West Des Moines dentist accused of sexually harassing patients agrees to pay $1,000 fine

A West Des Moines dentist accused of sexually harassing patients and dental students has agreed to pay a $1,000 fine, to undergo ethics training and to never be alone with a female patient.

Phelan Thomas denied wrongdoing when the Iowa Dental Board filed administrative charges against him last year. But in a settlement signed this month, Thomas agreed to pay the fine and serve five years’ probation, with several conditions. 

The board alleged last October that Thomas “demonstrated a pattern of making improper remarks to and exhibiting inappropriate behavior with female patients and rotation students,” and that he had an improper relationship with a patient. 

Thomas’ website describes him as “Des Moines’ only accredited cosmetic dentist.” The website says, “Dr. Thomas and his staff enjoy the fact that their patients see them not just as their dental service provider, but as friends.”

Thomas agreed last fall not to be alone with female patients while the board investigated the case. Under the settlement, he agreed to undergo counseling and to complete a professional boundaries course, and to "conduct himself in a professional manner." 

The state board, which licenses dentists, also alleged Thomas did not take proper steps to prevent infections. The board said Thomas failed to appropriately wear or change gloves; improperly loaded sterilizers; and failed to have proper policies on how to dispose of medical waste and expired medication. As part of his settlement, Thomas took an infection-control course and agreed to have an independent professional monitor infection-control practices at his clinic.

In a separate case, a longtime Des Moines dentist has agreed to surrender his license after the board repeatedly accused him of providing poor care.

Jay R. Buckley had been on probation for a 2016 finding that he had provided poor periodontal care. Records released this week show the dental board recently received another complaint about his care. Buckley agreed to settle the new case by retiring and turning in his license. 

Buckley previously was cited by the board in 2013, 2008 and 1999, records show. 

Lawyers for Thomas and Buckley did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the cases.  

The dental board's disciplinary actions are posted online at dentalboard.iowa.gov/disciplinary-info/public-information. The website allows the public to search cases by chronological order or by a dentist's name.