Iowa dentist agrees to pay $1K fine after allegedly harassing patients, improper sterilization

A West Des Moines, Iowa-based dentist agreed to settle a case filed by the Iowa Dental Board that accused the dentist of sexually harassing patients and not following correct sterilization processes, according to the Des Moines Register.

In the settlement, Phelan Thomas, DDS, denied any wrongdoing and agreed to pay a $1,000 fine. He will be on probation for the next five years. Dr. Thomas also agreed to not treat female patients alone and to undergo ethics training.

Last October, the dental board claimed Dr. Thomas "demonstrated a pattern of making improper remarks to and exhibiting inappropriate behavior with female patients and rotation students," the Des Moines Register reports.

The Iowa Dental Board also alleged Dr. Thomas did not take current steps to prevent infections. Dr. Thomas allegedly didn't wear or change gloves, improperly loaded sterilizers and didn't have proper polices in place for disposing medical waste and expired medication.

Dr. Thomas took an infection control course as part of the settlement. He also agreed to have an independent professional monitor his infection control standards at his practice, reports the Des Moines Register.

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