Orange County Dental Assistant Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting 3 Girl Patients

Tommy Medina received 15 years to life in prison for the crimes against children at his workplace.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:12pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a metal dental tool or instrument, its surface reflecting the stark light of a direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic to represent the serious nature of this crime.A dental procedure tool reflects the harsh light, symbolizing the violation of trust in this disturbing case of abuse.Orange Today

A 25-year-old dental assistant in Orange County, California named Tommy Medina has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting three young girls who were patients at the pediatric dental office where he worked. Medina was initially charged in 2015 for assaulting a 5-year-old girl in 2013 and a 6-year-old girl in 2014, and a third 9-year-old victim later came forward after the district attorney's office sought public help identifying other potential victims.

Why it matters

The case highlights the vulnerability of young patients in medical settings and the importance of thorough background checks and oversight to protect children from predatory behavior by trusted professionals. It also underscores the challenges victims can face in coming forward, especially when the perpetrator holds a position of authority.

The details

According to court records, Medina would take the young girls alone into a private examination room at OC Kids Dental Care, where he would sexually assault them. The third victim, a 9-year-old girl, said Medina put her on a bed and placed a leather cloth over her eyes before the assault. Medina pleaded guilty to the crimes and was sentenced on Thursday.

  • Medina was initially charged in 2015 for assaults that occurred in 2013 and 2014.
  • A third victim came forward after the district attorney's office sought public help identifying other potential victims.
  • Medina was sentenced on Thursday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Tommy Medina

A 25-year-old dental assistant who worked at OC Kids Dental Care and was convicted of sexually assaulting three young girl patients.

Orange County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutor's office that initially charged Medina and later sought public help to identify additional victims.

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The takeaway

This disturbing case underscores the need for rigorous safeguards and oversight in medical facilities that serve children, as well as the courage required for victims to come forward against authority figures who abuse their position of trust.