Dental Hygienist Defence Lawyers – Addressing Complaints and Investigations by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario
Damien Frost & Associates LLP represents dental hygienists throughout Ontario who are the subject of complaints, reports or investigations by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario..
What do I do when I receive a notice of complaint?
If you receive notice that you are the subject of a complaint to the College of Dental Hygienists, you have the right to receive a copy of the complaint and any other information that was provided to the College along with the complaint.
You will be asked to provide a response to the complaint, which will then be provided to the person or organization that made the complaint for their response. It is important to have a lawyer provide the response on your behalf in order to ensure a comprehensive defence and so that your response is not used against you in the future.
What will happen if I am notified that an investigator has been appointed by the College of Dental Hygienists?
The College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario may appoint an investigator if they have received a complaint or a report about your practice. The College must tell you that an investigator has been appointed, and why.
If you receive notice that an investigator has been appointed, you should contact a lawyer who will inform you of your rights and obligations. You must cooperate with the College’s investigation, however you have the right to the assistance of a lawyer.
How do I respond to a Report of Investigation?
Once a matter has been investigated, you have the right to receive and respond to the Report of Investigation. A lawyer should provide that response on your behalf in order to ensure the best possible outcome, and to ensure that the response is not used against you in the future.
What can the Discipline Committee of the College of Dental Hygienists do?
If you have received a Notice of Hearing from the College, it means that your matter has been referred to the Discipline Committee for a hearing. A hearing before the Discipline Committee is similar to a trial. The Discipline Committee has the power to suspend or revoke your licence, put terms, conditions and/or limitations on your licence, or order you to pay fines or the College’s costs of investigating your matter. When you receive a Notice of Hearing, you should contact a lawyer immediately.
