Recent scandals leave dentists unsettled: "You fear that a treatment will be misunderstood"

Recent scandals involving dentists in Antwerp have raised concerns among their colleagues. While patient trust appears unchanged, dentists are more cautious during treatments. A former dentist was sentenced for assaulting patients, and another was arrested for inappropriate behavior. Dentists emphasize the importance of clear communication to avoid misunderstandings during procedures. They express feelings of shame and worry about the impact of these incidents on their profession. The Flemish Dentists Association acknowledges the negative effects on public trust but insists that the majority of dentists practice responsibly. They advocate for addressing misconduct without penalizing the entire profession.