Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario finally called out for misconduct?

Earlier this year we commented on a Toronto Star story regarding a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the RCDSO and its Registrar.

The allegations included conflicts of interest, ethical breaches, bullying and sexual harassment towards staff by the Registrar. The court case is ongoing and allegations have not been proven in court. 

The RCDSO takes a heavy hand with its critics. The College’s lawyers have issued warnings to critics, threatening defamation suits for public statements that question college leadership. But, as we queried  in our last commentary, who will regulate the regulator? 

Linda Rotstein, a lawyer for the RCDSO wrote to the Toronto Star and stated the College takes seriously the spreading and publication of false and defamatory information. She reiterated the College’s concerns about the veracity of the information the Star had received, the motivation of the individuals providing it to the Star, and the legal implications to the Star in publishing that information, or opinion based on that information.

Ms. Rotstein’s statement is a threat. It is an attempt to dissuade the Toronto Star from publishing opinion and researched facts. While other regulatory Colleges in Ontario are moving towards a system of transparency and accountability, the RCDSO appears to resist change and deflects reasonable, legitimate questions that would put its practices and procedures under scrutiny.

In October 2017, 16 current and former RCDSO staff anonymously wrote to Eric Hoskins, then provincial health minister, asking for the ministry to appoint a supervisor to oversee the College. The Minster failed to respond.

There is little chance that our new provincial government will take up this issue. They are simply too busy justifying cuts to social programs and saving the tax payer money.

Former staffers, in-house lawyers, government health critics and College panel members have complained about the RCDSO. These concerns include the conflicts of interest between the College and the Professional Liability Program (in-house insurer), the toxic work environment and  the Registrar’s improper involvement (influence) in practically all College decisions, including disciplinary matters.

After 18 years of autocratic rule, it’s time for the regulator to account to the Minister of Health. It is time that the College and the registrar submit to a complete and fair audit of its practices and finances.

See: Full Star Article