Detectives have so-far identified 55 female victims of sexually inappropriate behaviour on the part of a 71-year-old dentist from the Antwerp district of Wilrijk. The man reportedly has a throat fetish and assaulted women while they were receiving treatment. He will appear at a remand hearing again on Tuesday.
The investigation started late last year after a complaint from a patient that said that she was left with a strange feeling after a consultation. The dentist allegedly abused several patients during so-called “throat disinfections”, medical procedure that does not exist, at his practice in Wilrijk. The man also worked at hospitals in Leuven (Flemish Brabant) and Antwerp.
The dentist's house was searched in early April, after which he was arrested by the examining magistrate. Footage was found on his computer showing the man going deep into women's throats during “disinfections”, while at the same time pleasuring himself.
According to the prosecutor's office, the case involves “throat fetishism” in which a person is sexually aroused by other people’s throats.
Offences as far back as 1998
So far, 55 female victims have come forward. The alleged offences go back as far as 1998. Besides alleged assaults during “throat disinfections”, victims also speak of anal and vaginal examinations, groping of breasts and buttocks and masturbation in front of patients.
Some patients were treated under full anaesthetic and fear they may have been assaulted while they were unconscious. This will be investigated further.
The 71-year-old man dentist is currently on remand in prison. On Tuesday, he will appear before a magistrate in chambers where it will be decided whether he is to remain in custody.