COVINGTON, Ky. — Former Northern Kentucky dentist Dr. Jay Sadrinia, 63, has pleaded guilty to one count of distributing a controlled substance after a federal appeals court overturned his previous convictions.
Sadrinia, who owned four dental offices in Northern Kentucky, was originally convicted in June 2023 on two drug-related charges, including distribution resulting in a patient’s death, and sentenced to 20 years in prison in May 2024. In April, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated his convictions, ruling that certain testimony should not have been allowed at trial, despite evidence supporting the jury’s verdict.
As part of the new plea agreement, prosecutors dropped the charge related to the patient’s death, leaving Sadrinia facing a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Allegations of Opioid Misuse and Manipulation of Reviews
Prosecutors detailed a pattern in which Sadrinia prescribed opioids to placate patients or generate positive online reviews. Staff testified that he often handed patients an opioid prescription along with an iPad to submit favorable Google reviews immediately after procedures. Pharmacists occasionally refused to fill his prescriptions, and employees warned him that his practices could be deadly.
Patient Death Linked to High-Dose Morphine
Court filings state that in July 2020, Sadrinia prescribed multiple opioid medications to a patient preparing for dental implant and veneer procedures. After performing both operations in August, he prescribed high doses of morphine, and the woman died days later from a lethal morphine dose. Prosecutors say Sadrinia attempted to cover up the patient’s treatment afterward.
License Forfeiture and Sentencing
As part of the plea deal, Sadrinia has forfeited his dentistry license and DEA registration, ending his ability to prescribe controlled substances. He is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge David Bunning for sentencing on February 26, 2026.
Sadrinia, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Iran, had served nearly a year in prison following his initial sentencing but was released after the appeals court decision.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about opioid overprescription and manipulation of online reviews in healthcare settings.
Leave a Comment