Dentist Accused of Mistakenly Extracting Adult Tooth, Trying to Cover It Up
A troubling case in Ontario has raised concerns about dental care standards after a dentist was accused of mistakenly extracting a permanent adult tooth from an 11-year-old patient. The incident, which occurred in August 2022, led to a formal complaint and a lengthy investigation.
The young patient had visited the dentist due to discomfort in the lower left side of their mouth. Following an assessment, the dentist proceeded with a tooth extraction. However, it was later discovered that the removed tooth was a permanent adult tooth, not a primary (baby) tooth as intended.
The patient’s mother filed a complaint with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario’s Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee. The committee launched a thorough investigation, concluding that the extraction of the adult tooth was a serious error. The probe also raised concerns about the dentist’s conduct, suggesting an attempt to conceal the mistake.
The committee directed the dentist to undergo further professional education and remediation. This included completing a one-on-one endodontics course at their own expense, focusing on the treatment of dental pulp and surrounding tissues. The course provider and curriculum were required to be approved by the college’s registrar.
The dentist appealed the decision on February 7, 2024, but the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board of Ontario upheld the original ruling. The board found the investigation and the committee’s decision to be reasonable under section 35(1) of the Health Professions Procedural Code.
This case highlights critical issues in dental practice, including the importance of proper patient assessment, transparency in adverse events, and the need for continuous professional development. Dentists are held to high standards, and failing to meet them can have significant consequences for both patients and practitioners.
Case Highlights Need for Accountability and Professional Growth
The case, titled *Chater v FI*, 2025 CanLII 70382 (ON HPARB), was brought before the Ontario Health Professions Appeal and Review Board, emphasizing the significance of accountability in dental practice. The incident occurred on August 22, 2022, when the 11-year-old patient visited the dentist due to discomfort in the lower left side of their mouth. The dentist assessed the child and proceeded to extract a tooth, but it was later discovered that the extracted tooth was a permanent adult tooth, not a primary (baby) tooth as intended.
The patient’s mother filed a complaint with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario’s Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee. The committee launched a thorough investigation, concluding that the extraction of the adult tooth was a serious error. The probe also raised concerns about the dentist’s conduct, suggesting an attempt to conceal the mistake.
The committee directed the dentist to undergo further professional education and remediation. This included completing a one-on-one endodontics course at their own expense, focusing on the treatment of dental pulp and surrounding tissues. The course provider and curriculum were required to be approved by the college’s registrar.
The dentist appealed the decision on February 7, 2024, but the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board of Ontario upheld the original ruling. The board found the investigation and the committee’s decision to be reasonable under section 35(1) of the Health Professions Procedural Code.
This case highlights critical issues in dental practice, including the importance of proper patient assessment, transparency in adverse events, and the need for continuous professional development. Dentists are held to high standards, and failing to meet them can have significant consequences for both patients and practitioners.
Conclusion
The case of *Chater v FI* underscores the critical importance of accountability, transparency, and continuous professional development in dental practice. The mistaken extraction of a permanent tooth instead of a primary tooth highlights the potential consequences of inadequate patient assessment and the ethical imperative to address errors openly. The ruling emphasizes that dentists must adhere to high standards of care and be committed to ongoing education to ensure patient safety and maintain public trust. This case serves as a reminder of the professional and legal ramifications of lapses in judgment and the necessity of regulatory oversight in upholding the integrity of dental practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the case *Chater v FI*?
The Ontario Health Professions Appeal and Review Board upheld the decision requiring the dentist to undergo professional education and remediation, including a one-on-one endodontics course approved by the college’s registrar.
What were the key issues identified in this case?
The case highlighted poor patient assessment, the extraction of the wrong tooth, and concerns about the dentist’s conduct in attempting to conceal the error.
What consequences did the dentist face?
The dentist was required to complete further professional education at their own expense, focusing on endodontics and the treatment of dental pulp and surrounding tissues.
How does this case impact patients?
The case emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in dental care, ensuring patients receive appropriate treatment and care. It also highlights the need for patients and their families to advocate for themselves when errors occur.
What steps can dentists take to prevent similar errors?
Dentists should ensure thorough patient assessments, maintain open communication with patients, and engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on best practices and ethical standards.
What role did the regulatory body play in this case?
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario’s Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee conducted the investigation, and the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board upheld the committee’s decision, ensuring accountability and adherence to professional standards.
