Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

Are you the target of a complaint to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (“RCDSO”)? If so, our team of knowledgeable and skilled dentist defence lawyers at ALF can assist you. Complaints and disciplinary proceedings can be draining, stressful, and have significant repercussions on your reputation and finances. Entrusting ALF with your case means you’ll have an experienced advocate guiding you through the process. Our lawyers work tirelessly, creatively, and persistently to protect you, and we also collaborate with a network of expert witnesses to navigate the discipline process effectively.

Investigations and Audits by the Royal College

ALF provides comprehensive legal support for dentists facing an investigation or audit by the Royal College. The earlier you engage quality legal counsel, the better the chances of protecting your interests, reputation, and business. In an audit, we will work with you and our experts to ensure that your records are in order and that you are  well-prepared. During an investigation, we will interview witnesses, gather relevant documentation, and may have the opportunity to file written submissions to resolve the matter before it escalates.

Furthermore, there may be an opportunity to resolve the complaint through the College's alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process. This mediation process allows dentists to address complaints outside of the formal complaints procedure.

Hearings at the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”)

The ICRC reviews complaints on behalf of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. It has broad discretion in handling complaints, including referring them to the Discipline Committee for a full hearing, dismissing the complaint, or taking other actions, such as issuing a caution or mandating a Specialized Continuing Remediation and Education Program (“SCERP”). Any action taken by the ICRC, such as issuing a caution or SCERP, will be published on the Royal College’s online register, potentially damaging your reputation even if the complaint is not forwarded to the Discipline Committee.

At this crucial stage, it is important to have a skilled dentist defence lawyer from ALF. Dentists have the opportunity to submit written arguments to the ICRC, and we have the expertise to craft compelling submissions that could lead to a dismissal of the complaint. Addressing the complaint early can protect your reputation, time, and finances.

Hearings Before the Discipline Committee

When a case moves to the Discipline Committee, dentists have a broader range of procedural rights, including the right to cross-examine witnesses, present defence evidence, and make oral or written submissions. Our team at ALF has decades of experience in handling complex cases in tribunals and courtrooms across Ontario.

A well-planned and targeted cross-examination of witnesses can result in the dismissal of charges against you. With extensive preparation and the ability to adapt to witness testimony, ALF’s lawyers will employ these skills to defend your case effectively.

Hearings Before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”)

If you lose your case at the ICRC or Discipline Committee, there is still an opportunity to appeal the decision. An appeal to HPARB involves a close review of the record from the original proceedings to identify any legal errors that may serve as grounds for the appeal. Both written and oral arguments are made before a panel.

ALF’s dentist defence lawyers bring their experience and skill to litigate your appeal. We will meticulously review the case records and develop strong arguments based on our substantial trial and appellate experience.

Our written advocacy at HPARB is second to none, honed over years of preparing compelling written arguments in Ontario's courts and tribunals.

Judicial Reviews at the Divisional Court

A decision by HPARB is not final. Dentists can seek a judicial review of the College's decision before the Divisional Court of Ontario. This involves reviewing the record of the previous proceedings, preparing written legal arguments, and presenting oral arguments before a panel of judges. ALF’s defence lawyers have substantial experience with judicial reviews and a strong track record of success. We will leave no stone unturned to safeguard your reputation, license, and finances.

Court of Appeal for Ontario

If the Divisional Court does not rule in your favor, you may still be able to appeal to the Court of Appeal for Ontario. However, this requires an application for leave to appeal, which involves preparing written arguments. If leave is granted, the appeal will proceed with written and oral arguments before a panel of three judges at the Court of Appeal. ALF has significant experience appearing before the Court of Appeal and will represent your interests effectively.

Contact Us Today

If you are a dentist facing a complaint or believe you may be the subject of one before the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, it is crucial to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. ALF can provide the assistance you need.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Whether in-person, by phone, or virtually, the ALF team is here to guide you through this challenging process with expertise and dedication.