Patient deaths, a famous lion, and more were the most popular legal issue stories published in 2025 by DrBicuspid that resonated with readers. The stories made it to the list based on our members' views.
Without any further ado, below are the top five legal stories of 2024.
5. ‘Hit-and-run dentistry’ oral surgeon headed to jail
A Florida oral surgeon who lost his license for what a licensing board called “hit and run dentistry,” because the procedures he performed left patients injured and in debt, was sent to jail in May.
Dr. Andrew Maron, who lost his dental license in New Jersey in 2019, was sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to burglary with assault and battery related to a reported altercation with another driver. Also, the 63-year-old was sentenced to four years of probation, according to the story.
4. Dentist known for killing famous lion in trouble again
Dr. Walter Palmer.River Bluff Dental.
In May, a Minnesota dentist known for allegedly illegally killing a beloved and protected lion during a 2015 big game hunt in Africa was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI).
Dr. Walter Palmer, known for reportedly paying $50,000 to engage in a hunt that resulted in the death of Cecil the Lion in Zimbabwe in 2015, was arrested on May 26 and charged with DWI, careless driving, and obstructing the legal process in Minnesota.
3. Teen dies after becoming unresponsive at the dentist
A 17-year-old girl died at a hospital days after becoming unresponsive when she was given anesthesia for a dental procedure at a dental practice in Illinois.
Sophia Farmer, of Spring Grove, IL, died at a hospital on July 24 after undergoing treatment at Northern Lakes Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in Grayslake, IL, on July 21.
2. Texas dentist arrested in predator sting
In June, a dentist in Texas was one of 18 individuals arrested in a sting to catch those allegedly attempting to engage in sexual activities with minors.
Dr. Scott Sachs -- whose dental practice in Kerrville, TX, is no longer open -- and the others were arrested after allegedly communicating with undercover investigators and trying to meet underage individuals for sexual conduct.
1. DSO, oral surgeon sued after 33-year-old dies following tooth pull
Donzell J. Conrad.McDuffie Mortuary.
In November, the family of a 33-year-old man who lapsed into a coma and died following a tooth extraction sued an oral surgeon, a dental service organization (DSO), and a Texas practice where the procedure was done.
De’Andreal Jackson, the mother of 33-year-old Donzell Conrad, Dianna Carr, the mother of the victim’s two children, and the children filed a lawsuit on November 12 against oral surgeon Dr. Pasha Sanders of DSO Smile Brands, which is affiliated with Castle Dental in Spring, TX, where the procedure was performed.
