Resident alleges assaults at local dental practice; city points to police and state dentistry board

Jacqueline Pleadre, who gave her address to the council, told elected officials that she is a former patient and a victim of "artistic dentistry," describing repeated incidents she said included verbal and physical assaults and a recent event that required police and ambulance response. "So my big concern is that in this interim of 3 to 12 months, somebody is going to lose their life," Pleadre said, warning the dentist was a continuing danger.

City officials told Pleadre that the council is a legislative body without policing authority and directed her to the police department, the prosecuting attorney and the state Board of Dentistry for professional discipline. An unidentified city official told the meeting that "the state does not allow cities to license professions" and that matters involving alleged professional misconduct are handled at the state level; the official urged anyone with further complaints to report them to police so prosecutors and regulators can build a complete record.

Pleadre said she had already filed reports and that a prosecutor previously declined to charge; she urged other victims to come forward. Council members and staff repeatedly advised that the board of dentistry handles licensing and discipline and that more complaints to law enforcement and state regulators would strengthen any regulatory or prosecutorial response. The council did not take direct enforcement action at the meeting. The city recommended complainants continue to work with police and the Missouri Board of Dentistry and noted the prosecutor was still reviewing some recent allegations.