A successful lawsuit can lead to various outcomes, including financial compensation for the survivor, which can aid in their healing and recovery process. Additionally, legal action can result in the revocation of the dentist's license, thereby preventing them from practicing and potentially harming other patients.

If you or someone you know has been a survivor of dental sexual misconduct, Cerri, Boskovich & Allard is here to stand with you. We believe in empowering survivors by advocating for their rights and seeking justice on their behalf. You don't have to navigate this challenging path alone. Contact us for a confidential consultation, and let us help you take the first step towards healing and holding the responsible parties accountable. Your courage and your story matter, and together, we can work towards a resolution that honors your strength and resilience.