If you’re a victim of dental sexual abuse in California, you have the right to file a complaint with the Dental Board of California, report to law enforcement, and pursue a civil lawsuit for damages. The strength of your case depends on factors like documentation, timing, and whether the abuse occurred under sedation or involved a pattern of misconduct.
Experiencing sexual harassment or abuse in a dental setting is not only traumatic; it’s also a violation of your trust when seeing a healthcare provider. Whether the harassment came from a dentist, dental assistant, or staff member, you have legal options, and you don’t have to go through it alone. This post explains how to recognize dental sexual harassment, what steps to take, and where to turn for help in California.
At Betts Law Group, we represent clients who have experienced institutional sexual assault across healthcare, sports, and workplace environments. If you’ve been harmed by someone in a position of trust, we are here to support you and help you take the next steps with care and confidence.
What Is Considered “Dental Sexual Abuse” in California?
Sexual harassment in a dental setting can include:
- Unwanted touching during treatment
- Inappropriate comments or sexual jokes
- Invasions of personal space or privacy
- Pressuring or coercing a patient into uncomfortable situations
Some cases may involve physical assault, touch, or battery under anesthesia. Others involve repeated verbal harassment or misuse of professional authority. Regardless of the form, sexual harassment in a dental setting is not acceptable.
If you have experienced sexual harassment at a dental office, take the following steps to make sure you get the support you deserve and ensure that justice is served.
Step 1: Recognize What Happened
It’s common to feel confused or unsure in the moment, especially when the perpetrator is a licensed professional. Trust your instincts. If something felt wrong or made you feel uncomfortable or violated, that matters. Keep in mind:
- Harassment can be verbal or physical
- Power dynamics may cause hesitation in speaking up
- Emotional reactions (like shame, fear, or anger) are valid responses
Whether the incident happened recently or in the past, you still have the right to come forward.
Step 2: Prioritize Your Safety and Support
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or seek help from someone nearby. Once safe, consider reaching out to someone you trust, whether that’s a friend, therapist, or support organization.
Support matters. Whether or not you’re ready to take legal action, having someone in your corner can help you feel grounded and empowered.
Step 3: Document What Happened
If you feel safe doing so, gather as much information as you can:
- Write down a detailed account of what occurred, including dates, times, and locations
- Save any messages, voicemails, or emails that may support your account
- If someone witnessed the incident or part of it, try to get their contact information
This documentation may become important if you choose to file a complaint or lawsuit.
Step 4: Report the Harassment
There are multiple ways to report dental sexual harassment in California:
- File a Complaint with the Dental Board of California: The Dental Board of California investigates complaints of sexual misconduct against licensed dental professionals, including dentists, dental hygienists, and registered dental assistants.
- Report to Law Enforcement: If the incident involves physical assault or any criminal behavior, contact your local police department. You have the right to file a police report.
- Notify the Dental Office or Clinic: If the perpetrator was not the main dentist (for example, a hygienist or assistant), you may also want to inform the practice owner or office manager. However, do what feels safest for you.
Step 5: Talk to a Sexual Assault Attorney
Navigating the legal process after dental sexual harassment can feel overwhelming. A skilled attorney can help you:
- Understand your rights
- Evaluate your legal options
- File civil claims or assist with criminal proceedings
You may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress, medical bills, or other losses. The right lawyer will guide you with care and clarity. Betts Law Group has experience with professional misconduct cases and supports survivors through every step.
Contact Betts Law Group Today
We understand that speaking out after experiencing sexual harassment in a healthcare setting can be difficult. At Betts Law Group, we are committed to creating space for survivors to be heard and supported. If you’re ready to talk, contact us for a confidential consultation. You deserve to be safe, respected, and informed about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reporting Dental Sexual Harassment in California
1. What counts as sexual abuse or harassment in a dental setting?
Sexual abuse or harassment in a dental setting includes any unwanted touching, sexual comments, inappropriate physical contact during treatment, or abuse while a patient is sedated. If a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or any staff member made you feel violated or uncomfortable in a sexual way, that experience is valid and may have legal significance; we handle these cases under institutional sexual assault.
2. What should I do first if I’ve been sexually abused by a dentist in California?
The most important first steps are to get to safety, write down everything you remember about what happened, and reach out to someone you trust. After that, consider filing a complaint with the Dental Board of California and contact a sexual assault attorney. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you make that call.
3. Can I file a civil lawsuit against a dentist for sexual abuse in California?
Yes. In addition to filing a criminal complaint or a report with the Dental Board, you may be able to pursue a civil lawsuit for damages including emotional distress, therapy costs, and other losses.
4. Can I report dental sexual abuse if it happened years ago?
Possibly, yes. California has expanded its statute of limitations for sexual assault civil claims in recent years.
5. How do I file a complaint against a dentist with the Dental Board of California?
You can file a complaint directly through the Dental Board of California’s complaints page. The Board investigates sexual misconduct complaints against licensed dental professionals and can refer serious cases for criminal prosecution. Filing a board complaint is separate from pursuing a civil lawsuit, and you have the right to do both.
6. Will I have to relive what happened in order to take legal action?
Working with the right attorney makes a meaningful difference here. At Betts Law Group, Whitney Betts is a certified Rape Crisis Counselor as well as a civil attorney. She understands the emotional weight of coming forward and approaches every case with care, at a pace that works for you.
7. What compensation can I receive for dental sexual abuse in California?
Compensation in a civil sexual assault case can include damages for emotional distress, therapy and medical costs, lost wages, and, in some cases punitive damages. Every case is different, which is why Betts Law Group handles all cases on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
8. Do I have to report dental sexual abuse to the police to take legal action?
No. A police report and a civil lawsuit are separate processes. You can pursue a civil claim without filing a criminal complaint, and vice versa. Some survivors choose one path, and some choose both. What matters most is that you make the choice that feels right for you, with a full understanding of all your options.
