Belgian Dentist, 72, Gets 7 Years for Patient Abuse

A 72-year-old Belgian dentist has been sentenced to seven years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting dozens of patients over 25 years. The Antwerp criminal court ruled on 27 October 2026 that the former practitioner from Wilrijk, south of Antwerp, systematically abused his position to live out his sexual fantasies, inventing fake medical procedures to target vulnerable women.

What Happened in the Belgian Dentist Abuse Case?

The case first came to light in late 2024, when a patient filed a complaint after feeling that something was wrong during a treatment. Police arrested the dentist in April 2025, and prosecutors later issued a public appeal for other victims to come forward. In total, 73 women reported abuse, with the earliest complaint dating back to 1995. The scale of the abuse is one of the largest of its kind in Belgian healthcare history, and the patient safety and trust violations have reignited debate about oversight of medical professionals.

How Did the Dentist Abuse His Patients?

According to the court, the dentist invented a so-called 'throat disinfection' — a procedure that does not exist in dental medicine. During these fake treatments, he would insert his fingers deep into patients' throats until they gagged or vomited, while masturbating and secretly filming them. He scheduled appointments when no other staff were present in the practice.

The Charges

• Rape and sexual assault of patients
• Forgery and fraud for charging the national health insurer for non-existent treatments
• Illegally practicing medicine and falsely using the title of doctor
• Possession of child sexual abuse images found on his computer

The investigation revealed large amounts of sexually explicit footage of dental treatments at his practice and home. On his computer, police also found images of sexual abuse of minors. A psychiatrist diagnosed him with a paraphilic fetishistic disorder.

What Did Victims Say?

Several victims spoke during the trial in September 2025. One woman described how the dentist pushed his fingers deep into her throat until she choked and vomited. Others said he stroked them on different parts of their bodies under the pretence that it was necessary for the treatment. Many victims remain haunted by questions about what happened while they were under sedation.

'I still don't know what he did to me when I was asleep,' one victim told the court.

The trauma has been severe, with victims describing the fake throat treatments as torture. Some expressed anguish that the abuse continued for decades without detection. The case has drawn comparisons to the Belgian criminal sentencing standards for sexual violence, where courts are increasingly handing down stricter penalties.

Why Did the Court Go Beyond the Prosecution's Request?

The Belgian public prosecutor initially requested a five-year prison sentence. However, the Antwerp court ruled that this was insufficient given the 25-year period of offending, the large number of victims and the traumatic consequences. The judge sentenced the dentist to seven years in prison. He was also convicted of forgery, fraud, illegal practice of medicine and possession of child abuse images. The court confiscated €7,500 that had been fraudulently billed to the national health insurer (RIZIV).

Impact and Implications

The verdict sends a strong signal about accountability in patient care. It may also prompt reforms in how dental and medical practices are supervised. The case highlights how a professional's authority can be exploited for abuse over many years, and why the reporting mechanisms for medical misconduct need urgent strengthening. Belgium's health authorities have faced questions about how the abuse went undetected despite the dentist also working in hospitals in Antwerp and Leuven.

FAQ: Belgian Dentist Patient Abuse Case

What sentence did the Belgian dentist receive?

He received seven years in prison for rape, sexual assault and related offences.

How many victims came forward?

73 victims reported abuse, with the earliest complaint dating back to 1995.

What was the fake 'throat disinfection'?

It was a non-existent dental procedure the dentist invented to insert his fingers into patients' throats while filming and masturbating.

When was the dentist arrested?

He was arrested in April 2025 after a complaint in late 2024 led to an investigation.

Why was the sentence higher than requested?

The court found the five-year prosecution request insufficient given the 25-year offending period, 73 victims and severe trauma.