A 71-year-old dentist from the Antwerp district of Wilrijk that was arrested for having allegedly sexually assaulted his patients is to remain in custody. The man has a “throat fetish” and becomes sexually aroused by putting his fingers deep into women’s throats. In addition to the victims that have already been identified it is likely that he assaulted dozens more women.
Meanwhile, police have received reports from a further 40 woman that say that they were assaulted by the dentist. Some of them say that he also carried out vaginal examinations on them. All of the alleged victims will be invited to give formal statements.
The investigation got under way at the end of last year after a female patient lodged a complaint against the dentist. During the weeks that followed a further two victims were identified. The prosecutor’s office says that the dentist is a “throat fetishist” that becomes sexually aroused by women’s throats.
Throat disinfection
The dentist allegedly carried out what he called a “throat disinfection” on some of his patients. This is a medical proceduce that does not exists. This involved him placing his fingers deep into his patient’s throat, while at the same time masturbating.
Images of child abuse
Several weeks ago, searches were carried out at the dentist's home and at his practice in Wilrijk. Footage was found on his computer showing him carry out sexual acts on his patients. The victims have yet to be identified. Images of the sexual abuse of children were also found on the dentist’s computer.