Arizona dental assistant sentenced to 40 years for sexually abusing patients

Advertisement

Deion Garcia, a former dental assistant at Kidiatric Dental & Orthodontics in Chandler, Ariz., has been sentenced to 40 years in prison and lifetime supervised probation for sexually abusing three pediatric patients.

Mr. Garcia was charged in 2024 with sexual exploitation and molestation of three patients, all of whom were under 10 years old. He pleaded guilty to one count of attempted molestation of a child, one count of sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced July 17.

The practice’s owner, Walter Villanueva, DDS, was separately indicted in May on charges of failing to report the abuse of a pediatric patient after allegedly learning of an incident in 2022.

At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

The Multi-Location A/R Framework: Grow Revenue, Not Your Back Office

Wednesday, July 29
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Pam Draper, Partnerships for DentistsSamantha Champagnie, Revenue Cycle Management, Imagen Dental PartnersAphton McElheney, Pearly

Advertisement

Next Up in Dentists

Advertisement