Story highlights Alleged victims say they are anxious about seeing the dentist -- even in court

Lawyer says his clients seek an explanation as to how this could have gone on so long.

Paris (CNN) Warning: If you suffer from an abnormal fear of dentists, read on with caution. This story is not going to help.

A Dutchman dubbed by the media "the dentist of horror" went on trial Tuesday in central France, accused of having mutilated the mouths of more than 100 patients.

Jacobus van Nierop, who is 51, is alleged to have ripped out healthy teeth and to have left dozens of patients with broken jaws, abscesses and septicemia. He is being tried in Nevers, 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of Paris.

He is charged with mutilation, fraud, forgery and false billing. He faces a possible sentence of 10 years in prison and a 150,000-euro ($165,000) fine.

Some of his alleged victims say they are so traumatized they are nervous about seeing him again -- even though he's in the dock.

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