An Illinois dentist, Phillip M. Jensen, is facing serious consequences after admitting to a shocking betrayal of trust. Jensen, a 64-year-old oral surgeon from Springfield, Illinois, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined $200,000 for stealing pain medication meant for his patients—often during their most vulnerable moments.
During a sentencing hearing on December 18 at the U.S. District Court in Central Illinois, several of Jensen’s former patients bravely came forward to confront him. According to prosecutors, Jensen had been stealing fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, from his practice. Instead of administering the full dosage to his patients, he would dilute the drug with saline, reseal the vials to make them look untouched, and falsify medical records to cover his tracks.
This horrifying scheme came to light in December 2019 when staff members at Jensen’s office began noticing alarming signs during surgeries. Patients were visibly in pain, moaning and moving during procedures. One child’s mother recalled her child crying after a surgery, saying they “felt everything.” In one particularly disturbing case, a woman began waking up during her surgery. Instead of addressing her pain, Jensen struck her with a surgical instrument and continued the procedure—pulling multiple teeth and reshaping her jawbone—all while she was conscious and in excruciating pain.
Over 99 patients were identified as victims of Jensen’s actions, suffering due to his greed and negligence. Evidence presented in court also revealed that Jensen had a history of drug addiction, with previous attempts at rehabilitation. However, instead of seeking help, he exploited his position to fuel his addiction, choosing to steal medication intended to ease the suffering of others.
Jensen’s actions didn’t just harm his patients physically and emotionally; he also went to great lengths to hide what he had done. By falsifying records and pretending to provide proper care, he profited from his lies. Judge Colleen R. Lawless didn’t mince words, emphasizing the severe impact of his actions and the betrayal of trust.
Jensen’s troubles didn’t end there. After being indicted in 2022 on 20 felony charges and having his medical license suspended, he was released on bond. But in July 2024, U.S. Marshals detained him after he allegedly stalked and harassed a potential witness in his case. In August 2024, he pleaded guilty to several charges, including tampering with consumer products resulting in serious injury, drug diversion, acquiring controlled substances by fraud, and making false statements about health care.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the trust we place in medical professionals and the devastating consequences when that trust is broken. For Jensen’s victims, the sentencing offers some measure of justice, though the pain and trauma they endured will likely linger far longer.
