Concerned parents and family members were outside the office of a local dentist Monday to protest what they said is mistreatment of children. The group said dentist Dr. Edward Dove has mistreated several children, with allegations of slapping, strapping children down and not waiting until children were sedated to pull teeth out.
At his Bakersfield practice on Union Ave., about 10 parents held signs some that read "think twice before you see Doctor Dove." Several of them said they are in the process of filing complaints against the doctor with the California Dental Board.
"We want to get the message out because more and more people are coming out and saying oh my word that happened to my son, or my daughter, or my grandchild," concerned parent Carol Webb said. "We want Dr. Dove's license to be revoked we don't want him practicing.
Dr. Dove released this statement to 17 News.
"We are not an abortion clinic. This is harassment. We had to call the police this morning because the protesters were harassing the patients. We had a full schedule of patients today."
Parents have also started a Facebook page to give others a chance to share their Dr. Dove stories. The page is called "I hate Dr. Dove."
The state dental board said it investigates all consumer complaints. A spokesperson won't say whether there have been other complaints against Dr. Dove, but does say there have been no disciplinary actions against him.
