A dentist in Montana agreed to surrender his license for at least seven years to resolve sexual misconduct allegations made by two employees, according to a recent order from the Montana State Board of Dentistry.
Dr. Ronny Rodriguez.Dental Care of Montana.
Dr. Ronny Rodriguez, who operates Dental Care of Montana in Missoula, can petition to have his license reinstated in seven years if he follows through with the board’s conditions, including undergoing a fitness-to-practice evaluation. Through August 5, Rodriguez is permitted to help transition patients to other dentists, according to the order dated June 6.
In August 2023, Rodriguez allegedly invited a woman administrative employee out for dinner and drinks to discuss her new position at the dental practice. The dentist reportedly drank multiple alcoholic beverages at a restaurant and bar they visited.
After leaving the bar, they both got into the employee’s car. Rodriguez allegedly started touching the employee and putting his hands under her shirt, tried to kiss her, grabbed her thigh, and she claimed he said, “I’m going to give you so many kids. I’m gonna make sure you have that family that you want.” She reportedly resisted and then drove him to his car, according to the order.
When the employee got home, she texted a female dental assistant who also worked at the practice. She purportedly texted that Rodriguez was “dangerous” and wanted her to be his “next baby momma,” according to the order.
The next day, the administrative employee claimed she told Rodriguez that she didn’t want anything like that to happen again. Later that day, Rodriguez allegedly invited her to go to a hot spring in the area, but she declined.
About a week later, Rodriguez reportedly went to a restaurant to meet the dental assistant, another female employee, and two other women. They had dinner and drinks. After they left the restaurant, they went to the dental practice to reschedule appointments for patients due to a cancellation from an anesthesia provider.
After making the calls, Rodriguez and the women went to an adult club. Rodriguez allegedly provided large amounts of cash to the dental assistant and her co-worker to use at the club. Also, they all continued to drink alcohol. Though everyone else left, Rodriguez and the dental assistant continued to stay at the club, according to the order.
Eventually, Rodriguez drove the dental assistant back to her car, which was still parked at the dental practice. The dental assistant admitted that she was so intoxicated she couldn’t remember leaving the club.
Once they entered the dental practice, the dental assistant claimed that Rodriguez engaged her in sex acts without her consent. Rodriguez denied engaging in a sexual act without consent, according to the order.
Rodriguez drove the dental assistant home. When she woke up the next day, she claimed she was still drunk and had vaginal trauma, a torn earlobe, a tender scalp, and bruising on her neck, arms, and legs, according to the order.
Three days later, the dental assistant claimed she resigned from her position due to Rodriguez’s actions.
Rodriguez did not admit to all of the claims but stated “there is sufficient evidence for the Board to conclude, as a matter of law, that he committed unprofessional conduct,” according to the order.
