Threatening Letters Target American Dental Offices

• Several dental offices in Western Washington have received disturbing letters urging dentists to end their lives.
• The letters appear to follow a pattern, originating from the Spokane area with similar fake names and addresses.
• Law enforcement agencies are investigating, with potential charges including harassment or assault if suspects are identified.
• The Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) is prioritizing the safety of dentists and staff while supporting law enforcement efforts.

Disturbing Messages Sent to Dentists

USA: Several dental offices across Western Washington have reportedly received threatening letters containing alarming messages. According to an article published on MyNorthwest.com by Jake Chapman of KIRO 7 News, these letters contain explicit language urging dentists to take their own lives. Jennifer, a dental professional from Redmond who requested her last name be withheld for privacy, shared one such message with KIRO 7: “Thank you for all that you do. Every dentist needs to kill themselves. Dentists are lying * and scam artists who torture kids.”

Jennifer expressed her shock at receiving such a letter, noting that it was unprecedented in her career. “It was scary because my name is on the envelope. So, whoever did this went to great lengths to find out my name and where I worked,” she explained. This level of personal targeting has left recipients deeply unsettled.

Another Seattle-based dentist, who also chose to remain anonymous, reported receiving a similarly disturbing letter. She shared its contents with KIRO 7, reading aloud: “You should kill yourself immediately and save humanity from another worthless dentist. Dentist’s suicide rates aren’t high enough.” Like Jennifer, she promptly reported the incident to Seattle Police.

Pattern Emerges in the Threatening Letters

Authorities have identified a potential pattern in the delivery of these letters. Based on information shared with KIRO 7, each letter appears to originate from the Spokane area and includes a fabricated sender name along with a similar return address. While no suspects have been identified yet, police departments in Seattle, Renton, and Redmond have received reports about these incidents.

Law enforcement officials stress that while there does not seem to be an immediate threat to the public, the situation remains serious. A spokesperson for the Renton Police Department stated that individuals caught sending such messages could face charges of harassment. If specific threats against someone’s life are proven, the offense could escalate to assault.

Jennifer emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This isn’t a joke. These are people’s lives and it’s not funny.” Her remarks underscore the emotional toll these letters have taken on dental professionals.

WSDA Responds to Support Affected Dentists

In response to the growing concern within the dental community, the Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) issued a formal statement addressing the issue. Bracken Killpack, WSDA Executive Director, conveyed the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety of dentists and their staff.

“The Washington State Dental Association has learned that several western Washington dentists have received deeply disturbing messages through the U.S. mail encouraging dentists to take their own lives,” Killpack wrote. “The safety of dentists and their office staff remains our top priority, and we are taking steps to support dentists and the dental community as law enforcement works to identify the author of these deeply worrisome messages.”

The WSDA urges any dentist who receives such a letter to contact local law enforcement immediately. Their goal is to assist authorities in identifying and apprehending those responsible for these threats.

Conclusion

The recent wave of threatening letters sent to dental offices in Western Washington has raised significant concerns among professionals in the field. As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies and organizations like the WSDA are working together to address the issue and protect those affected. For now, the focus remains on identifying the perpetrator or perpetrators behind these unsettling acts.

For more details on this developing story, readers can visit MyNorthwest.com and explore additional coverage provided by KIRO 7 News.