Oxnard : Dentist in Molest Case Gets Probation

An Oxnard dentist who molested a 12-year-old girl during an examination in his office was placed on probation Friday and ordered to continue hospital treatment for schizophrenia.

As a condition of probation, Craig K. Alhanati, 34, may not practice dentistry on any juveniles or females for five years. He must remain in a Los Angeles mental hospital for six months, and a 180-day jail sentence may be imposed if Alhanati violates any of the 29 conditions of his probation.

Alhanati faced a potential eight-year prison sentence after pleading no contest last month to felony child molestation. He was arrested Sept. 4 at his Saviers Road office after the girl told police she was fondled several times during an office visit the day before.

During the brief sentencing hearing, Deputy Dist. Atty. Gary K. Barrett said he did not believe Alhanati belonged in prison. He stressed, though, that Alhanati should not be allowed to practice dentistry until the state Board of Dental Examiners decides his fate.

Defense attorney Rick Chaidez said Alhanati has been diagnosed as schizophrenic and has been in a mental-health program since his arrest. Alhanati’s mental condition was related to the crime because his sense of reality was “distorted and minimally functioning,” Chaidez said.

The defense attorney said he may seek to modify Alhanati’s probation terms to allow him to practice dentistry on juveniles and females within five years if the dental board agrees.