A dentist in Brussels is facing legal action following allegations of sexual assault against a 15-year-old patient. The case, which began Wednesday, centers around claims that the dentist inappropriately touched the patient during a follow-up appointment after a wisdom tooth extraction. The allegations raise concerns about potential abuses of power within the medical profession and the vulnerability of patients.
According to court documents, the incident occurred in August 2020. The patient alleges the dentist performed a “massage” on her chest for approximately 20 minutes whereas she was alone in the examination room after the procedure. The dentist reportedly justified his actions by claiming he had training in physical therapy.
The prosecutor in the case has characterized the dentist’s actions as an “aggression” and stated the evidence strongly supports the patient’s account. The patient filed a complaint in 2022, describing a “long journey” of suffering and emotional distress following the alleged assault. She is seeking €12,500 in moral damages, citing a disruption to her schooling and a desire for justice.
The dentist, who was questioned by police in June 2024 after initially missing several summonses, claims the patient experienced discomfort after the surgery. He stated he “intervened quickly,” fearing a reaction to the anesthesia. He also explained he did not notify the patient’s father, who was present at the clinic, about the alleged discomfort.
Both the patient and her father deny that any discomfort or malaise occurred, maintaining that the incident was an assault. The dentist is pleading not guilty. The prosecutor is requesting a suspended sentence with mandatory therapeutic follow-up, a relatively lenient recommendation given the dentist’s lack of prior criminal record.
A ruling in the case is expected on April 29, 2026. More details about the case can be found here.
MSN also reported on the proceedings.
This case echoes a similar situation involving a dentist in Hesbaye who was previously accused of sexual assault against two patients, though he was ultimately acquitted. Details of that case are available here.
