Attorney General's News Release

March 19, 2001

Nixon seeks order to stop Kansas City dentist charged with sexual assault from practicing while case is pending

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today asked the Jackson County Circuit Court to prevent a Kansas City dentist charged with sexual assault, deviate sexual assault and sexual misconduct from practicing as a licensed dentist while the Missouri Dental Board seeks sanctions against the man's dental license.

Vernon Rice was charged with felony sexual assault, felony deviate sexual assault and misdemeanor sexual misconduct in the first degree on March 2 by the Jackson County prosecuting attorney. The charges allege Rice had sexual intercourse with a patient without her consent after he administered nitrous oxide to her. Nixon filed a complaint on behalf of the Missouri Dental Board before the Administrative Hearing Commission, asking the AHC to discipline Rice's dental license; a hearing on that complaint has not yet been scheduled.

Nixon's request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary and permanent injunctions states that "Rice presents a substantial probability of serious danger to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of this state." The lawsuit asks the circuit court to enjoin Rice from practicing dental medicine until the Administrative Hearing Commission has made a final determination on the disciplining of the license.

As in all criminal cases, the charges against Rice are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818