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Merced Dentist Accused of Sexually Assaulting Patient

By Angela Greenwood, KSEE24 News
October 31, 2012 Updated Oct 31, 2012 at 7:04 PM PDT

A North Valley dentist is accused of sexually assaulting one of his patients. It allegedly took place at a dental office in Merced. Police say one victim has come forward, but they fear there could be more.

The Merced community is in shock Wednesday night, after a local dentist is accused of committing a sexual crime.

Lieutenant Tom Trindad, Merced Police Department, says "These are the individuals we trust with the most intimate details of our lives. It's unfortunate when somebody violates that sacred trust."

Dr. Sang Hyuk Park runs Park Family Dentistry in Merced. He was arrested at his office yesterday on charges of sexual battery. According to police, one of Park's patients claimed the doctor used an anesthetic without consent during a visit. The patient woke up to find they'd been sexually assaulted.

"They did do a search, we found some photographs that were helpful in our investigation that confirmed the story of the victim," says Lt. Trindad.

Park's practice remained closed Wednesday. His alleged actions however are still weighing heavy on the rest of the dental community.

"Affecting every dentist, affecting the reputation, the name of the dentist. He's not the person, his name. He's not Dr. Park, he's a dentist."

Dr. Abdulghani Amros takes pride in what he calls a noble profession and says accusations like these unfortunately paint a bad picture.

Dr. Amros, D.D.S. says, "Trust me, I couldn't believe it. A responsible person. I hear he's married, he has a wife, he has kids, a normal life and to act like this, it's wrong. It's wrong if it's true."

This is not the first time Dr. Park has had a run in with the law. In 2004 he was arrested for allegedly taking part in a $45 million fraud scam with 18 other dentists.

According to records from the state's Department of Consumer Affairs, the state had considered revoking park's license due to these prior allegations. Instead he was placed on probation.

As for the new arrest, Park has bailed out of jail. He's also been charged with using an intoxicant to take advantage of a patient. His case will now be turned over to the Merced County District Attorney's Office for review.

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