Dental Assistant Sentenced for Assaulting Young Patients

Tommy Medina pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting three girls at an Orange County dental office.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a dental tool or instrument, such as a pair of forceps or a dental mirror, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the violation of trust in this case of sexual assault.A harsh, unforgiving spotlight on the tools of a trusted profession betrayed, exposing the dark underbelly of abuse within medical settings.Orange Today

A former dental assistant in Orange County, California has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting three young female patients between 2013 and 2015. Tommy Medina, who was 25 years old at the time, pleaded guilty to the crimes after authorities sought the public's help in identifying additional victims.

Why it matters

The case highlights the vulnerability of young patients in medical settings and the need for strict protocols and oversight to protect children from predatory behavior by trusted professionals.

The details

Medina was initially charged in 2015 with assaulting a 5-year-old girl in 2013 and a 6-year-old girl in 2014 while they were alone with him in a dental examination room at OC Kids Dental Care. After authorities asked the public for help identifying other potential victims, a third accuser, a 9-year-old girl, came forward and said Medina had assaulted her during a dental procedure by placing her on a bed and covering her eyes.

  • Medina assaulted a 5-year-old girl in 2013.
  • Medina assaulted a 6-year-old girl in 2014.
  • Medina assaulted a 9-year-old girl during a dental procedure in 2015.

The players

Tommy Medina

A 25-year-old former dental assistant at OC Kids Dental Care who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting three young female patients.

Orange County District Attorney's Office

The prosecuting authority that sought the public's help in identifying additional victims after Medina's initial charges.

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The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of thorough background checks, strict supervision, and clear reporting protocols in all medical settings involving children to prevent such abuses of trust and power.